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    • Our Facility
      • About Us
      • Staff
      • Contact Us
      • Membership
      • Policies and Dates
      • Nassau Tennis Club Blog
      • MTPA
    • For Juniors
      • Junior Group Lessons
      • Junior Summer Camp
      • High Performance Programs
      • Private Tennis Lessons
      • Tennis Birthday Parties
    • For Adults
      • Adult Group Lessons
      • Adult Summer Camp
      • Adult Private Lessons
      • USTA and CNJ Tennis Teams
      • In-House Tennis Leagues
    • Court Time
      • Book Court Time
      • Contract Courts
      • Court Time Policies
    • Pickleball
      • Open Play
      • Pickleball Lessons
    • Login
Nassau Racquet & Tennis Club
  • Home
  • Our Facility
    • About Us
    • Staff
    • Contact Us
    • Membership
    • Policies and Dates
    • Nassau Tennis Club Blog
    • MTPA
  • For Juniors
    • Junior Group Lessons
    • Junior Summer Camp
    • High Performance Programs
    • Private Tennis Lessons
    • Tennis Birthday Parties
  • For Adults
    • Adult Group Lessons
    • Adult Summer Camp
    • Adult Private Lessons
    • USTA and CNJ Tennis Teams
    • In-House Tennis Leagues
  • Court Time
    • Book Court Time
    • Contract Courts
    • Court Time Policies
  • Pickleball
    • Open Play
    • Pickleball Lessons
  • Login

Meet Our Academy Team

Leadership Team

Nassau HPTA Leadership Team is composed of its Director, Joao Pinho, and Manager, Blake Illes. Under the new leadership, the Academy has gone through a significant transformation, resulting in significant change in the ability to develop, retain, and attract the region's best talent. Since its inception, in May of 2024, the program has attracted players of UTR 12+, has produced ITF Champions, as well as players ranked in the top 20 in the country. Very few programs in the country have a leadership team composed of a RSPA and PTR Master Professional, an ICI Professional Coach, and iTPA Certified Fitness Coaches.

João "Jay" Pinho

Position
Director of High Performance & Club Manager

 

João "Jay" Pinho has been our Director of High Performance and Club Manager since 2024. He is on his second stint at Nassau Tennis Club, with the first one going from 2010-2016. As a highly accomplished Coach, he is an RSPA Master Professional who has worked with High-Performance players since 2007. An award- winning professional, he is a two-time Pro of the Year, 2025 USTA Middle States NJ Teaching Professional of the Year, U30 Pro of the Year, and Norman Brammell Service Award Winner with the RSPA Middle States Division. Additionally, Jay holds an extensive array of certifications, including PTR Master of Tennis in Performance, Certified Mental Toughness Specialist, and certifications in Biomechanics and Strength & Conditioning. 

He has been the private Coach of ten Junior National Champions, a WTA Pro player, and served as the Head Coach for Juniors at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for over 7 years. Additionally, he has coached players at the US Open Junior Championships and at ATP Challenger-level events. João’s coaching experience also includes NCAA Division I positions at Princeton University, The University of Toledo, and Utah State University. Furthermore, he has presented at numerous industry conferences, including the two largest conventions in the country, the RSPA World Conference and the PTR International Symposium. His expertise covers all levels of coaching, and he is considered one of the top junior development coaches in the country. 

In addition to his impressive coaching credentials, João has a successful playing background at the Division I NCAA level. He was named Most Valuable Player at Utah State University and earned All-Conference honors in singles, doubles, and academics. João was also a Brazilian National Doubles Champion in the U-18 category and served as a hitting partner at the US Open, working with four Top 20 players. As a leader in the coaching industry, João is committed to helping players reach their full potential. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not only developing a complete player, but also shaping the player's character and work ethic. 

Academically, Jay has a dual Bachelor's in Marketing and Human Resource Management from Utah State University, an MBA from the University of Toledo, a specialization in Sports Marketing & Management from UCLA, and a Director of Racquet Sports Certificate from the University of Florida. João is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When Jay is off the court, he is usually following his favorite Brazilian soccer team, Vasco da Gama, or planning his next hike at a National Park.

 
Office: 908-359-8730 ext. 105
Email: HPDirector@nassautennis.net

Felipe Castellanos

Position
Director of Home School Program 

 

Felipe started at Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in September of 2025 and brings a rare combination of high-level playing experience, academic excellence, and versatile coaching expertise to Nassau Tennis Club. Originally from Colombia, Felipe achieved a peak ITF Junior ranking of #303 and held the country’s #1 junior ranking in the U12, U14, and U16 divisions. He also earned an ATP ranking point in 2017, reflecting his competitive success on the international stage.

Felipe competed in both NCAA Division I and II tennis programs in the U.S., earning partial scholarships at Coastal Carolina University and Rockhurst University, where he represented his schools as a student-athlete and later as a Graduate Assistant Coach. At Coastal Carolina, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA in Economics and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society. He also earned ITA Academic Honors throughout his collegiate career.

Felipe continued his education at Rockhurst University, completing a dual MS in Data Analytics and MBA with a 3.88 GPA, while serving as the Graduate Assistant Coach for both the men's and women’s tennis teams. In this role, he helped coordinate daily practices, match-day coaching, and team travel logistics, gaining valuable experience in both coaching and team management. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Felipe is a passionate educator on and off the court. His academic background includes certifications in data tools such as Python, SQL, R Studio, Tableau, and Power BI, which he has applied in both private sector roles and volunteer positions.

His coaching experience includes multiple summers as a Tennis Assistant Pro at Riverside Yacht Club (CT) and Silver Spring Country Club (CT), where he provided up to 40 private and group lessons per week in both tennis and pickleball. Felipe also played a key role in planning social events and enhancing member engagement, demonstrating his well-rounded ability to connect with players of all ages and levels which will help with his administrative responsibilities at Nassau Tennis Club.

Felipe’s coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability, player development, and strategic thinking—skills he’s refined through years of competitive play and academic research in data analytics, biomechanics, and performance optimization. He brings a modern, analytical perspective to the game, leveraging data and performance metrics to help players improve technically and tactically.

When Felipe is off the court, he enjoys hiking and traveling. 


Office: 908-359-8730 ext. 111
Email: Homeschool@nassautennis.net

Blake Illes

Position
High Performance Manager 

 

Blake Illes has been a part of our team since 2020, serving as our High Performance Manager and bringing over 15 years of coaching experience to our program. He specializes in high-performance training for juniors, adults, and competitive athletes, with a strong emphasis on technical precision, discipline development, and strategic match play.

Blake has worked with multiple top national players, including Blue Chip, 5-Star, and 4-Star ranked juniors, and has helped guide numerous athletes through the recruiting process to Division I, II, and III collegiate programs. In addition to developing elite juniors, Blake has led thousands of adult clinics and private lessons, demonstrating his ability to coach effectively across all levels of the game.

His areas of expertise include strategy development, footwork efficiency, and baseline striking—refining the fundamentals that elevate overall on-court performance. Blake is equally committed to strengthening the mental side of the game, helping players build resilience, focus, and competitive confidence under pressure.

Blake’s playing credentials underscore his high-performance background. He holds a 11.36 UTR singles rating and an 11.44 UTR doubles rating, ranking among the top 1,600 players in the United States and top 7,000 players worldwide. He also maintains a 5.5 USTA rating and continues to compete in USTA Adult Open and prize-money tournaments.

His rigorous training at IMG Academy and L’Académie de Tennis in Florida propelled his junior UTR above 11 and supported his USTA National ranking. At Pennsbury High School, Blake was a four-year varsity singles player competing in the #1 and #2 positions. A four-time All-American and two-year captain, he led his team to multiple state tournament appearances.

Blake holds professional coaching certifications and remains committed to ongoing development in training methodology and player performance. Off the court, Blake enjoys cheering on Ole Miss football, traveling, and continuing his search for the perfect espresso bean.


Office: 908-359-8730 ext. 111
Email: Hpmanager@nassautennis.net

Benjamin Tauber

Position
Assistant Director of High Performance  After School Programs


Benjamin Tauber started at Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in December of 2024 and is a highly skilled tennis coach since 2015 who brings a wealth of expertise to his role as High Performance Coach at Nassau Tennis Club. Benjamin has honed his skills both on and off the court, leading to his career as a NCAA Division I player. He has further developed his coaching abilities through notable positions at premier tennis facilities, including his time as a Tennis Pro at the USTA National Campus in Florida and at a prestigious country club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Benjamin's coaching philosophy is rooted in his own competitive experiences, allowing him to connect with players of all levels and help them elevate their game. His comprehensive understanding of high-level tennis training, coupled with a deep commitment to player development, makes him an ideal fit to lead Nassau Tennis Club’s high-performance program. Known for his strategic approach and emphasis on both technique and mental toughness, Benjamin is dedicated to helping players reach their full potential while fostering a passion for the sport. When Ben isn't on court, he is usually reading or engaging in other sports.


Office: 908-359-8730 ext. 111
Email: Hpassistant@nassautennis.net

Professional Team

Nassau HPTA Coaches not only have significant experience as players, with several of them being former NCAA DI players, but have also coached at some of the most successful facilities in the country, including the USTA National Campus. Additionally, we have attracted a diverse group of individuals, with many having strong ties with the program, as former players. Under the tutelage of our Leadership Team, out Professional Team play a vital role within our Academy.

William Camper

William Camper

William Camper

Position
Tennis Professional


William Camper is a High Performance Coach and  joined our team full time in 2024 after working part-time since 2020. As an RSPA Certified Elite Professional and iTPA Certified Fitness coach, William specializes in footwork, coordination, and serving, developing athletes from all levels through a technical appr

Position
Tennis Professional


William Camper is a High Performance Coach and  joined our team full time in 2024 after working part-time since 2020. As an RSPA Certified Elite Professional and iTPA Certified Fitness coach, William specializes in footwork, coordination, and serving, developing athletes from all levels through a technical approach. William’s coaching philosophy emphasizes precision, movement, and technique, with a particular focus on refining fundamentals to help players reach their full potential. Known for his expertise in doubles, he guides players in developing effective team strategies, communication, and synergy on the court.
A standout player in his own right, William played a pivotal role in Montgomery High School’s Tournament of Champions and Team State Championship titles in 2017 and 2018. He was crowned the New Jersey Individual State Doubles Champion in 2018 and earned Somerset County 1st Team All-State honors that same year. William continued playing tennis at the University of Richmond, where he served as the Club Tennis Captain from 2020 to 2022. Combining his competitive experience with his coaching expertise, William looks to develop individual player's technical skills and physical fitness to achieve on-court success. William has been involved with Nassau his entire life, and outside of the tennis club he is an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, continuously looks to sharpen his cooking skills, and enjoys scuba diving.

Jeff Castera

William Camper

William Camper

Position
Tennis Professional 

 

Jeff Castera has been with Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club since 2021 and is a USPTR Certified Professional with extensive teaching experience since 2010 working with adults, juniors, and high-performance players. Having spent several years at Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club, he has developed a versatile coachi

Position
Tennis Professional 

 

Jeff Castera has been with Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club since 2021 and is a USPTR Certified Professional with extensive teaching experience since 2010 working with adults, juniors, and high-performance players. Having spent several years at Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club, he has developed a versatile coaching style that caters to players ranging from beginners to competitive athletes. Jeff’s coaching emphasizes point building, strategy, and mental toughness, focusing on personalized attention and goal-setting to help players develop a well-rounded game and boost their confidence on the court. Jeff's playing background includes a standout career at MCCC, where he achieved an impressive 37-5 season record in 2012. 

As an undergraduate, he earned 2nd Team Regional All-American honors and finished 4th nationally in singles. His competitive experience, paired with his coaching expertise, enables him to connect with students on both a technical and strategic level, providing valuable insights for players of all levels who are looking to improve or pursue competitive success. 

When Jeff is off the court, he can usually be found on the basketball court or in the gym.

Justin Chong

William Camper

Justin Chong

Position
Tennis Professional


Justin Chong is a former student-athlete who has been instructing at Nassau since 2025. He played for the Old Bridge High School tennis team, where he contributed to the team’s success as a finalist in the Greater Middlesex County Tournament. A former NYU Varsity Tennis Team member, his dedication to the sport 

Position
Tennis Professional


Justin Chong is a former student-athlete who has been instructing at Nassau since 2025. He played for the Old Bridge High School tennis team, where he contributed to the team’s success as a finalist in the Greater Middlesex County Tournament. A former NYU Varsity Tennis Team member, his dedication to the sport earned him a highest UTR of 10.6 and recognition as a 4-star recruit. Justin brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of competitive tennis to his coaching role.

Justin's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a finance concentration from the renowned NYU Stern School of Business. His education has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to excel in the business world, with a focus on finance. His competitive spirit and academic accomplishments continue to drive his pursuit of success in both sports and business.

When Justin is not on the court, he is either cycling or learning about up and coming tennis equipment. 

Juan Hamdan

Gabriel Knowles

Justin Chong

Position
Tennis Professional


Juan Hamdan has been with Nassau since 2018 and is a former professional tennis player from Mexico who has built a distinguished career coaching players of all levels in New Jersey. With decades of experience in the sport including; being D1 University of Nebraska player, ATP ranking points, ITF silver and gold

Position
Tennis Professional


Juan Hamdan has been with Nassau since 2018 and is a former professional tennis player from Mexico who has built a distinguished career coaching players of all levels in New Jersey. With decades of experience in the sport including; being D1 University of Nebraska player, ATP ranking points, ITF silver and gold medalist and current national USTA Player 40+ - Juan combines a deep understanding of tennis with a passion for mentoring and developing talent. Having competed at the highest levels, Juan brings invaluable insight into technique, strategy, and mental toughness, helping athletes reach their full potential. Today, Juan is known for a coaching style that emphasizes discipline, motivation, and personalized training, fostering both technical skills and a love for the game. 

When Juan isn't on the court he is often reading or traveling. 

Marc Hill

Gabriel Knowles

Gabriel Knowles

Position
Tennis Professional


Marc Hill returns to Nassau as a Tennis Professional 2025 and brings over two decades of elite coaching experience to the court. Mentored by one of the top developmental and ATP/WTA coaches in the U.S., as well as the former Head of the ITF World Coaches' Commission, Marc has dedicated his professional life to 

Position
Tennis Professional


Marc Hill returns to Nassau as a Tennis Professional 2025 and brings over two decades of elite coaching experience to the court. Mentored by one of the top developmental and ATP/WTA coaches in the U.S., as well as the former Head of the ITF World Coaches' Commission, Marc has dedicated his professional life to the development of high-level junior players and the advancement of coaching excellence.

Throughout his career, Marc has successfully developed over 100 nationally ranked juniors, including 26 who reached Top 25 National rankings, 43 who achieved #1 sectional rankings, and 2 who broke into the ITF Top 20 worldwide. His deep commitment to player development extends nationally, serving as a Team USA National Faculty Coach and Lead Coach for USTA Sectional Camps. Additionally, Marc chairs the High Performance Coaches’ Commission for the USTA Middle States Section and actively collaborates with many of the country’s most respected coaching professionals. He is also a mentor to numerous high-performance development coaches across the nation. 

His coaching philosophy is centered around a disciplined, detail-oriented approach that emphasizes strong fundamentals, efficient movement, and intelligent, situational play. Through purposeful, high-volume repetition, players under Marc’s guidance learn to “execute the basics extremely well” while building the mental and physical foundation needed for long-term success.

As a player, Marc was ranked #1 in the USTA Middle States Section across four age divisions and went on to become a two-time All-American at The College of New Jersey. He later competed on the Pro Circuit, reaching an ITF Professional National Ranking of #168.

Marc also brings a strong academic and athletic performance background, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Sport Science with extensive study in Kinesiology and Biomechanics. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and holds additional certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He is also a certified K–12 Health and Physical Education teacher.

When Marc is off the court, he can usually be found spending time with family or enjoying nature. 

Gabriel Knowles

Gabriel Knowles

Gabriel Knowles

Position
Tennis Professional

 

Gabriel Knowles joined Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in 2026 and brings a combination of Division I playing experience, high-performance coaching, and program leadership to our staff. Most recently he served as the Lead Pro across High Performance, Green, Orange, Red Ball, and Adult Programming at Legacy Yout

Position
Tennis Professional

 

Gabriel Knowles joined Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in 2026 and brings a combination of Division I playing experience, high-performance coaching, and program leadership to our staff. Most recently he served as the Lead Pro across High Performance, Green, Orange, Red Ball, and Adult Programming at Legacy Youth Tennis & Education in Philadelphia. Gabriel has also served as a Team USA Coach for three consecutive years (2024, 2025, 2026), leading Junior Team USA training camps, and traveling with players to regional and national tournaments throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Gabriel's coaching philosophy centers on long-term athlete development — pairing technical instruction with structure, accountability, and mentorship. At Legacy he managed the Excellence Program's practice structure, academic tracking, and individual player development systems, and he is the founder and former director of the Legacy College Pathway Team (LCPT), a program built to guide junior players through the college recruiting process. Prior to that, he spent nearly eight years as a Staff Professional at Northwood Racquet Club in Easton, PA.

A four-year NCAA Division I student-athlete at Howard University, Gabriel captained the Howard Men's Tennis team and competed on an athletic scholarship. He was a three-time ITA All-Academic Scholar Athlete (2021, 2023, 2024) a three-time Dean's List honoree, and he served as Co-President of Howard's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. As the program's Community Outreach Administrator, he built partnerships with Washington, D.C. schools and organizations, organizing youth clinics, school visits, and service events.

Gabriel earned his B.A. in Political Science and African American Studies from Howard University in 2024, and also completed a legal internship with the City of Bethlehem. He speaks English and Swahili, and off the court he stays involved in youth mentorship and community programming.

Bruno Maguino

Bruno Maguino

Bruno Maguino

Position
Tennis Professional 


Bruno Maguino has been part of the Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club coaching team since 2022. He brings a performance‑driven approach to every session, specializing in footwork, conditioning, and ball‑striking development for players of all ages and levels.

Bruno holds multiple industry‑recognized certifications,

Position
Tennis Professional 


Bruno Maguino has been part of the Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club coaching team since 2022. He brings a performance‑driven approach to every session, specializing in footwork, conditioning, and ball‑striking development for players of all ages and levels.

Bruno holds multiple industry‑recognized certifications, including, a PTR Level 2 Tennis Professional certification, and he is an iTPA certified Tennis Performance Trainer. His diverse training background allows him to blend technical instruction with athletic development, helping players build strong foundations while pushing their physical and mental growth on the court.

Known for his enthusiasm and upbeat coaching style, Bruno creates an engaging environment where athletes feel motivated, supported, and challenged. His sessions emphasize proper movement patterns, efficient mechanics, and confidence‑building, all while fostering a genuine love for the game.

Whether he’s working with competitive juniors or adult players looking to elevate their skills, Bruno brings passion, expertise, and an infectious energy that inspires athletes to reach their potential.

Off of the court Bruno enjoys cooking, playing board games, and trying new sports. 

Dylan Tsague

Bruno Maguino

Bruno Maguino

Position
Tennis Professional 


Dylan Tsague has been with Nassau since 2024 and is a PTR Certified Professional. Dylan began his coaching career in New Jersey, where he served as a Tennis Coach and Hitting Partner at Advantage Tennis from 2016 to 2018. There, he worked collaboratively with a team of coaches to evaluate player skill levels, 

Position
Tennis Professional 


Dylan Tsague has been with Nassau since 2024 and is a PTR Certified Professional. Dylan began his coaching career in New Jersey, where he served as a Tennis Coach and Hitting Partner at Advantage Tennis from 2016 to 2018. There, he worked collaboratively with a team of coaches to evaluate player skill levels, guide youth and adult clinics, and support athletes during practices and match play. 

From 2018 to 2019, Dylan joined Warren Racquet Club as a Tennis Professional. He played an integral role in designing and leading both individual and summer group training programs for more than 50 players between the ages of 5 and 17. 

Dylan’s most recent position was at Long Tennis Academy in San Jose, California, where he continued to expand his expertise from 2021 to 2023 as an Assistant Tennis Coach. There, he directed fun yet intensive training sessions focused on building endurance and consistency for high-performance juniors. He also supported recruiting efforts, co-coordinated the Under-10 developmental program, and contributed to fostering a highly focused, communicative, and enjoyable training environment for both players and staff. 

Known for his ability to connect with players of all ages and developmental stages, Dylan emphasizes fundamentals, athletic movement, and character growth—teaching young athletes not only how to compete but how to thrive. 

Academically, Dylan holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Rutgers University–New Brunswick, a testament to his analytical thinking, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to personal excellence.

When Dylan is off the court, he likes to go Afro-Latino dancing. 

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