Meet Our Team

1929 - 2006

Position
Founder 

Hometown
Christiansburg, VA 

Coaching Background

  Adult and Junior Clinics and Private Lessons

 Author: Tennis a Manual of the Game & Sport 

Playing Background
High School Varsity

College Varsity

Amateur Championship circuit Academic Background
Christiansburg High School, Christiansburg, VA

Emory and Henry College, BA, Emory, VA

Virginia Polytechnical Institute, MA, Blacksburg, VA

Position
President

Hometown
Belle Mead, NJ

Coaching Background

Adult and Junior Clinics and Private Lessons

USPTA member 25 years

3-time USTA Jr Team Tennis Coach of Nassau team:  Districts, Sectionals, Nationals

Playing Background
USTA Junior Tournaments

Varsity High School Team

University Club Team

USTA Adult Leagues

Academic Background
Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ

(BA) in Economics, University of Virginia

UVa Executive Management Series

Contact Info
Email: nassautennis@gmail.com
Web: www.nassautennis.net

Position
COO & Office Manager

 Hometown
Belle Mead, NJ

Coaching Background

Adult and Junior Clinics and Private Lessons

PPR Certified Pickleball instructor

USTA Team Captain

Playing Background
High School Varsity team

University of Richmond Varsity team

USTA District, Sectional and National teams

USTA District and Sectional Junior tournaments

Academic Background
Montgomery High School, Skillman, NJ

(BSBA) in Accounting, University of Richmond

CPA, CFA

Contact Info

Email: Leagues@nassautennis.net
Web: www.nassautennis.net

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
Director of Junior Development Programs 

Starting his teaching career in 1986, Seth Miller began his Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club journey in 2004 and has become an experienced Director of Junior Development Programs with over 30 years of coaching experience . A USPTA Certified Professional and CPR Trained & Certified coach, Seth has played a pivotal role in developing elite junior players, including Josh Cohen, the former #1 junior player in the U.S., and Julia Cohen, a former top 100 player on the WTA Tour. He has also mentored Hillary Mintz, a former #1 player at the University of Iowa. Known for his ability to guide players in all facets of their development—technical skills, strategy, physical conditioning, and mental toughness—Seth helps athletes excel on both the national and international tennis circuits. In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Seth has had a distinguished competitive career. He was a Men’s 25s National Indoor Finalist, the youngest adult to win the Silver Ball in 1994, and has held the top spot in Middle States Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Seth also achieved a #7 singles ranking in the Middle States in 2000. His coaching philosophy centers on developing the whole player, designing personalized programs that leverage individual strengths while addressing areas for improvement. With his extensive experience and proven success, Seth remains a leading figure in junior tennis development, inspiring players to reach their highest potential both on and off the court. When Seth isn't on court, he can be found supporting his favorite football team, the Philly Eagles!

Office: 908-359-8730 ext. 120
Email: JrDirector@nassautennis.net
Web: www.nassautennis.net

Position
Director of Adult Development Programs 

Tony Pizzuli began his teaching career in 1997 and started with Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in 2013. A seasoned Director of Adult Development Programs with over 25 years of coaching experience and USPTA Certified Professional, Tony has worked with players of all ages and skill levels, with a special focus on adult tennis development. He has designed and led numerous camps and programs at top tennis clubs, including Little Silver Racquet Club, Westfield Indoor and Outdoor Tennis Club, and Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club, where he has coached for over 10 years. Tony's coaching philosophy emphasizes creating a supportive and motivating environment, helping adult players enhance their skills while enjoying the game, whether for fitness or competition. Tony’s playing background includes a Division 1 tennis scholarship at the University of Hartford, where he played a key role in his team’s success, including a North American Conference Championship in 1996. He was also highly ranked in the Eastern Tennis Association as a junior and competed in the Australian Satellite Circuit in 1997. With his extensive coaching experience and competitive background, Tony excels at customizing programs to meet the unique needs of adult players, helping them build confidence and improve their game through personalized instruction and strategic play. His passion for tennis and talent for creating engaging, results-driven programs make him a highly valued coach in the adult tennis community.

Email: AdultDirector@nassautennis.net
Web: www.nassautennis.net

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

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
Assistant Director of Junior Programs

Jay Thomas is a committed tennis instructor with extensive experience coaching adults, juniors, and high-performance players. Having spent several years at Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club, he has built a reputation for his skill in customizing lessons to meet each student's individual needs. Specializing in areas like the serve and two-handed backhand, Jay focuses on solid technique, consistency, and court strategy, helping students make meaningful progress while enjoying their tennis journey.

With a background that includes playing for the Hillsborough High School Varsity Team and competing in adult USTA league play, Jay blends his competitive experience with his coaching expertise to help players improve both technically and strategically. Whether coaching beginners or advanced athletes, his patient and motivating approach offers the support players need to reach their tennis goals. When Jay is not on court, he is often making music or playing video games. 

Position

Assistant Director of Adult Programs 

Bennett Kelley is an experienced Assistant Adult Director who began his second stint with Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in 2021. Since 2010, he has worked with players of all ages, focusing on juniors aiming for national rankings and adults looking to enhance their game. Prior to working at Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club, Bennett coached at the Pennsbury Racquet Club in Morrisville, PA, and the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, SC, where he refined his skills working with nationally ranked juniors. A member of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Bennett combines technical proficiency with a strong understanding of match play and mental toughness, helping players excel both on and off the court. Bennett's competitive playing background includes impressive performances both in high school at Hopewell Valley Central High School and at the collegiate level with the University of Scranton, where he earned Landmark Conference First-Team Doubles honors in 2012 and Second-Team Doubles honors in 2010. His playing experience enhances his coaching, allowing him to teach both technique and the mental and strategic aspects of high-level tennis. Whether you're a junior striving for national rankings or an adult looking to improve your game, Bennett's expertise offers personalized guidance to help you reach your full potential. When Bennett is not on the court he is usually at the gym or planning his next concert trip. 

Position
Controller & High Performance Coach 

William Camper is a High Performance Coach and our Controller. He 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 earned his B.S.B.A in Finance and Entrepreneurship Management from the University of Richmond in 2022. After graduating, William worked as a consultant, specializing in accounting and finance for small businesses, and later in Financial Planning & Analysis for a large global advisory firm. 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
Director of Communications & Tennis Professional 

Tim Kameraj joined Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in 2023 and is a PTR Certified Professional, working with players of all ages and skill levels since 2010. In addition to his tennis instruction, Tim has served as a Tennis-Specific Fitness Coach at Rutgers University, where he designed fitness programs to improve strength, agility, and endurance for the tennis team. This unique blend of tennis expertise and fitness knowledge creates a holistic approach to player development, emphasizing both technical skills and physical conditioning. He customizes lessons to address individual needs, focusing on stroke development, footwork, and mental focus, helping players unlock their full potential. A standout player in high school, Tim served as the Varsity Team Captain for Spotswood High School in 2011. He continues to compete in USTA Sectional League play, maintaining a high level of performance and gaining valuable competitive experience. With his strong coaching background and extensive playing experience, Tim is committed to helping players of all levels enhance their skills and reach their tennis goals, whether for enjoyment, fitness, or competition. When Tim isn't on court he is usually enjoying a relaxing cup of tea and closely following his favorite soccer team, AS Roma. 

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 Division I NCAA 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 

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.

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
Tennis Professional 

Kari Nicol started teaching at Nassau Racquet and Tennis Club in 2022 and is a committed tennis instructor with experience as a multi-site camp coach in Somerset County, NJ, and two years of teaching at Nassau Tennis Club. Specializing in junior and adult development, Kari customizes her coaching to suit players of all levels, from beginners to intermediates. She focuses on essential areas such as fitness, footwork, and technique, while also prioritizing confidence-building and proper form. With an adaptable and fun coaching style, Kari makes tennis enjoyable while consistently challenging students to improve. In addition to her teaching experience, Kari has competed in numerous USTA District tournaments and USTA Sectional league play. Her firsthand experience in high-level competition enhances her ability to help students refine their skills and develop a more strategic approach to the game. Kari’s combination of competitive experience and coaching expertise enables her to effectively guide players of all levels in achieving their tennis goals. When Kari isn't on court, she could be found engaging in one of her other hobbies that include skiing, hiking, wind surfing, airplane pilot, and cycling.

Position
Tennis Professional 

Andrew Wapowski is a Certified Professional with the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and has over 25 years of coaching experience. Since 1999, Andrew has been a sought-after instructor for both beginners and adults, adapting his teaching to meet each player's unique needs. His coaching philosophy emphasizes strong technical fundamentals, athletic development, and mental toughness all while maintaining a positive, and encouraging environment to help players build confidence and refine their skills. Andrew's playing background includes an impressive career as the #1 singles player for Franklin High School in Philadelphia, where he posted an impressive 60-9 record and won the City League Singles and Doubles Championships in 1987 and 1988. He went on to reach the Quarterfinals at the 1988 PIAA State Championship and continued his playing career competing in events such as the Fairmont Park Charity Doubles (2001) and the New Jersey 35s Team Championship (2010). His extensive competitive experience provides him with unique insights into the mental and technical aspects of the game, which he incorporates into his teaching approach.