Our Coaches

CLUB MANAGER

TENNIS DIRECOR

Mike Smookler, Manager of WOTC, blends passion and expertise to lead a top-tier tennis program that serves players of all levels. An RSPA Elite Certified Coach since 1994, he emphasizes technical excellence and community engagement. Honors include: 2005 RSPA New England Facility Manager of the Year, 2006 USPTA New England Pro of the Year, 2017 RSPA Eastern High School Coach of the Year, 2019 RSPA Eastern Pro of the Year, and 2023 RSPA Eastern Club Manager of the Year. A former captain at Lyndon State College, he helped his team reach the NAIA National Tournament three straight years. He currently serves on the RSPA Eastern Board as past President.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Les Smith has led WOTC’s High-Performance Program since 1994, developing ambitious juniors at every stage. A PTR-certified coach, he’s guided champions at state, sectional, and national levels, with many advancing to collegiate tennis. A former top singles player at Western Michigan University and a Flint, Michigan native, Les emphasizes a holistic approach—technical precision, mental toughness, and academic commitment. His program features structured weekly training, consistent tournament play, and mentorship on and off the court.

SENIOR ROGY MANAGER

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Shihab leads WOTC’s ROGY pathway with 15+ years in junior development. Known for his energetic courtside presence, positive reinforcement, and trademark smile, he builds confidence while emphasizing rock‑solid fundamentals from the start. He partners closely with families, framing tennis as an iterative process fueled by attitude, discipline, and hard work. His students consistently progress—many earning wins at national and international events.

JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Based in West Orange, Yudy leads WOTC’s Junior Development pathway with 15+ years of experience as a semi-pro competitor and dedicated coach. He champions a family-first, holistic approach—technical mastery, mental resilience, and strong parent partnership. A trusted mentor to both beginners and high-performance juniors, his players show measurable progress in match results. As a father of two competitive players—including a Division I scholarship athlete—Yudy brings firsthand insight into the student‑athlete journey, building confident, capable players who love the game.

GREEN BALL MANAGER

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

A USPTA/RSPA-certified professional, Jon brings technical expertise, competitive insight, and a passion for junior development. He currently leads WOTC’s Green Ball program and previously headed Red Ball, giving him a deep grasp of long‑term pathways. His “mind over matter” philosophy emphasizes mental strength, emotional intelligence, strong fundamentals, and tactical awareness. Off court, Jon competes in 4.5/5.0 USTA leagues and Open events, and captains men’s and mixed teams with consistent postseason success.

ORANGE BALL MANAGER

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Rafa is an engaging, hands-on coach who connects easily with young players. As WOTC’s Orange Ball Manager, he blends fundamentals with strategy, often hitting live with students to give real-time feedback, reinforce footwork, and explain tactical choices. His sessions balance structured drills with adaptable pacing, and he’s a go-to for juniors prepping for tournaments—fine-tuning skills, sharpening match readiness, and building confidence through steady mentorship.

RED BALL MANAGER

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

David Giraldo is a dedicated New Jersey–based tennis coach known for his energetic teaching style and strong technical instruction. With years of experience working with players of all ages and levels, David emphasizes footwork, efficient stroke mechanics, and building smart, confident point play. He has coached junior competitors, adult league players, and beginners looking to develop a solid foundation. David brings a positive, motivating presence to every session and is committed to helping each athlete reach their potential on and off the court.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Jose is a PTR-certified coach with 20+ years in player development. He specializes in stroke production, footwork, biomechanics, pattern recognition, and tactical play, helping juniors refine every facet of their game. A former national junior standout (DR #2 at age 17), he emphasizes strong foundations—technique, movement, and mental strength—while teaching pattern recognition and competitive awareness. Former Director of High-Performance Programs and Video Analysis at Center Court, Jose has coached athletes to top sectional and national rankings, Division I tennis, and #1 positions in public and private school competition. He tailors training to each child’s unique learning style, prioritizing both performance and personal growth.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

An RSPA-certified coach with 40+ years in the game, Nestor brings heritage, wisdom, and passion to WOTC. A former Thailand National Singles Champion and Davis Cup team member, he blends classic technique with modern training, famed for his finesse and signature drop shot. He has influenced top talents, including All-Americans Teddy Farnsworth and Fritz Buehning in their early years.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

An RSPA-certified coach with 20+ years of experience, Genevieve blends a rich family tennis legacy with a proven record of player development. She served as WOTC’s primary USTA Eastern Tournament Director (2013–2020) and has coached at every level—Head Coach for Newark Academy Varsity Girls and Assistant for Varsity Boys (2016–2020), Assistant Coach at Johns Hopkins (2008–2013), and since 2022, Head Coach for Oak Knoll Varsity Girls. A former top‑50 USTA Eastern junior, four‑year varsity starter, and NJ State Team Champion at Newark Academy, she later competed for Penn State, bringing high‑level playing and coaching insight to every session.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Kathy is a dedicated tennis professional known for developing players of all ages at WOTC. With a strong competitive background, she helps juniors sharpen technique, match strategy, and on‑court confidence. Her coaching blends patient instruction with structured, goal‑oriented drills - pushing players to improve while keeping the process enjoyable.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

A Southern California native, Ashley picked up a racquet at five, began coaching at sixteen, and went on to compete at the Division I collegiate level. At WOTC, she works with juniors and adults, emphasizing strong fundamentals, tactical awareness, and smart court habits. Known for a patient, energetic style, she pushes players to improve while keeping sessions engaging and encouraging.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Originally from Ukraine, Anatoli brings decades of international coaching experience, including service with the USSR Women’s National Team and work with Larisa Savchenko‑Neiland, a multiple Grand Slam doubles champion. Since the early 1990s in the U.S., he’s focused on juniors and developing players, guiding tournament preparation and elevating technical and strategic skills. He offers private lessons and group clinics, known for strong fundamentals, tactical insight, and a patient, thoughtful approach.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Yhonny is a passionate coach with a strong focus on junior development. Beginning as a ball boy in the Dominican Republic, he brings a grassroots perspective to building skill, discipline, and love for the game. He emphasizes fundamentals—clean strokes, solid footwork, and tactical awareness—while developing confidence and mental toughness in competition. His structured, encouraging approach helps players set goals and make steady, measurable progress.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Luis is a dynamic coach known for leading WOTC women’s teams and developing junior talent. He blends strategic training with personalized, high‑performance plans, helping players elevate technique, match strategy, and confidence. Trusted for his attentive, goal‑driven approach, he supports athletes at every level to achieve measurable progress.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

A former competitive player on the ITF circuit for the Dominican Republic, Amaury brings high-level insight to player development. He emphasizes clean technique, footwork, tactical awareness, and mental toughness, delivering hands‑on, personalized coaching. From beginners to aspiring competitors, his sessions provide immediate feedback, steady growth, and a supportive environment that builds confidence and results.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Scot Collins is a patient, highly experienced, and dedicated, RSPA certified tennis coach at the West Orange Tennis Club. With an impressive career spanning 50 years, Scot shares his passion and expertise with students of all ages and skill levels. He joined the West Orange Tennis Club in 2009, bringing his wealth of knowledge and an encouraging coaching style to the community. Scot is renowned for his ability to connect with players, helping them develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

With an incredible 45 years of dedication to the West Orange Tennis Club, Paul Gross stands as our longest-tenured and most beloved instructor. Known for his unwavering positive attitude and delightful sense of humor, Paul creates a welcoming and enjoyable learning environment for all his students. He particularly enjoys teaching adults, where his calm, collected, and attentive coaching style truly shines. Paul's passion for tennis and his commitment to his students have made him a cherished member of our club's family for nearly half a century.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

With 30+ years of experience, Sterling is a USPTA-certified cornerstone of WOTC’s High-Performance Program. He’s held roles from Head Pro to Director of Tennis and served as a Summer National Coach for USTA Eastern and Mid-Atlantic. His players include a NJ Girls State Champion, a NJ Boys State Doubles Finalist, and student-athletes at Yale and Georgetown; he’s also led USTA Ladies teams to Sectionals and Nationals. Sterling emphasizes technical excellence - strokes, footwork, strategy - along with character, resilience, and integrity.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

A seasoned pro with 25+ years of experience, Robert holds a USTA P‑1 certification and has led junior and adult programs since 2001 across Roseland, NJ and Boca Raton, FL. He emphasizes technical refinement and competitive readiness, helping players of all ages achieve measurable progress while loving the game. A career highlight: coaching Grand Slam champion Anastasia Myskina in 2001 - prior to her French Open win.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

An ITF and PTR certified coach from Chile, Claudio brings 20+ years of experience and a competitive background in Futures and ITF events. Coaching since 2003, he mentors elite juniors transitioning to college tennis, sharpening technique, strategy, and mental toughness. His philosophy views tennis as a vehicle for discipline, resilience, and focus—skills that carry beyond the court. A dedicated father introducing his young children to the game, Claudio creates engaging, structured sessions that drive steady, measurable progress.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Peggy Schick is a dedicated tennis coach from New Jersey with a passion for helping players of all ages and skill levels develop their game. With years of coaching experience and a lifelong love of the sport, Peggy focuses on building strong fundamentals, smart strategy, and confidence on the court. Her personalized approach emphasizes technique, fitness, and fun, inspiring each player to reach their full potential while enjoying every match.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Novak Nash is an Australian-born tennis coach bringing an international training background and a dynamic teaching style to New Jersey. Raised in Australia’s competitive tennis culture, Novak blends high-intensity footwork, modern technique, and strategic point construction to help players develop complete, confident games. He has experience coaching juniors, adults, and competitive tournament players, and is known for creating sessions that are disciplined, upbeat, and tailored to each athlete’s goals. Novak’s global perspective and passion for player development make him a standout presence on court.

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Yoofi Derby is an enthusiastic and detail-driven tennis coach from South Orange, New Jersey, known for his positive energy and commitment to player development. He specializes in cardio tennis, building strong fundamentals, improving movement, and helping players understand smart patterns of play. Yoofi has experience coaching juniors, adults, and beginners, and is recognized for creating a supportive environment that keeps athletes motivated and improving. His approachable style and passion for the sport make him a valued presence on court.