Meet Our Academy Team

Position
Director of High Performance & Club Manager

João "Jay" Pinho is 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 a RSPA Master Professional who has been working with High Performance players since 2007. An Award winning Professional, he is a two-time Pro 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, as well as Certifications in Biomechanics and Strength & Conditioning. He has been the private Coach of nine Junior National Champions plus a WTA Pro player, and served the Head Coach for Juniors at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for over seven years. 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 both 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 in shaping the player's character and work ethic. 
Academically, Jay has a dual Bachelor in Marketing and Human Resource Management, from Utah State University, an MBA from the University of Toledo, as well as 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, and outside tennis, he is an avid fan of Brazilian soccer and follows Vasco da Gama as his favorite team. Aside from that, he enjoys hiking and National Parks.
 

Contact Information
Office: 908-359-8730 ext. 210
Email: HPDirector@nassautennis.net
Web: www.nextleveltennis.net

Position

Assistant Director of High Performance

Alexander "Sasha" Gamzatov joined Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club as the Assistant Director of High Performance in November, 2024. With a diverse coaching background at the national and international levels, Sasha brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has worked extensively with High Performance players, including his time as a Player Development Coach with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and as a coach for the Russian Tennis Federation. Additionally, Sasha served as the Assistant Coach for Team USA’s Fed Cup squad, where he played an integral role in supporting the team’s performance at the international level.

Throughout his career, Sasha has also worked as a travel coach for USTA players, guiding them at various international tournaments, and as a hitting partner during multiple US Open tournaments, working alongside top-tier professionals. His deep knowledge of the sport and his ability to enhance player performance make him a valuable asset to Nassau’s High Performance program.

Sasha’s coaching philosophy emphasizes both technical development and the mental toughness required for success at the highest levels. He is dedicated to fostering players' growth not only as athletes but also as individuals, instilling the values of discipline and perseverance.

Originally from Russia, Sasha has built a career rooted in a commitment to player development, focusing on shaping complete players and preparing them for success in competitive tennis. He is excited to continue his journey at Nassau Tennis Club, helping players reach their full potential in both their athletic and personal endeavors. When Sasha is not on court, he is often watching soccer, following his favorite team, Juventus. 

Position
High Performance Manager 

Blake Illes is our High Performance Manager, and has been part of our team since 2020. He brings a wealth of coaching experience, specializing in high-performance training for juniors, adults, and competitive athletes - focusing on improving players' technical skills, discipline, and overall game strategy. He has a particular expertise in strategy, footwork, and baseline striking, helping players refine the fundamentals to elevate their on-court performance. Blake is committed to helping players develop not only their technical skills but also their mental approach to the game. Blake's playing background is equally impressive. Rigourous training at IMG Academy and L'Academie de Tennis in Florida propelled his UTR rating to an 11+ and supported his junior USTA National ranking. At Pennsbury High School he was a four-year All-American varsity singles player where he competed as the #1 and #2 player. A four-time All-American, and two year captain, Blake led his team to multiple state tournaments. Blake continues to compete  in USTA Adult Open and prize-money tournaments throughout his career. Off the court, Blake enjoys rooting for Ole Miss Football, traveling and continuing the search for the best espresso bean.

Position
High Performance Coach

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.

Position
High Performance Coach 

William Camper is a High Performance Coach and  joined our team full time in 2024 after working part-time since 2020. As an iTPA Tennis Performance Trainer certified 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.

 Contact Information
Email: nassautennismanager@gmail.com
Web: www.nassautennis.net

Position

High Performance Coach

Kateryna Lopukhina is an accomplished tennis coach who joined Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club as a High Performance Coach in 2024. A teaching pro since 2016, this former NCAA Division I player brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of competitive tennis to her coaching role. She has previously served as a Tennis Pro at several prominent facilities in New Jersey, including Little Silver and Park Avenue, where she developed a reputation for her expertise in player development and her ability to create tailored training programs for athletes of all levels.

With her strong background in both playing and coaching, Kateryna is passionate about helping players reach their highest potential while instilling a love for the game. Her coaching approach is built on a solid foundation of technique, strategy, and mental resilience, honed from her years of experience at the collegiate and professional levels. At Nassau Tennis Club, Kateryna is excited to share her knowledge and help guide the next generation of high-performance athletes toward success both on and off the court.

Position
High Performance Coach 

Amie Villarini has been with Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club since 2008 and is a highly accomplished Teaching Professional and High Performance Coach working with players of all ages and skill levels since 1998. From 2013 to 2021, she served as the Head Coach for Girls Varsity Tennis at Iowa City West High School, where she compiled an impressive 128-21 record, won multiple conference championships, and led her team to consistent state tournament appearances. Recognized for her coaching excellence, Amie was named the National Federation of High School Tennis “Coach of the Year” in 2020 and was honored as Mississippi Valley Conference “Coach of the Year” four times. In addition to her high school coaching, Amie has spent over four years teaching at Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club and ten years at North Dodge Athletic Club, specializing in both adult and junior player development. Amie’s playing career includes competing as a Division I athlete at the University of Northern Iowa, where she played the #2-4 singles and #1-2 doubles positions. She was also a standout at Iowa City West High School, winning the Midlands Open Singles and Doubles Championship in 2012. With a 5.0 NTPR rating, Amie continues to play at a high level, combining her competitive experience with her coaching expertise to help players refine their technique, and develop match strategy. Whether working with high-performance juniors or adult players, Amie is committed to helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court.

Position
High Performance Coach 

Rohit Vadodaria joined Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in 2024 as a Junior and High Performance Instructor, bringing a strong background in competitive tennis and player development. A two-time NJ State High School Championship team member with Montgomery High School, Rohit’s passion for tennis began early and has driven his success both on the court and in coaching. He went on to play at William & Mary College, where he refined his skills and gained invaluable experience at the collegiate level. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Rohit holds a degree in Business Analytics, which adds a strategic dimension to his coaching style. He combines his analytical mindset with a deep understanding of the game to help players reach their full potential. With a focus on technical development, tactical awareness, and mental toughness, Rohit is committed to guiding young athletes through the ranks of junior and high-performance tennis, helping them achieve both personal and athletic success.