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6220 E Grand Ave,
Dallas, TX 75223
(469) 250-7887
Mon-Friday 8am-9:00pm
Saturday - Sunday 7:00am-8pm
Lea Alguacil
(Racquets Director)
Lea serves as Racquets Director, bringing a passion for player development and a commitment to growing an inclusive racquets community at every level of play. Previously the U12 Junior Director, she built a strong foundation for young athletes and remains dedicated to long-term development from beginner to competitive pathways.
A former Division I collegiate tennis player and two-year team captain, Lea combines high-level playing experience with proven leadership on and off the court. Prior to college, she competed in professional tournaments on the ITF and WTA circuits, gaining valuable international and high-performance experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Management as well as an MBA, bringing strategic vision and operational expertise to the club’s racquets programming.
As a USPTA Elite Certified Tennis Professional and Certified Pickleball Professional. Lea is committed to delivering high-quality instruction, expanding opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels, and fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can grow and enjoy the game.
Lea serves as Racquets Director, bringing a passion for player development and a commitment to growing an inclusive racquets community at every level of play. Previously the U12 Junior Director, she built a strong foundation for young athletes and remains dedicated to long-term development from beginner to competitive pathways.
A former Division I collegiate tennis player and two-year team captain, Lea combines high-level playing experience with proven leadership on and off the court. Prior to college, she competed in professional tournaments on the ITF and WTA circuits, gaining valuable international and high-performance experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Management as well as an MBA, bringing strategic vision and operational expertise to the club’s racquets programming.
As a USPTA Elite Certified Tennis Professional and Certified Pickleball Professional. Lea is committed to delivering high-quality instruction, expanding opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels, and fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can grow and enjoy the game.
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.
Juan David Duque
(Tennis Professional)
Originally from Colombia, Juan David brings high-level playing experience, international coaching expertise, and a strong passion for helping players of all ages and skill levels improve their game. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Juan enjoys connecting with players from diverse backgrounds and creating a positive, energetic, and personalized environment on the court.
A former NCAA Division II collegiate tennis player, Juan reached national rankings as high as No. 10 in doubles and No. 20 in singles, while competing at a UTR level of 11.5+. His experience as a high-level player gives him a strong understanding of technique, strategy, movement, and the competitive side of the game, which he adapts to each player’s individual goals and level.
Juan has extensive experience coaching both adults and juniors. He has worked with the Rafa Nadal Academy summer camp programs in the United States, coaching players of different ages and abilities while applying a structured player-development methodology. His experience includes technical development, tactical decision-making, movement, consistency, and match-play situations, while maintaining an engaging and enjoyable environment for recreational players and competitive athletes alike.
Juan has also led junior development programs at Falls Town Courts and has experience providing private lessons in the country club environment. His coaching philosophy combines high-quality instruction, positive energy, clear communication, and personalized development, helping beginners, adult players, and competitive juniors improve their skills, build confidence, compete, and enjoy the game.
(940) 882-7691
Originally from Colombia, Juan David brings high-level playing experience, international coaching expertise, and a strong passion for helping players of all ages and skill levels improve their game. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Juan enjoys connecting with players from diverse backgrounds and creating a positive, energetic, and personalized environment on the court.
A former NCAA Division II collegiate tennis player, Juan reached national rankings as high as No. 10 in doubles and No. 20 in singles, while competing at a UTR level of 11.5+. His experience as a high-level player gives him a strong understanding of technique, strategy, movement, and the competitive side of the game, which he adapts to each player’s individual goals and level.
Juan has extensive experience coaching both adults and juniors. He has worked with the Rafa Nadal Academy summer camp programs in the United States, coaching players of different ages and abilities while applying a structured player-development methodology. His experience includes technical development, tactical decision-making, movement, consistency, and match-play situations, while maintaining an engaging and enjoyable environment for recreational players and competitive athletes alike.
Juan has also led junior development programs at Falls Town Courts and has experience providing private lessons in the country club environment. His coaching philosophy combines high-quality instruction, positive energy, clear communication, and personalized development, helping beginners, adult players, and competitive juniors improve their skills, build confidence, compete, and enjoy the game.
(940) 882-7691
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!
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.
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.
Derek Kedigh
(Tennis Professional)
Derek Kedigh grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he developed a lifelong passion for tennis. He played collegiately at Northwest Missouri State University and attended the Division II National Championships his freshman year.
Following college, Derek began his teaching career at Hilltop Racquet Club in Kansas City before continuing at the Green Tennis Center in Columbia, Missouri. Over the past 15 years, he has worked with players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners picking up a racquet for the first time to competitive juniors and adults looking to elevate their game.
His number
816-678-7005
Derek Kedigh grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he developed a lifelong passion for tennis. He played collegiately at Northwest Missouri State University and attended the Division II National Championships his freshman year.
Following college, Derek began his teaching career at Hilltop Racquet Club in Kansas City before continuing at the Green Tennis Center in Columbia, Missouri. Over the past 15 years, he has worked with players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners picking up a racquet for the first time to competitive juniors and adults looking to elevate their game.
His number
816-678-7005
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.
Cole Whitney
(Tennis Professional)
Cole Whitney retired from corporate America in 2025 to help people improve their health
through tennis. He started playing junior tennis in Chicagoland and continued at the advanced
level in USTA Leagues after moving to Dallas in 1991 with his wife.
His coaching experiences started with fatherhood, which included helping his daughter make
the high school tennis team and helping his son reach TAPPS high school state finals. Cole also
coached several USTA League teams, a corporate tennis team that won a silver medal at the
Richardson Corporate Challenge (Special Olympics), and youth summer tennis camps.
He completed his certification as a Tennis Instructor in 2026 through the RSPA (formerly USPTA)
and looks forward to continuing his tennis coaching education and contributing to human
flourishing at Samuell Grand. His grandsons call him G-Pops. Hit the tops with Coach G-Pops!Cole Whitney retired from corporate America in 2025 to help people improve their health
through tennis. He started playing junior tennis in Chicagoland and continued at the advanced
level in USTA Leagues after moving to Dallas in 1991 with his wife.
His coaching experiences started with fatherhood, which included helping his daughter make
the high school tennis team and helping his son reach TAPPS high school state finals. Cole also
coached several USTA League teams, a corporate tennis team that won a silver medal at the
Richardson Corporate Challenge (Special Olympics), and youth summer tennis camps.
He completed his certification as a Tennis Instructor in 2026 through the RSPA (formerly USPTA)
and looks forward to continuing his tennis coaching education and contributing to human
flourishing at Samuell Grand. His grandsons call him G-Pops. Hit the tops with Coach G-Pops!
(214) 930-5593
Cole Whitney retired from corporate America in 2025 to help people improve their health
through tennis. He started playing junior tennis in Chicagoland and continued at the advanced
level in USTA Leagues after moving to Dallas in 1991 with his wife.
His coaching experiences started with fatherhood, which included helping his daughter make
the high school tennis team and helping his son reach TAPPS high school state finals. Cole also
coached several USTA League teams, a corporate tennis team that won a silver medal at the
Richardson Corporate Challenge (Special Olympics), and youth summer tennis camps.
He completed his certification as a Tennis Instructor in 2026 through the RSPA (formerly USPTA)
and looks forward to continuing his tennis coaching education and contributing to human
flourishing at Samuell Grand. His grandsons call him G-Pops. Hit the tops with Coach G-Pops!Cole Whitney retired from corporate America in 2025 to help people improve their health
through tennis. He started playing junior tennis in Chicagoland and continued at the advanced
level in USTA Leagues after moving to Dallas in 1991 with his wife.
His coaching experiences started with fatherhood, which included helping his daughter make
the high school tennis team and helping his son reach TAPPS high school state finals. Cole also
coached several USTA League teams, a corporate tennis team that won a silver medal at the
Richardson Corporate Challenge (Special Olympics), and youth summer tennis camps.
He completed his certification as a Tennis Instructor in 2026 through the RSPA (formerly USPTA)
and looks forward to continuing his tennis coaching education and contributing to human
flourishing at Samuell Grand. His grandsons call him G-Pops. Hit the tops with Coach G-Pops!
(214) 930-5593
Tammy Smith
(Pickleball League & Events Coordinator)
Tammy loves bringing people together through pickleball and creating opportunities for players of all levels to enjoy the game. As the Pickleball League & Events Coordinator at Samuell Grand Tennis & Pickleball Center, Tammy’s goal is to create a variety of programs that give everyone a place to play — from beginner-friendly opportunities and social Pop-Ups to leagues, DUPR play, mixers, and tournament-style events.
Tammy believes pickleball is for everyone, and she enjoys helping players find the experience that’s right for them without feeling like they have to fit into just one category. Whether learning the game, improving skills, meeting new players, or embracing competition, Tammy’s goal is to build a welcoming community where players can learn, connect, and have fun. When she’s not organizing events, Tammy can be found on the court with a paddle in hand, continuing to grow her own game and share her love of pickleball with others.
Cell: 469-594-4662
Tammy loves bringing people together through pickleball and creating opportunities for players of all levels to enjoy the game. As the Pickleball League & Events Coordinator at Samuell Grand Tennis & Pickleball Center, Tammy’s goal is to create a variety of programs that give everyone a place to play — from beginner-friendly opportunities and social Pop-Ups to leagues, DUPR play, mixers, and tournament-style events.
Tammy believes pickleball is for everyone, and she enjoys helping players find the experience that’s right for them without feeling like they have to fit into just one category. Whether learning the game, improving skills, meeting new players, or embracing competition, Tammy’s goal is to build a welcoming community where players can learn, connect, and have fun. When she’s not organizing events, Tammy can be found on the court with a paddle in hand, continuing to grow her own game and share her love of pickleball with others.
Cell: 469-594-4662
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
Brad Shelton
(Pickleball Professional)
Brad grew up in Waxahachie TX and now resides in Midlothian TX. He proudly served in the
United States Marine Corps and now pursues his passion in pickleball and helping others meet
their full potential on the court. Brad was an active tennis player in high school and the skills he
learned has translated well to pickleball.
Brad remains actively involved in the veteran community and proudly engages in competing
alongside fellow veteran service members through Team Semper Fi, Texas Wounded Warrior
Foundation, and other nonprofit events which support the healing of disabled veterans.
Brad is a PPR Level 1 Certified Associate Coach. Brad continues to pursue advanced coaching
education through Level 2 certification, reflecting his belief that great coaches are lifelong
learners.
Whether serving his country, coaching on the pickleball court, mentoring fellow veterans, or
spending time with his family, Brad Shelton remains committed to making a positive impact. His
journey reflects a steadfast dedication to service, leadership, and excellence, inspiring others to
embrace challenges, build meaningful relationships, and pursue lives marked by character,
compassion, and faith.
469-999-8142
Brad grew up in Waxahachie TX and now resides in Midlothian TX. He proudly served in the
United States Marine Corps and now pursues his passion in pickleball and helping others meet
their full potential on the court. Brad was an active tennis player in high school and the skills he
learned has translated well to pickleball.
Brad remains actively involved in the veteran community and proudly engages in competing
alongside fellow veteran service members through Team Semper Fi, Texas Wounded Warrior
Foundation, and other nonprofit events which support the healing of disabled veterans.
Brad is a PPR Level 1 Certified Associate Coach. Brad continues to pursue advanced coaching
education through Level 2 certification, reflecting his belief that great coaches are lifelong
learners.
Whether serving his country, coaching on the pickleball court, mentoring fellow veterans, or
spending time with his family, Brad Shelton remains committed to making a positive impact. His
journey reflects a steadfast dedication to service, leadership, and excellence, inspiring others to
embrace challenges, build meaningful relationships, and pursue lives marked by character,
compassion, and faith.
469-999-8142
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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