Jeff R.

For Me, tennis isn’t just a sport, it’s a way to connect with people, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of the game. Since first picking up a racquet at the age of 7, to competing as a high-level junior and adult player, I have dedicated my career to teaching players of all ages and levels. From 4-year-olds taking their very first swing, to high-performance juniors chasing college scholarships, to adults who want tennis to be their social and competitive outlet. Many of his students have gone on to shine at state, regional, and national levels, but what I value most are the relationships he builds and the joy he sees in each player’s growth. 

My coaching journey has taken him through leadership roles as Director of Junior Tennis at Five Seasons Sports Club, Teaching Professional at Carmel Racquet Club, Assistant Director of Tennis at The Tennis Academy in Charleston and Senior Tennis Professional at the South Barrington Club. Along the way, he has also guided middle and high school teams, USTA teams, and competitive adult leagues to success, earning state, regional, and even national honors.

Before becoming a coach, I built my own foundation as a player. I competed on back-to-back high school state championship teams and sharpened his game at the world-renowned Harry Hopman Academy in Tampa and the NIKE-sponsored academy at Yale University. My playing background gives me a unique perspective when guiding athletes who want to push their limits.

A proud member of the Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA), I am committed to staying at the forefront of coaching and player development. I am the Creator of The Power of Positive Footwork — a coaching framework blending movement and mindset to help players stay prepared, balanced, and intentional. The Power of Positive Footwork has been featured in the RSPA publication, Influential People Magazine, and Inc.com.

I bring not only knowledge, but also warmth, energy, and enthusiasm to every lesson.

My teaching style is personalized to each student, as I believe everyone learns differently and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each lesson builds on the previous one, with a focus on the fundamentals of tennis, including footwork and serving—elements that are often overlooked. I also record most lessons and provide detailed written or emailed notes afterward to reinforce learning. Above all, I am deeply committed to my students' development and to nurturing their love for the sport of tennis.