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Ondrej Nice
(Head Pro)
Ondrej was born and raised in Czech Republic. As a junior, he was ranked top 10 in his age every single year. He began his collegiate tennis career at Seward County CC and later transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree with a major in Kinesiology/Coaching. During his college career, Ondrej won the ITA National Championships in doubles and was named an ITA All-American twice. Ondrej has 7 years of coaching experience and holds a coaching certificate in his country and is a PTR Professional for ages 11-17. Tennis is everything to him and he aims to bring his passion for the game to everyone who crosses his path.
Ondrej was born and raised in Czech Republic. As a junior, he was ranked top 10 in his age every single year. He began his collegiate tennis career at Seward County CC and later transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree with a major in Kinesiology/Coaching. During his college career, Ondrej won the ITA National Championships in doubles and was named an ITA All-American twice. Ondrej has 7 years of coaching experience and holds a coaching certificate in his country and is a PTR Professional for ages 11-17. Tennis is everything to him and he aims to bring his passion for the game to everyone who crosses his path.
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.
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!
Jason Warren
(Tennis Professional)
Jason Warren has been teaching tennis for over 10 years. After getting his start at The Village tennis center in Dallas, he served as head pro at Dallas Athletic Club for 6 years. In 2017 he brought his enthusiasm and love for the game to Samuell - Grand where he serves as the Head Pro/Adult director. Jason has experience working with players of all levels and abilities. He skillfully led several league teams to first place finishes in their division, and also coaches Bishop Lynch High School’s varsity tennis team. Jason has developed programs for both adults and juniors with focus on strategy and the mental aspect of tennis. He is passionate about promoting and growing tennis in the Dallas community. A fierce competitor, Jason was ranked in the top 10 in USTA leagues and took home the championship trophy in the first Masters year end USTA tournament. When he is not on the court teaching, he likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters.
Jason Warren has been teaching tennis for over 10 years. After getting his start at The Village tennis center in Dallas, he served as head pro at Dallas Athletic Club for 6 years. In 2017 he brought his enthusiasm and love for the game to Samuell - Grand where he serves as the Head Pro/Adult director. Jason has experience working with players of all levels and abilities. He skillfully led several league teams to first place finishes in their division, and also coaches Bishop Lynch High School’s varsity tennis team. Jason has developed programs for both adults and juniors with focus on strategy and the mental aspect of tennis. He is passionate about promoting and growing tennis in the Dallas community. A fierce competitor, Jason was ranked in the top 10 in USTA leagues and took home the championship trophy in the first Masters year end USTA tournament. When he is not on the court teaching, he likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters.
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.
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.
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.
Jon Balao
(PickleBall Lead)
If you're looking to improve your pickleball skills and take your game to the next level, Coach Jon can help. Having recently relocated from Orlando to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Coach Jon (PPR certified coach) brings with him more than five years of teaching experience and a unique, fun approach to the game that makes learning enjoyable. With glowing reviews from students, it's clear that Coach Jon has the expertise and knowledge to help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Coach Jon can help you master the fundamentals, improve your existing abilities, and even compete at a higher level. With his guidance, you'll gain the confidence you need to excel in the game and experience the pure joy of playing pickleball. Don't miss out on the opportunity to work with Coach Jon and transform your pickleball game today!
Click here to book your lesson with Coach Jon https://calendly.com/coachjon002
If you're looking to improve your pickleball skills and take your game to the next level, Coach Jon can help. Having recently relocated from Orlando to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Coach Jon (PPR certified coach) brings with him more than five years of teaching experience and a unique, fun approach to the game that makes learning enjoyable. With glowing reviews from students, it's clear that Coach Jon has the expertise and knowledge to help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Coach Jon can help you master the fundamentals, improve your existing abilities, and even compete at a higher level. With his guidance, you'll gain the confidence you need to excel in the game and experience the pure joy of playing pickleball. Don't miss out on the opportunity to work with Coach Jon and transform your pickleball game today!
Click here to book your lesson with Coach Jon https://calendly.com/coachjon002
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
Pete Matter
(PickleBall Professional)
Pete Mätter Grew up playing tennis at Samuel Grand and is happy to return to the community he loves. Pete is a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach, USA PB Member, played 4 yrs. D-1 tennis, USTA Referee, and is the head tennis coach at Cistercian Preparatory in Irving on a seasonal basis.
Pete Mätter Grew up playing tennis at Samuel Grand and is happy to return to the community he loves. Pete is a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach, USA PB Member, played 4 yrs. D-1 tennis, USTA Referee, and is the head tennis coach at Cistercian Preparatory in Irving on a seasonal basis.
Meet Our Team
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