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)
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.
Carlos Zambrano
Pickleball Director
Carlos is the Pickleball Director at the Racquet Club of St. Petersburg. Growing up, he played tennis and golf, but in 2021, he discovered his true passion: pickleball. Since then, he has turned that passion into a thriving career, offering private lessons, clinics, and hosting tournaments. Originally from Venezuela, Carlos loves sharing his enthusiasm for the game with others.
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!
Rob Dobbs
Pickleball Professional
Rob is a PPR Certified Pro and one of the founders of the pickleball program at RCSP. He has competed at the Senior Pro level, actively plays in tournaments around the country, and has been a tennis member at the Racquet Club, along with his wife Kerry, for 20+ years. Rob has had a successful career in the investment industry in St.Petersburg, where he and Kerry raised their two boys, Grant and Max.
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.
Mark Gasper
Tennis and Pickleball Professional
Mark began his teaching career while studying Professional Tennis Management at Ferris State University and has since earned elite RSPA certification, spending the past 16 years coaching and running programs at top clubs in the Southwest. He most recently served as a staff professional at Red Rock Country Club in Las Vegas, where he coached junior and adult USTA players who advanced to district and national championships, following seven years as Junior Tennis Director at the Arizona Country Club. Mark loves working with all ages and levels, focusing on strong technique, high energy, and keeping tennis fun. He’s excited to join the St. Petersburg community and bring his experience to RCSP; in his free time, he enjoys golf, sports, and surfing.
Jack Ledford
Tennis Professional
Ed Francis
Pickleball Professional
David Rosales
Pickleball Professional
Angelo Petricone
Pickleball Professional