All of our head coaches are full time, experienced Tennis Australia Professionals. Each has a
strong tennis background and a warm, friendly and energetic approach.
Director,
Head Coach, TACM, USTPA-1, President TCAV, B.Ed.
Head Professional Peter Owen's tennis career began
with successful junior performances at State and National level, including selection
in Victoria's Linton Cup Squad. Peter represented universities in both Tennessee
and Texas in NCAA Division 1 and NAIA respectively, and later played the U.S. and European Professional
Tennis Circuit.
Peter has been active in tennis coaching for the past 20 years, including positions
in many clubs throughout Victoria. His international experience includes coaching
at various John Newcombe Tennis Centres throughout the U.S., and also the prestigious
Century Country Club in New York.
Peter's qualifications include a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education
and a Diploma of Tennis Coaching. Peter is a registered member of Tennis Coaches
Victoria, Tennis Australia Coach Membership and is also
a registered member of the United States Professional Tennis Association at the
highest level.
Peter has served as President of Tennis Coaches Australia Victoria for almost two years and has seen it through a very challenging period with the restructuring of Tennis Australia. Peter has also been appointed to the Tennis Australia National Coach Advisory Group.
He is also a Director of Kanga Tennis Tours International and Camp X Multi-Sport
Camps, and continues to attend many international conferences to ensure his students
receive the latest training methods.
Peter won a bronze and gold medal in the 2002 World Masters Games in singles
and doubles respectively and was awarded Tennis Victoria Veterans Tennis Series
“Player of the Year” for 2004.
Peter established Toptenn to provide professional
tennis coaching and an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the lifetime game of
tennis.
Natalie Bacon
(Administrator, Coach, Junior teams Coordinator)
Natalie is Toptenn's office administrator, qualified as a TCV
and Tennis Australia Club Professional and is actively involved in the Toptenn Pro-Shop. She also coordinates and
coaches brilliantly in our fun-filled Aussie Mozzie and TA Hot Shot programs and does a fantastic job in ensuring that all
the kids have a great time.
Nickname: Nat Attack
Tristan Harper
Tristan is a TCV Advanced Coach who recently graduated 3rd highest in all of Victoria. Tristan is also registered with Tennis Australia Coach Membership as a Club Professional and returned from study in the US to achieve his United States Professional Tennis Association qualification. Recently, Tristan compiled a 96 week coaching program for the Development Stage (Radicals), Encouragement Stage (Extremes), Enhancement Stage (Prestiges) and Cultivation Stage (Prestige +). This includes technical and tactical components, awards and student reports. In 2004 Tristan graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Disability Studies. Tristan is the ultimate tennis professional. His knowledge of the game, history and products is second to none.
Twistie is the Head Coach of the Burwood Tennis Club, and coordinates all Hotshots Group, Team Toptenn, private and adult coaching programmes. He also works in our ProShop and is our #1 restringer stringing approximately 1000 racquets in a year. Tristan is a former TopTenn student who was awarded Player of the Year in 1997.
Nickname: Twistie
Peter Campbell
Has worked as Senior Tennis Coach at David Lloyd
Leisure Ltd in Raynes Park London and as a hitting partner for players competing
at Wimbeldon. Peter has also held positions in Damascus Syria (working with the
Syrian Davis Cup team) in Durban South Africa and a Tennis Hotel Wolfgangsea
in Austria. He is a very accomphished tennis player and holds a degree in Commerce
and Pschology. He is a member of United States Professional Tennis Registry.
Peter is heavily involved with our elite player programmes.
Nickname: Pistol Pete
NEW
Stephen Kangwa
Toptenn is thrilled to welcome Stephen Kangwa to the coaching team. Stephen has recently moved from New York with wife Kara (formerly from Burwood Tennis Club) where he was the tennis director at the V.I.P. Beach and Racquet Club. Stephen is a a member of United States Professional Tennis Association as a Pro 1 and has degrees in Behavioural Science and Business Administration. As a former ATP Tour player and Captain of the Zambian Davis Cup Team he brings alot of skill and experience to our team. Stephen has also been working closely with the Scotch 1st tennis team. The boys have come along in leaps and bounds with him on board.
Nickname: Kangles
Hamish Clark
Hamish works extensively in the pro shop with Chief administrator Natalie and behind our coaching enquiries desk. That is where you will hear his happy voice! Before this Hamish
was, and still is, a member of Toptenn's Head Coaching Team. Hamish is a Tennis Australia Coach and has a degree in Health Promotion. Later in the year Hamish is returning
to study to complete a diploma in primary teaching. Hamish has a passion for people and tennis making him your 1 stop shop for all your Toptenn Questions.
Nickname: Hey...Mish!
Steph Gadsden
Steph recently completed the TCV Development Coaching Course and is recognised by Tennis Australia as a Junior Development Coach.
Stephanie conducts group and squad programmes at Holy Trinity, Surrey Hills and
Burwood Tennis Clubs. She also assists in the Pro-Shop and is one of our competent
re-stringers . Steph is a former TopTenn student who was awarded Player
of the Year in 1999.
Nickname: Stepho!
Lisa Simpson
Lisa is bright and passionate inclusion to our experienced and diverse coaching team. Lisa had been coaching at the Yaarbat Tennis Centre in Balwyn, but has moved across to Toptenn to become a full time professional. Lisa has taken the Tennis Australia Junior Development Course and is presently coaching at Canterbury Baptist TC, Burwood TC, Scotch College, and conducting the junior Club night at North Kew TC. Lisa is working closely with the Camberwell Grammar School Teams. Amazingly Lisa not only shares a name with the famous TV character, she was also born on the same day and believe it or not our Lisa plays the saxophone!!! Spooky
Nickname: Everybody Love's Lisa
Stuart McCracken
Stuart, the Wangaratta Wizard, is a Tennis Australia Development Coach and is now studying to become a Club Professional Coach. Before moving to Melbourne Stuart was a head coach at the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club working alongside and learning from some of tennis' relics. Stu was also the club champion thanks to his bazooka serving and trusty serve & volley game.
Stu is one of our most popular coaches among junior students because of his warm, friendly and outgoing nature. He fits the mould of the friendly tennis school perfectly and all of Stuart's students enjoy themselves while learning a lot about the game in a positive environment. Stu's students always leave with a smile on their face. Currently, Stuart is coaching at Aqualink Box Hill where he is King of the Kids on Saturday morning, Bluebell Hill, Burwood, St. Thomas and Deepdene. He is the Head coach of Holy Trinity in Surrey Hills.
Nickname: Stu-bacca!
Shane Dunn
In late 2008 Toptenn was thrilled to meet and acquire Shane Dunn - a Tennis Australia Development Coach. Like Stuart, Shane is now studying to become a Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach. Shane moved to Toptenn from Action Indoor Sports Centers (a wise move) where he worked closely with teams and children of all ages to encourage fun, teamwork, sportsmanship, stragegy and development. Shane was also a head coach in the Yarra Valley region where he ran lessons at Coackatoo, Emrald, Belgrave, Ferntree Gully and was the main man at Seville. Shane is an excellent communicator and has worked hard to help many Toptenn students to strengthen their game with technique and tactics. Shane is coaching at Burwood, Deepdene, St. Thomas and Aqualink.
Nickname: Dunny
Nick Gissing
Tennis Australia Junior Development Coach Nick Gissing is Mr.
Toptenn. Nick shows unwavering dedication and passion to tennis
and teaching and strives to make every lesson more fun and more informative than the last. Nick was coaching in his hometown of Albury before moving to Melbourne to study Sports Coaching at Deakin University. He has the extraordinary ability to relate to all age groups. He is a very friendly, intelligent and approachable figure at Toptenn. Nick is the ultimate role model and is the Head coach at Aqualink Box Hill. As an Essendon supporter he already has a bright future.
Nickname: Mr. Tennis
Christine Oltvay
Christine came to Toptenn half way through 2008 and made an instant impression on the Toptenn Team and Toptenn students.
Her enthusiasm and energy make her lessons engaging and motivates students to learn. Christine is now the head of Toptenn's Aussie Mozzie Coaching Program. Prior to Toptenn Chrissy was involved in the mum and toddler mornings at the Greensborough Tennis Club and the Australian Open child entertainment program FanFest. Chrissy's passion for tennis shows in her work as a court services officer at the Australian Open and her misplaced love for Lleyton Hewitt and Raf Nadal. At the moment Christine is also a part time student studing arts-law. Christine is an excellent role model for all Toptenn students.
Nickname: Control Olt Delete!
Josh Sakaraessen
Josh has done a wonderful job taking over from Matt during his international travels. Josh is a TCA Development Coach and with his acting background is excellent entertainment and fun for the kids. Josh is also taking the Adult Nights at Deepdene and North Kew and the notorious Wednesday Ladies at Aqualink! Josh has just returned from LA pursuing an acting career and coaching at UCLA to support this ridiculous habit!
Oliver Hay
Oliver comes to Toptenn knowing the winning formula after
being the tennis captain of a very successful scotch tennis team. He worked closely with the boys on the team as a motivator and leader. Ollie is great with the kids and is able to put concepts and ideas into a language and imagery they can understand. He is very outgoing and is helping the Tuesday Deepdene students to boost tennnis by developing match winning strategies.
Gareth Taylor
Gareth has been involved with Toptenn both as a gifted and loyal student and also as a member of our coaching team working predominantly from Deepdene. He is a fully qualified personal trainer and is currently furthering hid education at University.
Nickname: G-Force
Ryan Wood (Toptenn Toorak)
Ryan Wood, a former nationally ranked junior, is an accomplished tennis player playing Grade 1 Victorian Tennis Series Pennant for Grace Park. Ryan is currently coaching at Deepdene Tennis Club and we look forward to more involvement from Ryan in thr future. His father Steve is the CEO of Tennis Australia and a member of the all-conquering Burwood Tennis Club Dream Team.
Nickname: Rhyno
Former Coaches
Steven Kavanagh
Steven 'Stretch' Kavanagh was one of Toptenn's longest and tallest standing coaches. Late in 2008 Strectcha moved to London following in the footsteps of Toptenn's legendary Matt Sunter. Stretch weaved his country magic and was quick to establish a head coaching position. All the best Stretch, and we speak on behalf of all Toptenn's staff and students in saying thankyou for the memories.
Andrew Hardeman
Andrew began learning tennis with Peter at Toptenn at age 6 at Scotch College. Andrew then went on to captain the Scotch Firsts. Through talent, hard work and persistence he developed into a nationally ranked junior. Toptenn is very excited to have Andrew back on our coaching team
Fernando Sanchez Montoya
Fernando was born in Chile and has played tennis all over South America participating in Futures annd Challenger qualifying tournaments. Fernando is completing his Tennis Australia Junior Development Coaching Course as he continues to accumulate qualifications and experience from around the world.
Currently in Australia studing Sports Management at Deakin, Fernando holds South American Coaching Qualifications and is dedicated to the sport. It is worth noting tthat Fernando is the cousin of Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo. Fernando is currently coaching on the Toptenn Team at Burwood, Scotch, Deepdene, and Aqualink.
Terence Zegerink
Terrence adds more international flavour to our multi-cultural team. He was born in South Africa and is Dutch/South African. He played as the number 1 Tennis player at Saint Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He was also a state junior representative tennis player in South Africa. He has also undertaken a coaching course at University and has coached in Tumbridge Wells, United Kingdom. His favourite player is Stefan Edberg. Terrence is currently completing his Tennis Australia Junior Development Coach certificate.
Nickname: "Terry Towling"
Anthony Norman
Anthony does a wonderful job with the junior Saturday morning programme at St. Martins Tennis Club in Balwyn. He is an accomplished player and certified Tennis Coaches Victoria "Advanced Coach"
Marc Benkamoun
Marc has recently joined our team and has taken the TCV Advanced Course. An accomplished tennis player, Marc has been coaching our Monday night juniors at Deepdene Tennis Club
Hendrik Gutwirth
Hendrik has been doing a wonderful job with the classes at Bluebell Hill on Wednesday afterschool. He comes with multiple qualifications with specific expertise in fitness evaluation and programming. Hendrik has played and coached all over the world including Asia ans South America.
Marcel Eusterhausenfelt
Marcel has been residing at International House at Deakin University on exchange studying final year law. He is an extremely accomplished player who has coached extensively in Germany and at his club just ouside of Dusseldorf. The kids and adults alike have enjoyed his coaching at Deepdene and Holy trinity.
Trainee Coaches
Nick Tuxen
Nick is a former Captain of Tennis at Scotch College and highly ranked Australian Junior. Nick travelled with Kanga Tennis Tours to the USA where he won the La Jolla Championships in fine style. Later in 2006 Nick will live in the USA where he has earned a Scholarship at St Josephs University (NCAA 1) in Philadelphia. He will complete his TCA Development course while training with Toptenn.
Big Al Berg
Big Al has been with Toptenn as a student and now coach for almost 10 years. Al reached Hall of Fame status at Toptenn. He is completing year 12 studies at Camberwell Grammar School and assisting with Classes at the Deepdene Tennis Club
CJ Wright
CJ is one of our trainee coaches. He is completing his year 12studies at Camberwell Grammar and has been a formidable member of the First XIII team for many years. Currently CJ is assisting with classes at the Deepdeene Tennis Club.
Consultants
Geoff Quinlan
Geoff is a fully qualified member of the TCV with 15 years teaching experience. He has an Honours Degree in Human Movement (Sports Science). Geoff is a former Development Officer for the Central Queensland Tennis Association and is the Head Coach at Wesley College. Joffa is currently working towards his level 3 (high performance) accreditation.Joffa took the Australian 12/under national team to New Zealand in July 2005 and .
Nickname: Joffa
Vicky Lee
Certified TCV, TA, and USPTA coach, fitness instructor, and re-stringer, Vicky is a state grade #1 player and has held a WTA world ranking in doubles. Vicky as a TCV Advanced Coach, organized many of our Tennis in Schools Programmes, and conducted many private, fitness, and development squad sessions at Scotch College. Vicky is also the Head Coach at Doncaster Tennis Club and is a retail agent for our pro-shop.
Nickname: Vickilator
Matt Sunter
Matty is a highly motivated and energetic member of our Coaching team. Matt holds his TA Development Coach and Club Professional Certification. Matt spent twelve months as entertainment and tennis director on Club Med Lindeman island before coming to Toptenn.
Matt was our Head Coach at North Kew Tennis Club until moving to London to further his knowledge and experience base. He currently is Director of Tennis at an exclusive indoor facility in Notting Hill. We look forward to Matty's return.
Head Professional Peter Owen's tennis career began
with successful junior performances at State and National level, including selection
in Victoria's Linton Cup Squad. Peter represented universities in both Tennessee
and Texas in NCAA Division 1 and NAIA respectively, and later played the U.S. and European Professional
Tennis Circuit.
Natalie is Toptenn's office administrator, qualified as a TCV
and Tennis Australia Club Professional and is actively involved in the Toptenn Pro-Shop. She also coordinates and
coaches brilliantly in our fun-filled Aussie Mozzie and TA Hot Shot programs and does a fantastic job in ensuring that all
the kids have a great time.
Has worked as Senior Tennis Coach at David Lloyd
Leisure Ltd in Raynes Park London and as a hitting partner for players competing
at Wimbeldon. Peter has also held positions in Damascus Syria (working with the
Syrian Davis Cup team) in Durban South Africa and a Tennis Hotel Wolfgangsea
in Austria. He is a very accomphished tennis player and holds a degree in Commerce
and Pschology. He is a member of United States Professional Tennis Registry.
Peter is heavily involved with our elite player programmes.
Hamish works extensively in the pro shop with Chief administrator Natalie and behind our coaching enquiries desk. That is where you will hear his happy voice! Before this Hamish 
Steph recently completed the TCV Development Coaching Course and is recognised by Tennis Australia as a Junior Development Coach.
Stephanie conducts group and squad programmes at Holy Trinity, Surrey Hills and
Burwood Tennis Clubs. She also assists in the Pro-Shop and is one of our competent
re-stringers . Steph is a former TopTenn student who was awarded Player
of the Year in 1999.
Lisa is bright and passionate inclusion to our experienced and diverse coaching team. Lisa had been coaching at the Yaarbat Tennis Centre in Balwyn, but has moved across to Toptenn to become a full time professional. Lisa has taken the Tennis Australia Junior Development Course and is presently coaching at Canterbury Baptist TC, Burwood TC, Scotch College, and conducting the junior Club night at North Kew TC. Lisa is working closely with the Camberwell Grammar School Teams. Amazingly Lisa not only shares a name with the famous TV character, she was also born on the same day and believe it or not our Lisa plays the saxophone!!! Spooky
In late 2008 Toptenn was thrilled to meet and acquire Shane Dunn - a Tennis Australia Development Coach. Like Stuart, Shane is now studying to become a Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach. Shane moved to Toptenn from Action Indoor Sports Centers (a wise move) where he worked closely with teams and children of all ages to encourage fun, teamwork, sportsmanship, stragegy and development. Shane was also a head coach in the Yarra Valley region where he ran lessons at Coackatoo, Emrald, Belgrave, Ferntree Gully and was the main man at Seville. Shane is an excellent communicator and has worked hard to help many Toptenn students to strengthen their game with technique and tactics. Shane is coaching at Burwood, Deepdene, St. Thomas and Aqualink. 
Terrence adds more international flavour to our multi-cultural team. He was born in South Africa and is Dutch/South African. He played as the number 1 Tennis player at Saint Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He was also a state junior representative tennis player in South Africa. He has also undertaken a coaching course at University and has coached in Tumbridge Wells, United Kingdom. His favourite player is Stefan Edberg. Terrence is currently completing his Tennis Australia Junior Development Coach certificate. 
ons with specific expertise in fitness evaluation and programming. Hendrik has played and coached all over the world including Asia ans South America. 
change studying final year law. He is an extremely accomplished player who has coached extensively in Germany and at his club just ouside of Dusseldorf. The kids and adults alike have enjoyed his coaching at Deepdene and Holy trinity. 
