Teaching Professionals
Our Pro Staff offer expert instruction for all levels of play. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned competitor we can help you to improve your game.
You do not have to be a member to take lessons however we have special non-member rates.
Tennis Lesson Rates
You do not have to be a member to take lessons however we have special non-member rates.
| Private Lessons | $70/$80 |
| Group Lessons (3 People) | $30/$40 |
| Clinics | $20/$30 |
Prices shown are per person, (members/non-members)
Pickleball Lesson Rates
You do not have to be a member to take lessons however we have special non-member rates.
| Private Pickleball Lessons | $70/$80 |
| Group Lessons (3 People) | $30/$40 |
Prices shown are per person, (members/non-members)
Christopher Marquez
Tennis Director
Chris brings more than 25 years of experience as a tennis professional. He oversees all aspects of tennis operations, including league play, member events, tournaments, fundraisers, and social programming. He has extensive experience working with players of all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors, including high-performance juniors, collegiate athletes, and WTA touring professionals.
A graduate of the University of South Florida and a former member of its tennis team, Chris resides in St. Petersburg with his wife and daughter.
Ed Francis
Pickleball Professional
Ed Francis is a PPR Certified Pickleball Professional and the founder of Pinnacore Pickleball. After a successful career in business, he has dedicated himself to helping players of all ages and skill levels discover the joy of pickleball. His coaching focuses on strong fundamentals, smart strategy, building confidence, and creating a fun, welcoming environment where everyone can improve.
Off the court, Ed is a proud grandfather of six, with more on the way. Whether he's coaching clinics, organizing pickleball events and travel experiences, or enjoying a friendly match, his mission is to bring people together through pickleball while inspiring healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.
Anyone want a game?
Patrick Derr
Tennis Professional
Patrick is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Kent State University and played four years at #1 singles earning his degree in speech/communications in 1995. Patrick is USPTA certified. As a high school coach, his Lancaster Catholic High School team was undefeated and state champions. Before relocating to St. Pete, Patrick was the Head Professional of the Princeton Tennis Program in NJ. He instructed thousands of children and adults with a consistent mix of fun, technique, and strategy.
Cristina Pena
Tennis Professional
Cristina was born in Puerto Rico, grew up playing USTA junior tennis in Miami and attended Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in Travel and Tourism Management. During her college summer breaks, she tought kids and juniors at Don Shulas Athletic Club in Miami, where her love of teaching began.
As a lifelong tennis player (started playing at age 4) and former junior USTA champion reaching #10 in the state of Florida, Cristina came back on the tennis court and started teaching at the Racquet Club in 2021, ready to show a new generation how much fun tennis can be!
Evan Holvoet
Tennis Professional
Tennis has been a constant in Evan's life. He grew up in Indiana and his family moved to Florida, where the sport became more serious. Evan developed his game in a highly competitive environment, ultimately winning a state championship at Canterbury. That success led him to compete in Division I tennis at Kennesaw State University, before transferring to Florida State University to finish his undergraduate years. Following college, Evan transitioned into coaching, working at multiple clubs throughout Florida and spending a memorable year in St. Croix sharing his love for the game. Since moving back to St. Petersburg in 2023, Evan has continued to immerse himself in tennis as much as possible, embracing every opportunity to play, teach, and stay connected to the sport that has shaped his journey.
Dillon Early
Tennis Professional
Dillon started playing tennis at age 6 while growing up in Illinois. He spent most of his time competing in tournaments as a child and throughout high school in Illinois and Ohio. He later went to Fairmont State University and where he and his team won conference both years he attended. He began coaching at 18 and quickly realized his passion for tennis extended beyond just playing on the court. He is USPTA Certified and has now been coaching for 9 years. He moved to St. Pete 2022 and began coaching with the Racquet Club of St.Pete in early 2025, and works with all levels of players from beginner to advanced.
Stephen Felman
Tennis Professional
Stephen is from Sarasota, FL and grew up playing USTA junior tournaments and high school tennis. He attended Eckerd College and played on their tennis team all four years while also earning a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Mathematics. He was involved in club tennis at the University of Florida from 2017 to 2019, where he got his graduate degree in Computer Science. While at UF, he coached both juniors and adults at a local club and was also a high school tennis coach. Stephen is a lifelong tennis player from the age of 3 and is a USTA 5.0 rated player who has played in men’s and mixed doubles USTA leagues over the last 10+ years, including attending nationals multiple times.