Your Coaches

Spencer Mackoff grew up in Vancouver and attended Lord Byng Secondary during high school. While involved in other sports, Spencer dedicated significant time to tennis during juniors and university.

Spencer began coaching when he was hired to teach programs by Mount Pleasant Community Centre in 2005. Since then, he has taught at community centres and tennis clubs across the city, before founding Summer Smash in 2012 with his brother Marshall.

Spencer first developed his passion for teaching at a young age, later pursuing a career as a teacher and coach. In both athletic and academic contexts, he is driven by a commitment to equity and excellence.

Off the court, Spencer enjoys movies, the ocean, and cycling.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• First Aid and CPR-C certified
• 20 years coaching experience
• McGill University Varsity Tennis Team 2010-2012
• University of Toronto Varsity Tennis Team 2014-2015
• BA English, McGill University 2012
• MA Cinema Studies, University of Toronto 2014
• BEd Secondary Teaching, University of British Columbia 2016
• BC Ministry Certified Teacher
• IB Certified Teacher
• San’yas Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety – British Columbia Core Training

Marshall Mackoff grew up in the Point Grey neighbourhood and attended St. George’s during high school. Marshall joined his first summer tennis camp at 8 years old and would continue to play and compete in the sport throughout juniors and university. Marshall has significant experience in leadership positions, having captained the St. George’s senior team and later, Queen’s University’s Men’s Tennis Team. Marshall as well competed for the UBC Men’s Tennis Team while completing his Juris Doctor.

Marshall first began to teach tennis at St. George’s Summer Camps at the age of 15. He realized his love for teaching during his first summer as an instructor, and since then has coached at the UBC Tennis Centre, Dunbar Community Centre, and Kerrisdale Community Centre. Marshall is always looking to improve as a coach, having completed his Club Professional 1 designation in 2015 and having coached alongside some of the most experienced coaches in Vancouver during his time at Matchpoint Tennis Academy, from 2015-2017.

Off the court, Marshall enjoys weight-training, playing guitar, and mushroom foraging.

• Tennis Canada Club Professional 1
• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 20 years coaching experience
• Queen’s University Men’s Tennis Team 2010-2014
• UBC Men’s Tennis Team 2017-2020
• BSc Biology, Queen’s University 2015
• JD, Peter A. Allard School of Law 2021
• Member of the British Columbia Bar, Admitted 2022

Gui was Born and raised in Brazil, where he grew up playing local and national level tennis tournaments in the Brazilian Tennis Federation. Gui has been playing tennis for over 20 years and has been a coach for over 11 years. Gui is also a personal trainer and has a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology.

Gui first moved to Vancouver in 2019 before returning from coaching in Europe in 2023. Gui is passionate about helping people develop their tennis and fitness skills. His favourite time is when he is in the tennis court or fitness room.

Off the court, Gui enjoys coaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu, resistance training, and cooking.

• Tennis Brazil Certified Instructor
• Certified Personal Trainer
• ACE Certification (American Council on Exercise)
• Tennis Head Coach Course (FPT) 2013
• CREF (License to coach tennis) 2018
• Post Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion, Albert Einstein Teaching and Research Hospital Institute 2019
• BSc Kinesiology, FMU 2017

Yohann grew up all around the world in Hong Kong, Mexico, France, Latvia, finally settling in Vancouver in 2013 where he attended Lord Byng Secondary. Throughout his travels, one thing that stayed consistent was his love of tennis which he started at the age of 5 in his home country, France.

Yohann got his first taste of coaching tennis when he volunteered at UBC summer camps in 2014. He then started working as a coach during the summers at UBC in 2016 before joining Summer Smash Tennis in 2021.

Off the court, Yohann enjoys a variety of sports such as football and spike ball, along with movies and going to the beach.

• Tennis Canada Club Professional 1
• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 10+ years coaching experience
• CPR-C / First Aid Certification
• 15+ years of tennis experience
• BSc, Queen’s University (hons) 2022

Yan started playing tennis when she was ten years old in China. There, she won many championships in her hometown, going on to play for Zhejiang University’s Varsity Team in 2006.

Yan began teaching tennis to children and adults during university. Yan later moved to Vancouver in 2012 where she became part of the Summer Smash community. She became a certified instructor in 2013, and has continued to teach tennis in Vancouver since then.

Off the court, Yan enjoys fitness training, dance, and competition.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 15+ years coaching experience
• 25+ years playing experience
• #1 ranked Women’s 35 Singles in Canada, 2025
• #12 ranked Women’s 35 Singles in the World, 2025

Jeremy Tang grew up in Vancouver and graduated from Prince of Wales Secondary. He has been passionate about tennis since he was 7 years old, and has been a part of the Summer Smash Tennis community for as long as he has played the sport. During high school, Jeremy played both varsity tennis and basketball.

Jeremy has passion for teaching kids and adults of all levels, and is driven by the desire to help students build a foundation that will serve them for life. As a coach he has a commitment to always working to improve the experiences and skills of his students, while creating a positive environment on-court.

In his free time, Jeremy loves to listen to music, travel, and play basketball.

• Tennis Canada Club Professional 1
• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 10+ years coaching experience
• CPR-C/First Aid Certification
• BA, University of British Columbia (2019-2021)
• BKin, Langara College (2021-2023)
• San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

Gen Wright-Smith grew up in Kerrisdale and has been a part of the Summer Smash Tennis community since she was 8 years old. Gen enjoys many sports including skiing, tennis, gymnastics and surfing. 

This is Gen’s 8th year as a coach with Summer Smash Tennis. Before teaching tennis, Gen started tutoring at the age of 13. She loves teaching and working with a variety of ages and personalities. Gen believes that developing a positive attitude and good sportsmanship is just as beneficial as technical tennis skills. 

Gen hopes to pursue a career in mental health and social work. Gen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Global Health and Sociology at the University of Toronto. She’s worked many customer service jobs at restaurants, cafes, and retail stores. In her free time, Gen enjoys making music and art and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 10+ years of coaching experience
• Serving it Right
• CPR-C/First Aid Certification
• Heads Up Concussion Certification
• 15+ years tennis experience
• 10+ years experience in the service industry
• BSc, University of Toronto 2023

Noah grew up in Victoria, B.C. where he attended Oak Bay High, as well as the Canadian Sport School program at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence. Noah comes from a family of tennis players and has pursued the sport at a high performance level since the age of 12. He was co-captain of the UBC Men’s Tennis Team for 3 years, helping lead the program to winning its first National Canadian Championship in 2022.

Noah began coaching tennis in 2016 at Oak Bay Recreation Centre in Victoria B.C. From 2018-2021 Noah held the team lead position at Oak Bay where on top of being the lead tennis coach, he was responsible for overseeing programs and student success. Noah has significant experience in creating a safe, organized, and fun environment for tennis players of all ages.

Noah holds an undergraduate degree in Natural Resources Conservation from UBC. Outside of tennis, Noah is involved in several initiatives related to environmental education and community engagement. He also enjoys travelling and has experience volunteering abroad.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 9+ years of coaching experience
• 20+ years tennis experience
• First Aid and CPR-C certified
• UBC Men’s Tennis Team 2018-2022 (Captain 2020-2022)
• BSc Conservation, University of British Columbia, 2023

Kateryna was born in Ukraine and played tennis competitively as a junior in the Soviet Union. As a junior Kateryna won the Soviet Union Championship in doubles and was part of the Soviet Union National Junior Team.

Kateryna coached tennis full time in Lviv, Ukraine, between 1990 and 2000. Several of her students were top 3 ranked junior players in the Soviet Union and Ukraine.

After moving to Vancouver in 2002, Kateryna coached at the Town & Country Inn in Delta and then at Richmond Tennis Club from 2002 – 2005. After that she moved on to a busy career as a licenced real estate professional,continuing to play tennis competitively in her free time.

Kateryna returned to coaching in 2023, joining Summer Smash Tennis as a Senior Coach. She looks forward to bringing her wealth of playing and coaching experience to players of all ages and levels.

Off the court, Kateryna enjoys fishing, reading, and spending time outdoors.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 35+ years coaching experience
  45+ years tennis experience

• Career high ranking of #2 in doubles and #8 in singles in the Women’s 45 World ITF Senior Tennis Ranking 2019
• Career high ranking of #1 in Women 45, Pacific NorthWest, USTA
• Canadian Senior Women Champion in Singles and Doubles
• BC Senior Provincial Champion in Singles and doubles
• Represented Team Canada at ITF Worlds Team Championships several times   
• Silver and Bronze in doubles at ITF World Individual Championships

• BKin, Lviv State Institute of Physical Culture 1991
• 2004-2016, UBC, Sauder School of Business, 
• Real Estate Management & Brokerage License

Derek Lau grew up in the Kitsilano neighbourhood and attended St. George’s Senior School. Derek first started playing tennis at the age of 6 and began to play competitively during his high school years. Derek was selected to represent British Columbia at the Canadian National Championships in the Under 16 and Under 18 age categories and was ranked in the top 30 in Canada.

Derek’s first experience in coaching was in 2009 as a volunteer at UBC Tennis Centre. The opportunity to teach and develop the next generation of tennis players is what drives him to be the best mentor possible. Derek was then hired to coach at the West End Community Center in 2010 teaching junior programs. Since then Derek has coached at St. George’s Summer Camps, Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, and Cameron Recreation Centre. Derek has significant experience teaching all ages and levels of students ranging from beginners to high-performance players.

Derek has completed his undergraduate degree in Criminology at Simon Fraser University. Off the court, Derek enjoys mountain biking, listening to music, working on cars, and fitness.

• Tennis Canada Club Professional 2
• Tennis Canada Club Professional 1
• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 20+ years coaching experience
• Top 5 ranked Junior in British Columbia 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
• Top 20 ranked Junior in PNW USTA 2008, 2009, 2010
• Team BC 2008, 2010
• Simon Fraser University Varsity Team 2010-2014
• BA Criminology, Simon Fraser University

Martin was born and raised in Vancouver, and grew up playing tennis in BC, going on to represent Team BC at Nationals when he was 17. He obtained a BA in Political Science from UBC in 2022 and competed on the UBC Tennis Team during the entirety of his undergrad, culminating in the team’s first ever National Championship victory in his final match as a player.

Martin continues to be involved with the UBC Tennis Team and was an Assistant Coach in 2024 when they won their second national championship. He has coached for Summer Smash since 2021 and is currently working full-time as a paralegal at Gowling WLG in downtown Vancouver alongside his work as a Senior Coach for Summer Smash.

In September 2026, Martin will be pursuing his JD at Thompson Rivers University Law School. He plans to continue teaching tennis with Summer Smash throughout his career as a lawyer as he has a passion for introducing people to the sport and building a larger tennis community.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• First Aid/CPR-C Certification
• Team BC 2017 at Rogers Junior Nationals
• BA, Political Science, and Law and Society, University of British Columbia (2022)

Yoshi Matsubara grew up in Vancouver and went to St. George’s School during high school. He picked up tennis at the young age of 7, due to his father’s passion towards the sport. Tennis was Yoshi’s first competitive sport growing up, and he pursued the sport at a high level until the age of 14, playing in junior tournaments across BC. He then made the switch to basketball and played on his high school basketball team from Grades 8-12. Although basketball became his main focus during this time, he continued to play tennis on the school tennis team.

Yoshi began volunteering as a tennis coach at Summer Smash Tennis in 2016 and has been a full-time coach for them over the past 10 years. He strives to use his experience as a player to enhance the development of his students. His goal for every lesson is to be able to teach the sport he loves, to the best of his capabilities. He also has a passion for working with children, and has spent multiple summers volunteering at youth summer camps.

Off the court, Yoshi loves to play basketball, workout at the gym, and travel.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 10+ years coaching experience
• First Aid/CPR-C Certification
• 15+ years of tennis experience 
• BSc Combined Major in Science, University of British Columbia 2022

Graeme grew up in Richmond, BC and attended McMath Secondary School. Graeme has competed in tennis for over 12 years, having represented Team BC at Nationals in U14,U16 and U18 as well as competing in international tournaments. During his undergraduate studies, Grame played for and captained the UBC Men’s Tennis Team. He currently serves as Assistant Coach for the UBC Men’s Tennis Team, and continues to play in various Open level events.

Graeme began coaching at a young age, volunteering with all age levels at Richmond Country Club and has been coaching recreational players of all ages for Summer Smash Tennis since 2021. He loves to coach as he values giving back to the sport that has taught him so much over the years.

Off the court Graeme spends time golfing, hiking, camping and skiing. He also has an interest in the life sciences and is pursuing a career in medicine.

• UBC Men’s Tennis Team 2019-2025 (Captain 2023-2025) 
• Top 10 BC ranking U14/U16/U18
• 4x representing Team BC at Nationals
  
• BSc Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia 2023
• MEng Biomedical Engineering University of British Columbia, 2025
• San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

Andy brings over 25 years of coaching experience, with a coaching career that began in 2000 working with the Ho Chi Minh City junior team. Known for his clear, easy-to-understand teaching style, Andy has helped players of all ages and skill levels quickly grasp technique and strategy, while building confidence on the court.

After earning his MBA in Malaysia, Andy relocated to Saskatoon in 2020, where he spent three years as part of the coaching team at Lakewood Indoor Tennis Club. Since July 2023, he has proudly contributed as a coach with Summer Smash Tennis.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Andy has been an active competitor in national-level tournaments since 2007 and was a member of Team Prince from 2010 to 2020—demonstrating both his high-level playing ability and deep commitment to the sport.

Off the court, Andy enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.

• Tennis Instructor Level 1
• 20+ years of coaching experience
• First Aid/CPR-C/AED Certified
• ITF Academy ‘Training female tennis players’
• Founder of NewSky Tennis Club – Saskatoon
• Top 5 S.K. Men’s Single and Doubles Ranking 2021-2022
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Master of Business Administrator

Reid grew up in Vancouver and attended Magee Secondary School. He is currently attending the University of Western Ontario pursuing a specialization in Finance.
From a young age, Reid developed a passion for tennis, playing competitively throughout his junior years and representing Team BC at a young age. Reid’s passion for the sport naturally led him to begin coaching.

Reid began coaching at Summer Smash in 2022, where he gained valuable experience leading group lessons. In 2024, he worked at Jericho Tennis Club, providing private, semi-private, and group lessons to players of all ages and skill levels. As a coach, Reid’s ultimate goal is to create a fun and engaging learning environment that encourages growth and confidence in his students.

Outside of tennis, Reid enjoys skiing, squash, and basketball.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
• First Aid/CPR-C Certified
• BBA, University of Western Ontario 2027

April was born and raised in Vancouver, and graduated from Lord Byng Secondary School. She started playing tennis at the young age of 5, and entered her first tournament 3 years later. To this day, she is still playing competitively.  April currently attends the University of Waterloo, and is studying Kinesiology in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. 

April has worked as a tennis coach at Summer Smash Tennis for several years. While specializing in working with younger children, April’s is passionate about creating an inclusive and inviting environment for players of all ages and levels. 

In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and spending time with friends outdoors.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 10+ years of tennis experience
• Red Cross Babysitting Course 
• BKin, University of Waterloo 2029

Jessica was born and raised in Vancouver and is currently studying Science and Education at Trinity Western University. She first picked up a racket at age eight and began competing at eleven. In 2020, she qualified for the Canadian National U16 Indoor Tennis Championships and has also competed in International Tennis Federation tournaments.

From 2022 to 2024, Jessica was a member of the UBC Women’s Tennis Team.

Before joining Summer Smash Tennis as a certified tennis coach, Jessica volunteered as a coaching assistant at the Arbutus Club.

Off the court, Jessica enjoys skiing and sewing.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1 
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 12+ years tennis experience
• UBC Women’s Tennis Team, 2022-2024 
• BEd, Trinity Western University 2027

Aleksa was born in Vancouver and grew up in Serbia where he attended high school before graduating from the University of Belgrade, studying in the Faculty of Civil Engineering Department for Geodesy and Geoinformatics. 

He started playing tennis at the age of 10 and became interested in coaching while playing competitive tennis during high school and university.

Aleksa returned to Vancouver in 2023 and enjoys sharing his international tennis experience with his students. He is inspired to help contribute towards the successful development of players pursuing the sport of tennis.

Besides tennis, Aleksa’s other passions include skiing, biking and playing the guitar.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 15+ years of tennis experience
• BEng, Geodesy and Geoinformatics, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Celina was born and raised in California and has been living in Canada since 2014 with her son Carlos. Celina now resides in North Vancouver close to her home community of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

During her time in the US, Celina studied pharmacology and spent several years working in human resources and intelligence with the United States Military before transitioning into human resources and administration nonprofit work. In Canada, Celina continues to work in the nonprofit sector supporting First Nation communities.

Celina stumbled into the sport of tennis later in life when Summer Smash Tennis (SS) delivered a beginners course at the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in the fall of 2023. Over the course of a year, Celina continued to work with SS through the Pathways to Tennis (formerly Indigenizing Tennis) initiative further developing as a player and coach. In September 2024, Celina completed the Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1 certification and continues to co-coach and support tennis programming in First Nations communities with Summer Smash.

Outside of her career and tennis, Celina enjoys spending time with her son, kickboxing, weightlifting and hiking.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 2+ years coaching experience

Jiajia Grew up on Vancouver Island and moved to Vancouver in 2024 to attend UBC for the Masters of Physical Therapy program following completion of her BSc in Kinesiology at UVic.

Jiajia has been involved in sport since a very young age and has a passion for sharing her love for movement with people from all walks of life. She has extensive clinical experience leading group exercise programs for adults, has volunteered with Special Olympics Canada programs for kids ages 5 to 12, and served as a running leader for marathon training clinics. On the court, Jiajia specializes in working with beginners of all ages.

In her spare time, Jiajia loves to run and trains competitively in the sport. She has competed in distances ranging from the 5k up to the marathon and has qualified twice for the Boston Marathon. Outside of running, she enjoys tennis, camping, hiking, and finding new recipes to test out in the kitchen.

• 3+ years coaching experience
• First Aid and CPR-C Certified
• Master of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia 2026
• BSc Kinesiology, UVic (2023)

Daniel grew up in Coquitlam and is currently studying Psychology at UBC. Daniel has dedicated a significant amount of time to tennis as a high performance player, excelling both in his junior years and at university. 

Daniel won the Provincial Championships as a junior and played a pivotal role in leading the UBC Men’s tennis team to nationals in 2024, 2025, and 2026. He has also won several BC Men’s Open tournaments and has made the semi finals of the Stanley Park Open – Vancouver’s largest pro-am tennis tournament. Danel is now the captain of the UBC Men’s tennis team and is ranked third in BC for men’s doubles. As a coach, Daniel brings the same intention and intensity to the training environment that he does as a player, looking to bring the best out of his students.

Outside of tennis, Daniel enjoys running, pickleball, and watching movies.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 3+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
  
• UBC Men’s Tennis Team (2023-Present)
•  BA, University of British Columbia 2027

Alan McLachlan grew up in Vancouver, and is currently studying Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph Alan played competitively when he was a junior and continues to play at a high level on the University of Guelph’s Men’s Tennis Team. 

Alan began coaching with Summer Smash in 2023 and looks forward to continuing to support the progression of his students. Alan is fluent in both French and English, and is currently working on learning Spanish. 

Off the court, he stays active through soccer and running, or he can be found playing spikeball with friends.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 4+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
• University of Guelph Tennis team (2024-Present)
• BA, Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics University of Guelph 2028

Arnav was born and raised in Vancouver and attended Saint George’s school. From a young age, Arnav was involved with a number of sports, particularly tennis and basketball. He first joined Summer Smash as a student of the summer camps when he was nine years old. He was there coached by Marshall and Spencer, who he is now fortunate enough to work with and be mentored by. Their attention to detail and desire to leave no student behind is one of the reasons that Arnav loves tennis.

Before becoming a coach, Arnav volunteered as a junior coach at Summer Smash Tennis. As a coach, he is passionate about inspiring a life-long passion for tennis – the same passion that he experienced learning from Summer Smash’s founders.

Outside of school and coaching, Arnav loves to play basketball, work out, and spend time with his family.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 10+ years playing experience
• BSc, McMaster University 2028

Luke grew up in Vancouver and attended the French Immersion program at Churchill Secondary. He fell in love with tennis through the Summer Smash Tennis program and has gone on to compete at the highest level, representing BC at the U14, U16 and U18 National level, in addition to competing in international competitions. His achievements include winning the Junior Stanley Park Open, finishing second at the U16 Provincials, and earning a runner-up finish in U18 Nationals for doubles. Luke has been ranked 5th in British Columbia for singles and 1st for doubles as a junior, while consistently being one of the top ranked players for Men’s Open.

Luke began volunteering as a coach with Summer Smash at age 11 and later became a certified coach, excited to share his passion for the sport with the next generation.

In addition to his love for tennis, Luke also enjoys playing hockey, spending time with friends, and watching his favourite Netflix series.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 10+ years playing experience
• Ranked #5 U18 singles, British Columbia
• Ranked #1 U18 doubles, British Columbia
• Ranked #3 U18 doubles, Canada
• Team Captain, Churchill Secondary Tennis Team
• BBA, University of Western Ontario 2030

Barbora first started playing tennis at the age of 6 in Montreal, Quebec before moving to BC at age 7. She then began her competitive tennis journey, later playing tournaments provincially, nationally, and internationally.

Barbora was selected into the Tennis Canada National Junior Training Program at age 10, giving her the opportunity to train with the top juniors in Canada as well as some of Canada’s professional players. This, along with many training sessions in Mexico and her home country, Czechia, allowed Barbora to gain valuable experiences in many professional sport environments. As a tennis coach in Vancouver, Barbora looks to pass onto her students the valuable skills and knowledge she has gained internationally, training at some of the world’s best academies.

Apart from her tennis life, Barbora finds joy in many hobbies, from learning new languages, to staying active and creative. Barbora is currently studying Behavioural Neuroscience at Simon Fraser University.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 3+ years coaching experience
• 10+ years of tennis experience
• Nationals Girl’s Sportsmanship Award 2022
• TC NJTP athlete 2018 – 2023
• Top-5 ranked BC player in U12, U14, U16
• Junior ITF Circuit 2022 – 2026
• BSc, Simon Fraser University 2030

Joshua grew up in Ajax, Ontario, where he developed into a consistently top-25 ranked junior in Canada. He competed on the Junior ITF Tennis Circuit before earning a spot playing NCAA Division I Tennis in Florida – a testament to both his skill and dedication to the game.

Over the past five years, Joshua has channelled that competitive experience into coaching, leading High Performance and Adult/Junior programs at clubs across Canada and the United States.

• Tennis Canada Tennis Instructor (2019)
• Tennis Canada Club Professional 1 (2024)
• PPR Certified – Professional Pickleball Registry (USA)
• ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

Originally from Lima, Peru, Kenneth joined the Vancouver coaching community in 2022, bringing a unique, multidisciplinary approach to the court. By blending his expertise as a seasoned leader, economist, and inclusive educator, He provides a coaching environment that is both technically rigorous and deeply supportive of every student’s individual journey.

Kenneth believes that the tennis court is the perfect classroom for building the confidence and resilience needed to succeed in all areas of life.

Off the court, Kenneth enjoys travel and spending time with his family.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• First Aid/CPR-A Certified 
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 20+ years tennis experience
• 8+ Years of Aviation Management & Instruction
• Learning Inclusion Support Worker / Educational Assistant
• Professional Economist & Licensed Financial Advisor (LLQP)

Allan grew up on the North Shore where he played tennis for Balmoral Jr Secondary School and Carson Graham Senior Secondary with Carson consistently ranked as a top three AAA team on the North Shore. From there he decided to pursue a dental care career as a Dental Lab Technician, graduating from VCC and at the same time attaining his Tennis Canada Instructor Certification and CCP Level 1.

Allan’s desire to improve and to understand what makes a great tennis coach had him continue with his tennis coaching career parallel with his work as a dental lab technician, while still pursuing competitive tennis.

Allan has coached adults and youth at locations across North Vancouver and West Vancouver, including group programs, private lessons, and school programs.

Off court, Allan organizes tennis leagues and programs for friends and family. He is passionate about tennis leadership and organizing, and is as well invested in the nutritional needs of seniors and youths for better athletic performance.

• Tennis Canada Club Professional 1
• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• Registered Dental Laboratory Technician Assistant 
• Registered Dental Laboratory Technician

Gabi was born and raised in Quebec. She has been playing tennis since childhood and recently competed on the University of Ottawa Women’s Tennis Team. Gabi is a certified Tennis Canada instructor and has experience working with children through both coaching and teaching at the elementary level. As a tennis coach and classroom teacher, Gabi looks to give her students the foundation to excel for life. 

In her free time, she enjoys running, cycling and sunsets.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 5+ years of coaching experience 
• 15+ years of tennis experience
• University of Ottawa Women Tennis Team, 2024 – 2025
• BKin, (Minor in Psychology), University of British Columbia 2021
• BEd Elementary Teaching, University of Ottawa 2026

Katelyn was born and raised in Vancouver and currently attends Magee Secondary, where she serves as the captain of her school’s varsity tennis team. She started playing tennis at the age of six and began competing in tournaments by eight. Over the years, she has competed provincially and nationally, representing Team BC.

Katelyn began coaching in the summer of 2023 and has since been gaining experience teaching younger players and helping them build their skills. She enjoys being involved in the tennis community and learning more about coaching through hands-on experience.

Outside of tennis, Katelyn enjoys spending time with her mini poodle, often taking him for walks. She also likes exploring different areas of Vancouver and going downtown to try new restaurants and places to eat.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 3+ years coaching experience
• 8+ years of competitive tennis experience
• Top 3 ranked BC junior player

Ada Huang grew up in Ontario, where she played many sports at a young age before dedicating herself to tennis. She played competitively throughout her junior years and on her high school team. 

Ada has been coaching since 2021, growing from an assistant coach at her local club, to a summer camp lead coach, and working with rep and high-performance juniors through Tennis Clubs of Canada. Her commitment to the sport and connection with players earned her a strong reputation both on and off the court.

Ada has since moved to Vancouver to attend UBC, where she is a member of the UBC Women’s Tennis Team. 

Off the court, Ada enjoys photography, music, and eating.

• 5+ years coaching experience
• 10+ years tennis experience
• First Aid + CPR-C/AED Certified
• UBC Women’s Tennis Team Member

Brianne was born and raised in Vancouver and began playing tennis at age 11. She attended Magee Secondary School, where she was captain and competed on the tennis team and trained as a provincially ranked junior, representing B.C. at tournaments across Canada and the U.S.

At UBC, she joined the UBC Women’s Tennis Team in 2022. Brianne initially served as the team’s Travel and Safety Officer, and she now leads the team as their captain. Brianne is a certified Tennis Canada Instructor (Level 1) and holds current First Aid and CPR-A certification. She also brings coaching experience from the Richmond Country Club, where she ran summer tennis camps for kids.

Brianne recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of British Columbia. She is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive space for learning, and enjoys helping players build skills, confidence, and a love for tennis. 

In her free time, she loves baking, going to the beach, and spending time with friends.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1 Certification 
• First Aid/CPR-A Certified 
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
• UBC Women’s Tennis Team 2021-present 
  • Travel Safety Officer (2024/25)
  • Club Lead (2025-present)
• BSc, University of British Columbia 2026

Marvin has been competing in tennis tournaments since the age of 7, developing through provincial and national pathways. He was part of the Tennis Canada National Junior Training Program for two years and represented Team BC multiple times at U18 Nationals.

Marvin has coached at Hollyburn Country Club and worked privately with high-performance junior athletes, bringing a strong understanding of competitive play and individualized development. He is currently a student-athlete at UBC, playing for the UBC Tennis Team while studying Psychology.

Marvin enjoys working with players of all ages and skill levels, aiming to build strong fundamentals, game sense, and confidence both on and off the court. 

Outside of tennis, he enjoys playing golf, pickleball, and watching movies. 

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1 Certification
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
• UBC Men’s Tennis Team member (2022–present)
• Top 3 ranked U18 junior in BC
• Alumni of Tennis Canada Junior National Training Program
• BA, University of British Columbia, 2026

Napacha (Hymn) grew up in Thailand and Indonesia, where her love for tennis started at the age of 5. She competed nationally at the junior level in both countries and trained under former WTA Top 20 professional, Yayuk Basuki, who instilled in her a joy for competition and the art of gameplay development.

After moving to Canada in 2018, Napacha continued her tennis journey as a member of the University of Toronto Varsity Tennis Team. She has since translated her passion into coaching, working with players from varying levels – from those picking up a racket for the first time to former athletes from other sports looking to challenge themselves and grow. Napacha finds deep fulfillment in helping individuals succeed and achieve their personal goals, regardless of where they began. She has dedicated her career to teaching, both as a tennis coach and as a high school science teacher.

Off the court, Napacha loves science, running, playing the flute and guitar, meeting new people and enjoying a nice cup of tea.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1 
• First Aid and CPR-C Certified 
• 8 years of coaching experience
• 20+ years of playing experience  
• University of Toronto Varsity Tennis Team
• Tennis Coaching Training Certificates:
  • Emergency Response Training 
  • Sports Health & Safety Awareness Training
  • Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
  • Sexual Violence Education and Prevention Training (SVEP)
  • Concussion Awareness & Education Training 

• BSc(hons) Life Sciences, University of Toronto
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholar (Full-Ride Scholarship) – University of Toronto (Awarded for Global Leadership)
• BC Ministry Certified Teacher (Specialization in STEM)

Talia was born and raised in Vancouver, and attended Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School. She grew up as a multi-sport athlete and enjoyed playing field hockey and tennis for her high school team. Her passion for tennis started when she joined Summer Smash the first year it was founded.

Talia currently studies at the University of Ottawa and is completing her Doctor of Medicine. While in Ottawa, she has worked as a faculty mentor, and helped start the university’s first run club!

Talia has experience working with kids and has a passion for volunteering with diverse community groups. In her free time, she loves running, biking, painting, and spending time with her friends.

Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1 (expected 2025)

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 3+ years coaching experience
• 6+ years tennis experience
• First Aid/CPR-C Certified 
• BHSc Honours Health Sciences Program, French Immersion Stream, University of Ottawa 2025
• MD, University of Ottawa, 2029

Jovana is from Burnaby and is studying Sport Science at Douglas College. Her love of tennis was sparked at the age of four, and though she dedicated many hours to practicing volleyball, she always maintained tennis as her primary sport. In her senior years of high school, she competed on the tennis team, receiving the MVP award in grade 11 and winning the Burnaby-New West district banner in grade 12. 

Jovana took the first step on her coaching path by participating in the Inspire Through Sport female provincial mentorship program, where she gained knowledge from experienced female coaches and made significant strides in building her leadership abilities and confidence. Some of Jovana’s early coaching experience include teaching at summer camps for Break-Point Sports and helping out with junior development and girls programs at Burnaby Tennis Club. She hopes to make a positive difference in young people’s lives and help them realize that they are more capable than they think.

Off the court, Jovana has been playing the flute for over six years and is passionate about learning Spanish and French. She enjoys watching travel and cooking shows and is a big Toronto Raptors fan.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years of tennis experience
• First Aid & CPR-C/AED Certified

Ashley Lam began playing tennis at the age of 7 in China and continued pursuing her passion after moving to Canada in Grade 6. Growing up, she has always been actively involved in a variety of sports, including fencing and horseback riding. Ashley is currently studying in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia and plans to transition into Engineering.

Ashley gained valuable coaching experience at both the Richmond Country Club and the UBC Tennis Centre, and has worked with players of different ages and demographics. She has also participated in the Tennis Canada Wheelchair Tennis Instructor Workshop and has worked with the BC Wheelchair Sports Association to run tennis lessons at UBC.

In her spare time, Ashley enjoys learning about technology, creating art, trying new foods, and spending time with her two cats, Prince and Princess.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• Tennis Canada Wheelchair Tennis Instructor Workshop Certificate
• Certified in Standard First Aid & CPR/AED 
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 11+ years of tennis experience 
• Completed the Red Cross Babysitting Course
• International Baccalaureate Diploma
• BSc, University of British Columbia 2029

Lana is a dedicated and disciplined student-athlete with a strong passion for competitive tennis, having competed both at the school level and in broader competitive settings.

Through her experience in tennis, she has developed resilience, time management, and a strong work ethic; qualities she consistently applies to her academic pursuits. She is a Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1 certified coach with over a decade of tennis experience and is also certified in Standard First Aid/CPR/AED. She is currently studying political science and economics at the University of Ottawa, with the goal of pursuing a career in law.

On the court, Lana looks to provide tennis coaching grounded in equity, excellence, and encouragement.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• First Aid/CPR-C/AED Certified
• 2+ years coaching experience
• 10+ years tennis experience 
• BA, University of Ottawa 2030

Anthony Majedi grew up in Vancouver and attended French Immersion at Churchill Secondary School, as well as Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School.

He played competitive tennis from ages 10 to 18 and was consistently ranked among the top five players in his age group for both singles and doubles. Anthony is passionate about coaching and has taught tennis, hockey, and soccer to children. He began coaching tennis as a volunteer at age 17, later becoming certified through Tennis Canada. He now coaches both children and adults and looks forward to sharing his skills and love for the game with students of all ages and levels.

Off the court, Anthony enjoys music, movies, and school.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• First Aid and CPR-C Certified
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
• Respect in Sport – Activity Leader Certificate
• Bronze Cross and Bronze Medallion
• Langara College 2023-present, School of Kinesiology
• University of Victoria 2022-2023, School of Engineering

Kosuke Matsubara was born and raised in Vancouver and is a dual citizen of Japan and Canada. He is currently studying at the University of British Columbia after graduating from St. George’s School.

Kosuke has been playing tennis since the age of 5 and competed throughout elementary and high school. He is a certified Tennis Canada Instructor and has been part of the Summer Smash program as both a player and coach. He has also played competitive basketball, captaining the Saint George’s Varsity Team in his senior year.

Drawing from his experience across multiple sports and coaching environments, Kosuke focuses on creating an energetic and supportive environment where players can develop strong fundamentals, build confidence and enjoy the game. He emphasizes effort, consistency and a positive mindset to help players improve while having fun.

Outside of coaching, Kosuke enjoys playing basketball, working out and listening to music.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 5+ years coaching experience
• 10+ years of tennis experience
• BSc University of British Columbia, 2029

Ishaan Modi was first introduced to tennis at the age of 4, and he has since become a passionate player, fan, and coach. In high school, he competed on the St. George’s tennis team, and in university, Ishaan continued to play tennis on Harvard College’s club tennis team, serving as a captain in his final year. Ishaan also follows the professional game closely – his favourite players are Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz.

Ishaan deeply enjoys working with children, growing up with two younger brothers of his own. In the past, Ishaan has been a piano teacher, part-time babysitter, and Pedalheads instructor. His experiences in these positions have carried over to Summer Smash, where he first began coaching in 2018.

In his free time, Ishaan enjoys reading, lifting weights, playing board games, and spending time with family and friends. Ishaan hopes to continue playing and coaching tennis for many years to come.

• MM French Horn Performance, NEC 2025
• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 8+ years coaching experience
• Harvard Club Tennis Team 2021-2024
  Captain 2023-2024
• BA Neuroscience (French Citation), Harvard College 2024
  MM French Horn Performance, NEC 2025

Caleb Politsky grew up in New Jersey, where he began playing tennis at the age of three. He trained year-round at a competitive tennis academy and spent his summers in South Carolina continuing his development. Alongside tennis, Caleb played competitive hockey throughout his childhood, developing a strong appreciation for hard work, teamwork, and discipline.

Caleb’s passion for coaching began at a young age through hockey, where he started coaching youth players as a teenager. Since then, he has gained coaching experience both on and off the tennis court, including working as a tennis instructor at a club in New Jersey. Caleb enjoys helping players of all ages and levels improve their skills while building confidence and developing a lifelong love for the game.

Currently, Caleb is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Law & Society. Outside of coaching, he has worked in several hospitality roles, including at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where he developed strong communication skills and a passion for creating positive experiences for others.

When he’s not on the tennis court, Caleb enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors, staying active in the gym, and following a variety of sports.

• 10+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
• Tennis Instructor, Morristown Field Club (New Jersey)
• Competitive junior tennis player in New Jersey 10+ years
• 4+ years of hospitality and customer service experience
• Serve It Right BC Certified
• BA, University of British Columbia 2028

Ava recently relocated to Vancouver after a year abroad in Australia. Growing up in Ontario, Ava saw absolutely no mountains, mostly fields…so she is extra excited to see mountains right outside her window in Vancouver!

Besides being a competitive player herself, Ava has coached tennis for the last decade. Her experience as a tennis coach ranges from teaching beginner junior and adult lessons to overseeing the development of players in competitive programs.

Ava spent 4 years as the Associate Tennis Professional at the London Hunt and Country Club where some of her responsibilities included organizing and running ITF Tennis tournaments, facilitating junior and adult programs and clinics, while also coaching semi, private and group lessons.

Outside of tennis, Ava loves traveling, sudoku puzzles and dinosaurs!

• Tennis Canada Club Pro 1 (in progress)
• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 8+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
• Tennis Australia Graduate Tennis Professional
• Cardio Tennis Certified
• Certified Pickleball Instructor

• University of Waterloo Varsity Tennis Team, Captain 2021-2023
• Associate Tennis Professional, London Hunt and Country Club 2020-2024

• Tennis Coach – Ready for Tennis, Gold Coast Australia 2025-2026

• BA, Psychological Research University of Waterloo 2022
• MBA Essentials, Rotman School of Business 2023
• MA, University of Toronto 2024

• Ontario Ministry of Education Certified Teacher 2024

Born in China, Scotty grew up in Vancouver and attended McMath Secondary School. While involved in many sports throughout his youth such as soccer, basketball, and baseball, Scotty found his passion in tennis.

From Rookie Tour tournaments to ITF events, Scotty has gained extensive competitive experience and developed a strong understanding of the game at multiple levels. Beginning at age 15, he translated this experience into coaching, working with players of varying ages and skill levels. Through coaching, Scotty has developed leadership, communication, and the ability to break down complex techniques into simple, effective instruction.

Off the court, Scotty loves nature, exercising, and meeting new people.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• First Aid + CPR-C/AED Certified
• 8+ years coaching experience
• 15+ years tennis experience
• UBC Men’s Tennis Team Member (2025-present)
• Tennis Canada National U18 Ranking #15
• BKin, University of British Columbia 2029

Ashton Wong was born and raised in Vancouver and grew up in Kerrisdale. Ashton attended Vancouver College and is currently pursuing undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University.

Ashton started playing tennis at the age of 5 years old with Summer Smash Tennis, later going on to become a competitive player under the guidance of their Senior Coaches. Although basketball has always been Ashton’s first sport, he feels deeply connected to tennis and maintains a true love for the game, as both a player and coach.

Ashton first developed his love and passion for teaching at a very young age. Watching Spencer and Marshall coach inspired and motivated him to become an instructor, driven by the desire to instill the next generation with the same experiences he had as a child. Ashton enjoys coaching students of all ages and levels, with a particular passion for teaching young beginners.

Outside of tennis, Ashton loves playing basketball, resistance training, and traveling.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 5+ years of coaching experience
• 12+ years playing experience

Luka Zoric grew up in Vancouver and is currently attending the University of British Columbia, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Commerce. He began playing tennis competitively from a young age and quickly developed a strong passion for the sport, earning a high provincial ranking in British Columbia. Luka currently plays on the UBC Men’s Tennis Team and continues to build on his competitive experience.

Outside of tennis, Luka enjoys staying active, playing basketball, and loves cooking.

• UBC Men’s Tennis Team member (2024-present)
• 2+ years coaching experience
• 10+ years tennis experience
• Highly ranked BC junior player
• BA, University of British Columbia 2029

Emily was born in Vancouver and attended York House School throughout high school. She started playing tennis at the age of 10 and played competitively for several years. Through her love for spending time with kids, she decided to complete her tennis coaching certification and has loved coaching ever since.

Outside of tennis, Emily loves hiking, spending time with friends, and playing a variety of other sports.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 3+ years coaching experience
• 6+ years of tennis experience

Lavya Patel grew up in Ahmedabad, India, and graduated from the UBC Sauder School of Business with a specialization in Marketing and Business Analytics.

An athlete from an early age, Lavya played a variety of sports, with soccer being his most competitive pursuit. He naturally gravitated toward racket sports – excelling in badminton and table tennis – which made the transition to tennis seamless. His passion for racket sports continued at UBC, where he became the Intramural Pickleball Champion in 2024.

Outside of tennis, Lavya is a multi-disciplinary creative. He enjoys drawing caricatures, wildlife photography, filmmaking, and staying active at the gym. He also runs Lumière Gems, his own venture, where he designs and sells authentic gemstone accessories.

• BCom, University of British Columbia 2026

Jeff first picked up a racket at the age of 5 and has played tennis competitively since the age of 13. He was the captain of his Sentinel Secondary tennis team in his senior year, winning back to back AAA BC provincial tennis championships in 2009 and 2010. Today, Jeff enjoys playing and coaching tennis. Some of his favourite tennis memories include being a hitting partner for ATP and WTA players during the Odlum Brown Vancouver Open and travelling to the Australian Open.

Jeff believes tennis is truly a sport for life and brings this enthusiasm to lessons for all ages and abilities as a Tennis Canada certified instructor. He first started teaching in 2009 at Hollyburn Country Club as a coaching assistant while in high school and continues to coach today.

Jeff completed his Bachelors of Business Administration with a specialization in Digital Design and Development at BCIT. His career background includes being a software developer at a leading prop tech company and a manager in the property management industry.

Jeff’s other interests include volunteering as a basketball coach, hiking, reading at the beach, and playing the drums.

• Tennis Canada Instructor Level 1
• 20+ years of playing tennis
• UBC Men’s Tennis Team (2011)
• 2x BC AAA Provincial Champion
• BBA, Digital Design & Development BCIT 2017