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) | $65 |
| Private Lessons (non-members) | $75 |
| Private Lessons with the Tennis Director (members) | $70 |
| Private Lessons with the Tennis Director (non-members) | $80 |
Shikha Singh
Tennis Director
Shikha joined the staff at the Racquet Club in April 2014. Shikha is USPTA certified and has spent the last twelve years at the St. Pete Tennis Center since his graduation from Eckerd College.
Shikha's homeland is Mumbai, India where he was ranked #1 in the country as a junior. Shikha played professional tennis and also played #1 singles and doubles for four years at Eckerd College where he spearheaded the best winning record in Eckerd history.
Jasa Pohara
Staff Professional
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.
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.
Lauren Burich
Staff Professional
Lauren is originally from Hinsdale, IL and moved to Bradenton, FL when she was 12 years old to pursue tennis at IMG/Bollettieri tennis academy. She spent the next 5 years training before ultimately earning a full-scholarship to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison where she pursued a degree in business and communications.
After college, Lauren coached tennis at the East Bank Club in Chicago, IL before moving to St. Petersburg in 2022. She enjoys working with adults and junior players of various levels.
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.
Elliot Jones
Staff Professional
Elliot hails from Columbus, Ohio, where he was ranked among the top junior players in the midwest. As a tennis instructor for six years at the leading, private racquet club–known for its elite junior tennis program and numerous national USTA Team Tennis wins–he taught junior and adult private lessons, clinics, fitness/cardio classes, and ran USTA tournaments independently. His last year in Ohio, he coached the club’s Advanced 18s Tennis team to win the USTA 2021 Midwest Championship.
Elliot is a graduate of Eckerd College with a B.A. in Human Development and a minor in Leadership. With his psychological knowledge, as well as his passion and insights in physiology and fitness, he brings a unique perspective and motivational coaching style to the tennis players he instructs.
Evan Holvoet
Staff Professional
Evan moved to St. Pete with his family when he was 12 years old. He attended Canterbury School of Florida for High School and won State Championship his senior year.
Evan then accept a scholarship to play Division 1 Tennis at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. After sometime at Kennesaw State University he finished his undergraduate degree at Florida State University.
He has taught at a couple tennis facilities including the St. Petersburg Country Club. He also spent the last year living and teaching on St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands where he worked with some of the Davis Cup players for the Virgin Islands as well as some of the best players in the Caribbean.
Evan have experience working with players of all ages and all levels (from beginners to college and ITF players).