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 (members) | $70 |
| Private Lessons (non-members) | $80 |
| Private Lessons with the Tennis Director (members) | $80 |
| Private Lessons with the Tennis Director (non-members) | $90 |
Pickleball Lesson Rates
You do not have to be a member to take lessons however we have special non-member rates.
| Private Pickleball Lessons (members) | $70 |
| Private Pickleball Lessons (non-members) | $80 |
Jasa Pohara
Head Tennis Pro
Jasa is originally from Croatia. Growing up in Europe he competed actively in playing competitively in Munich, Bosnia and Croatia. He then attended Pinellas Park High as the #1 singles and doubles at the local and state levels. He is a SPC graduate and is pursuing a bachelors of science in sports management. Jasa also worked at the Mc Mullen Tennis Center as a teaching professional before joining the racquet club in 2015. Jasa is USPTA certified and experienced in working with different age groups including children and adults.
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.
Patrick Derr
Staff 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.
Rob Dobbs
Staff 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.
Cristina Johnston
Staff 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!