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6220 E Grand Ave,
Dallas, TX 75223
(469) 250-7887
Mon-Friday 8am-9:00pm
Saturday - Sunday 7:00am-8pm
Ondrej Nice
(General Manager)
Ondrej was born and raised in Czech Republic. As a junior, he was ranked top 10 in his age every single year. He began his collegiate tennis career at Seward County CC and later transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree with a major in Kinesiology/Coaching. During his college career, Ondrej won the ITA National Championships in doubles and was named an ITA All-American twice. Ondrej has 7 years of coaching experience and holds a coaching certificate in his country and is a PTR Professional for ages 11-17. Tennis is everything to him and he aims to bring his passion for the game to everyone who crosses his path.
Ondrej was born and raised in Czech Republic. As a junior, he was ranked top 10 in his age every single year. He began his collegiate tennis career at Seward County CC and later transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree with a major in Kinesiology/Coaching. During his college career, Ondrej won the ITA National Championships in doubles and was named an ITA All-American twice. Ondrej has 7 years of coaching experience and holds a coaching certificate in his country and is a PTR Professional for ages 11-17. Tennis is everything to him and he aims to bring his passion for the game to everyone who crosses his path.
Paul Luzardo
(Tennis Professional)
PTR Certified
Paul's journey with tennis began at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport. Hailing from Venezuela, he quickly rose through the ranks, excelling in high school tennis and earning a ranking of number 9 in the country. He also competed in the Junior South American circuit (COSAT), gaining valuable experience and honing his skills on the international stage.
Seeking to further his development, Paul embarked on a journey to Miami, Florida, where he trained under the guidance of renowned coach Patricio Apey Sr. at his academy. Apey's international coaching career included working with tennis superstars such as Gabriela Sabatini, Fernando Gonzalez, and Guillermo Coria. Under Apey's tutelage, Paul not only refined his technique but also competed in several ITF junior and Future level tournaments, gaining invaluable exposure to professional-level competition.
Following his passion for both tennis and education, Paul pursued a degree in computer science while playing college tennis at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). There, he played an instrumental role in the team's success, helping secure back-to-back Atlantic Sun Champions Conference titles.
For the past five years, Paul has been an integral part of the tennis community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he has established himself as a dedicated and knowledgeable coach.
PTR Certified
Paul's journey with tennis began at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport. Hailing from Venezuela, he quickly rose through the ranks, excelling in high school tennis and earning a ranking of number 9 in the country. He also competed in the Junior South American circuit (COSAT), gaining valuable experience and honing his skills on the international stage.
Seeking to further his development, Paul embarked on a journey to Miami, Florida, where he trained under the guidance of renowned coach Patricio Apey Sr. at his academy. Apey's international coaching career included working with tennis superstars such as Gabriela Sabatini, Fernando Gonzalez, and Guillermo Coria. Under Apey's tutelage, Paul not only refined his technique but also competed in several ITF junior and Future level tournaments, gaining invaluable exposure to professional-level competition.
Following his passion for both tennis and education, Paul pursued a degree in computer science while playing college tennis at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). There, he played an instrumental role in the team's success, helping secure back-to-back Atlantic Sun Champions Conference titles.
For the past five years, Paul has been an integral part of the tennis community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he has established himself as a dedicated and knowledgeable coach.
Andra Cornea
(Tennis Professional)
Born in Romania.
- Came to America in 2011 with a full tennis scholarship
- Graduate with Kinesiology degree and Health science minor from Austin Peay State university division 1
- Top 50 in Romania at 18 years old
- 2007 played Prince Cup in Miami along other international tournaments
- Austin Peay State University 2011-2014 team player captaining the ladder 2 years
- SAAC ( student athlete advisory commitee)
tennis representative
- Dean List
- Started coaching in 2006. Taught through college and then in 2014 started to coach full time. Taught all levels and ages starting with 3 years old up to 82 years old. Techniques are very important and a strong foundation for any tennis players. Therefore, Andra puts a lot of emphasis on it but also focuses on consistency, strategy, team practices , beginner programs and mental coaching.
Joined Samuell Grand's team on May of 2022 and is excited to help your game improve to the next level!
Born in Romania.
- Came to America in 2011 with a full tennis scholarship
- Graduate with Kinesiology degree and Health science minor from Austin Peay State university division 1
- Top 50 in Romania at 18 years old
- 2007 played Prince Cup in Miami along other international tournaments
- Austin Peay State University 2011-2014 team player captaining the ladder 2 years
- SAAC ( student athlete advisory commitee)
tennis representative
- Dean List
- Started coaching in 2006. Taught through college and then in 2014 started to coach full time. Taught all levels and ages starting with 3 years old up to 82 years old. Techniques are very important and a strong foundation for any tennis players. Therefore, Andra puts a lot of emphasis on it but also focuses on consistency, strategy, team practices , beginner programs and mental coaching.
Joined Samuell Grand's team on May of 2022 and is excited to help your game improve to the next level!
Jason Warren
(Tennis Professional)
Jason Warren has been teaching tennis for over 10 years. After getting his start at The Village tennis center in Dallas, he served as head pro at Dallas Athletic Club for 6 years. In 2017 he brought his enthusiasm and love for the game to Samuell - Grand where he serves as the Head Pro/Adult director. Jason has experience working with players of all levels and abilities. He skillfully led several league teams to first place finishes in their division, and also coaches Bishop Lynch High School’s varsity tennis team. Jason has developed programs for both adults and juniors with focus on strategy and the mental aspect of tennis. He is passionate about promoting and growing tennis in the Dallas community. A fierce competitor, Jason was ranked in the top 10 in USTA leagues and took home the championship trophy in the first Masters year end USTA tournament. When he is not on the court teaching, he likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters.
Jason Warren has been teaching tennis for over 10 years. After getting his start at The Village tennis center in Dallas, he served as head pro at Dallas Athletic Club for 6 years. In 2017 he brought his enthusiasm and love for the game to Samuell - Grand where he serves as the Head Pro/Adult director. Jason has experience working with players of all levels and abilities. He skillfully led several league teams to first place finishes in their division, and also coaches Bishop Lynch High School’s varsity tennis team. Jason has developed programs for both adults and juniors with focus on strategy and the mental aspect of tennis. He is passionate about promoting and growing tennis in the Dallas community. A fierce competitor, Jason was ranked in the top 10 in USTA leagues and took home the championship trophy in the first Masters year end USTA tournament. When he is not on the court teaching, he likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters.
Daniel Garcia
(Tennis Professional)
Joining the Samuell Grand team in 2021, Daniel has 4 years of coaching experience. While specializing in on court strategy, he offers in depth mechanics training + personalized player development. He is determined to help sharpen individual tennis players of all levels. Coach Daniel teaches some of our classes at Samuell Grand from 1.0 (beginner) to 4.0 (advanced) & levels in between. Daniel has been part of the creation of complete, competitive tennis teams that call Samuell Grand home! Super passionate about serving his community, Daniel continuously pursues those interested in playing tennis in the Dallas area.
Joining the Samuell Grand team in 2021, Daniel has 4 years of coaching experience. While specializing in on court strategy, he offers in depth mechanics training + personalized player development. He is determined to help sharpen individual tennis players of all levels. Coach Daniel teaches some of our classes at Samuell Grand from 1.0 (beginner) to 4.0 (advanced) & levels in between. Daniel has been part of the creation of complete, competitive tennis teams that call Samuell Grand home! Super passionate about serving his community, Daniel continuously pursues those interested in playing tennis in the Dallas area.
Monica Davy
(Tennis Professional)
Monica, originally from Morris, Illinois, now lives in Dallas, TX. She competed collegiately at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN, and specializes in coaching juniors and adult beginners to intermediate players. In addition to tennis, she also serves as a pickleball tournament director. Monica is passionate about bringing energy, confidence, and a love for the game to the Samuell Grand community.
Monica, originally from Morris, Illinois, now lives in Dallas, TX. She competed collegiately at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN, and specializes in coaching juniors and adult beginners to intermediate players. In addition to tennis, she also serves as a pickleball tournament director. Monica is passionate about bringing energy, confidence, and a love for the game to the Samuell Grand community.
Carsten Balao
(Tennis Professional)
Carsten is originally from Orlando, Florida. He has been playing tennis his entire life, competing through juniors and continuing at the collegiate level for four years at Berry College, where he earned his degree in Exercise Science. Carsten began coaching at the age of 14 and has developed a deep passion for helping players improve their game, build confidence, and enjoy the sport as much as he does. Whether it’s refining technique, strategy, or mindset, he brings energy, experience, and a player-first approach to every session.
Carsten is originally from Orlando, Florida. He has been playing tennis his entire life, competing through juniors and continuing at the collegiate level for four years at Berry College, where he earned his degree in Exercise Science. Carsten began coaching at the age of 14 and has developed a deep passion for helping players improve their game, build confidence, and enjoy the sport as much as he does. Whether it’s refining technique, strategy, or mindset, he brings energy, experience, and a player-first approach to every session.
Vladimir Kurdiumov
(Tennis Professional)
Vladimir was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and started playing tennis at the age of 12, quickly discovering his lifelong passion for the sport. Shortly after beginning his professional career, he rose to the Top 20 national ranking in Ukraine and maintained that position throughout his junior years. Vlad has competed in numerous international tournaments, including Tennis Europe, ITF U18, and Futures, and also served as a sparring partner for Marta Kostyuk (ranked WTA 27th).
In 2021, he moved to the United States to pursue a degree in Sport Management at the University of South Carolina, where he joined the club tennis team and helped lead them to the USTA Nationals, finishing among the Top 16 teams nationwide.
Vlad joined the Samuell Grand team in May 2025, where he coaches players of all levels and also serves as a UTR tournament director. He is passionate about sharing his tennis knowledge and experience to help others develop their skills and love for the game.
Vladimir was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and started playing tennis at the age of 12, quickly discovering his lifelong passion for the sport. Shortly after beginning his professional career, he rose to the Top 20 national ranking in Ukraine and maintained that position throughout his junior years. Vlad has competed in numerous international tournaments, including Tennis Europe, ITF U18, and Futures, and also served as a sparring partner for Marta Kostyuk (ranked WTA 27th).
In 2021, he moved to the United States to pursue a degree in Sport Management at the University of South Carolina, where he joined the club tennis team and helped lead them to the USTA Nationals, finishing among the Top 16 teams nationwide.
Vlad joined the Samuell Grand team in May 2025, where he coaches players of all levels and also serves as a UTR tournament director. He is passionate about sharing his tennis knowledge and experience to help others develop their skills and love for the game.
Alejandro Gonzalez
(Tennis Pickleball Professional)
Alejandro Gonzalez is a PPR-Certified Pickleball Coach and tennis player with over a decade of experience competing and coaching at elite levels. Originally from Colombia, Alejandro ranked among the Top 20 junior tennis players in the country and reached the Top 100 in South America, representing his nation in multiple international tournaments.
After earning a scholarship to play college tennis in the United States, Alejandro competed at the NCAA Division II level for Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Throughout his career, he has worked with players of all ages, from aspiring juniors to seasoned adults, focusing on technical development and mental toughness.
As a coach, Alejandro is known for his energy, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement. He combines advanced stroke mechanics with strategic awareness to help players elevate every aspect of their game. His mission is to build confidence, consistency, and a lifelong love for the sport, on both the tennis and pickleball courts.
Alejandro Gonzalez is a PPR-Certified Pickleball Coach and tennis player with over a decade of experience competing and coaching at elite levels. Originally from Colombia, Alejandro ranked among the Top 20 junior tennis players in the country and reached the Top 100 in South America, representing his nation in multiple international tournaments.
After earning a scholarship to play college tennis in the United States, Alejandro competed at the NCAA Division II level for Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Throughout his career, he has worked with players of all ages, from aspiring juniors to seasoned adults, focusing on technical development and mental toughness.
As a coach, Alejandro is known for his energy, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement. He combines advanced stroke mechanics with strategic awareness to help players elevate every aspect of their game. His mission is to build confidence, consistency, and a lifelong love for the sport, on both the tennis and pickleball courts.
Soozy Martin
(Pickleball Professional)
IPTPA Certified Pickleball Instructor
Soozy is a marathon runner who has most recently completed
160 half marathons in 147 months. Prior to that, she played a
little tennis until her doctor told her running would be better
for her knees than tennis. Competition has always been part of
her game and once she stumbled onto Pickleball she was
hooked. Soozy plays 5 days a week and sometimes multiple
times a day. If you take a lesson from her, no doubt you’ll learn
something new every time. She’s fascinated by the rules and
has completed referee training so keep an eye on those feet
near the kitchen.
214-532-8617
soozy.martin@gmail.com
IPTPA Certified Pickleball Instructor
Soozy is a marathon runner who has most recently completed
160 half marathons in 147 months. Prior to that, she played a
little tennis until her doctor told her running would be better
for her knees than tennis. Competition has always been part of
her game and once she stumbled onto Pickleball she was
hooked. Soozy plays 5 days a week and sometimes multiple
times a day. If you take a lesson from her, no doubt you’ll learn
something new every time. She’s fascinated by the rules and
has completed referee training so keep an eye on those feet
near the kitchen.
214-532-8617
soozy.martin@gmail.com
Dora Johannesen
(Tennis Professional)
Growing up in Canada, Dora competed in tennis throughout her childhood. She won the Canadian nationals at 13 and continued to stay within the top three in Canada throughout junior years before she attained a full scholarship to play division 1 NCAA Tennis at University of Virginia. She played all four years there with her identical twin sister. After graduating she realized her passion for tennis/fitness and now has over 15 years of experience. She loves connecting, motivating and helping juniors and adults achieve their tennis goals. Dora has two daughters Aria(7) and Elle (10) who also love tennis. They have both progressed through red, orange and greenball and are currently competing in junior Usta tournaments in Texas. Dora lives in East Dallas and can’t wait to help Samuel Grand tennis continue to grow and become a great facility within the community.
Growing up in Canada, Dora competed in tennis throughout her childhood. She won the Canadian nationals at 13 and continued to stay within the top three in Canada throughout junior years before she attained a full scholarship to play division 1 NCAA Tennis at University of Virginia. She played all four years there with her identical twin sister. After graduating she realized her passion for tennis/fitness and now has over 15 years of experience. She loves connecting, motivating and helping juniors and adults achieve their tennis goals. Dora has two daughters Aria(7) and Elle (10) who also love tennis. They have both progressed through red, orange and greenball and are currently competing in junior Usta tournaments in Texas. Dora lives in East Dallas and can’t wait to help Samuel Grand tennis continue to grow and become a great facility within the community.
Marta Ascenzo
(Tennis Professional)
Marta Ascenzo comes from Toronto, Canada where she was a competitive junior tennis player ranked as high as No. 1 in the country in both singles and doubles. Always teamed in doubles with her identical twin sister, Dora Johannesen, Marta played internationally as a member of the Canadian Fed Cup juniors team and was recruited to play tennis at the University of Virginia on a D1 tennis scholarship. After graduating, Marta worked in finance for 10 years before starting a family and shifting her career towards fitness and athletics. Marta shares her passion for tennis with her two sons, Pierce (8) and Tristan (11), who both play competitive USTA junior tennis. Marta currently resides in the park cities with her family and wants nothing more than to help grow a successful public tennis facility accessible to everyone in the community to enjoy.
Marta Ascenzo comes from Toronto, Canada where she was a competitive junior tennis player ranked as high as No. 1 in the country in both singles and doubles. Always teamed in doubles with her identical twin sister, Dora Johannesen, Marta played internationally as a member of the Canadian Fed Cup juniors team and was recruited to play tennis at the University of Virginia on a D1 tennis scholarship. After graduating, Marta worked in finance for 10 years before starting a family and shifting her career towards fitness and athletics. Marta shares her passion for tennis with her two sons, Pierce (8) and Tristan (11), who both play competitive USTA junior tennis. Marta currently resides in the park cities with her family and wants nothing more than to help grow a successful public tennis facility accessible to everyone in the community to enjoy.
Jackie Mitterer
(Tennis Professional)
Jackie Mitterer graduated with an MBA dual degree in Business Management and Marketing from PUC-Chile and UCLA. She worked in the corporate world as a Marketing VP for Bank Santander in Lima, before moving to the USA in 2000 to start a family. Her passion for sports has been a constant in her life from an early age until now. From the age of 13 through college, Coach Jackie was part of the Peruvian National Basketball team and plays tennis today in various competitive teams. Teaching and coaching sports allows her to pass on to students what she considers to be a fundamental skill set for success later in life.
Jackie Mitterer graduated with an MBA dual degree in Business Management and Marketing from PUC-Chile and UCLA. She worked in the corporate world as a Marketing VP for Bank Santander in Lima, before moving to the USA in 2000 to start a family. Her passion for sports has been a constant in her life from an early age until now. From the age of 13 through college, Coach Jackie was part of the Peruvian National Basketball team and plays tennis today in various competitive teams. Teaching and coaching sports allows her to pass on to students what she considers to be a fundamental skill set for success later in life.
Meet Our Team
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