Dennis Van der Meer is the founder and president of the Van Der Meer Tennis University and the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR.) Dennis, a registered coach of both the ATP and WTA, is recognized worldwide for his innovative teaching techniques, and has received numerous awards for teaching and coaching, including being named "Olympic Developmental Coach of the Year" in 1997. Most recently, Dennis was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Greenwich, England. Dennis has coached hundreds of nationally and internationally ranked junior and professional players throughout his career, including such champions as Billie Jean King and Margaret Court, and has an uncanny knack for finding the best, most efficient way to help players reach their maximum potential.

Pat Van der Meer is the Director of the Van Der Meer Summer Circuit Program. A registered WTA coach, Pat is an experienced coach at all levels. With her husband, Dennis, Pat has coached players to the finals of Grand Slam Junior and Professional Events. She has been an Area Training Center Head Coach, and was named South Carolina Pro of the Year in 1991. In 1993 Pat earned the PTR's Coach Jim Verdieck Award, and received the International Tennis Hall of Fame's Tennis and Education Merit Award in 2002.

Dr. Louie Cap is a Master Professional and PTR National Tester and Clinician. He was awarded the 1993 PTR Pro of the Year. Louie travels extensively throughout the world conducting numerous tennis workshops. He played the European Circuit in the 60's. In addition to his lengthy teaching & playing career, Louie has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and has completed 25 consecutive Boston Marathons.

Steve Rickard has been the Director of Tennis Operations for Van Der Meer Tennis and a Head Professional since 1983. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia conducting tennis workshops with Dennis. Steve has been leading our Sweet Briar, Virginia Adult Summer programs since 1987.

Walker Sahag is the Co-Director of Van Der Meer Tennis Academy for high-level tournament caliber juniors and pros on the ATP and WTA tours. A native of Oxford, Mississippi, she is a long-time PTR Professional who worked extensively for pioneering Sports Psychologist Dr. James Loehr assisting in both research and instruction of Dr. Loehr's Mental Toughness. She is also renowned for her work as a coach of both ATP and WTA pros, most notably with former World #1 Monica Seles and ATP #1 doubles player Kelly Jones. In addition, Walker has coached numerous #1 ranked U.S. juniors and ITF juniors.

Ray Sahag is a Head Professional for Van Der Meer Tennis. A graduate of Jacksonville State University in Alabama and former Mississippi Pro of the Year, Ray is a PTR Professional and a USTA High Performance coach. He has coached ATP and WTA Tour payers as well as ITF Juniors, ATA National champions and Jr. Davis Cup champions.

Jolene Watanabe currently resides in Bluffton, SC. She attended the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Jolene had a career-high ranking of #71 on the WTA and was the winner of 6 ITF circuit singles titles and 3 doubles titles. She is the winner of 11 USTA National titles including the 2004 USTA 35 hardcourts (singles). She has career wins over Jennifer Capriati, Amy Frazier, Chanda Rubin, Mariaan de Swardt, and Brenda Schultz-McCarthy. In 2004, Jolene was named Adult Female Player of the year for USTA-South Carolina. She is currently the coach for the WTT New York Buzz located in Schenectady, NY.

Justyn Schelver is a Head Professional for Van Der Meer Tennis Academy and has directed spring and summer Junior Programs at Van Der Meer's Hilton Head location since 2005. Originally from Madison, MS, he graduated with honors from Mississippi State University with a degree in Business Administration. Jusytn also serves as Director of Events, organizing and directing tournaments including the Kaelin/Diadora USTA Women's 10K. Since joining the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy staff in early 2004, Justyn has developed and coached numerous nationally and internationally ranked junior players.

Andy Sklarin was named a Head Professional for the Van Der Meer TennisUniversity in January of 2008. He has been working for Van Der Meer TennisUniversity, Inc. since April of 2003. He is also the Director of Mercersburg summer camps. Andy was the administrator and a Head Teaching Pro at the Oberlin Tennis Camp from 1993-2001. He has also been the Director of Marketing & Sales for Van Der Meer TennisUniversity, Inc. Andy played his junior tennis in the New England region and his college tennis for Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH.






Van Der Meer Tennis Po Box 5902, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
1-800-845-6138 / 843-785-8388 / 843-785-7032 (fax) / tennis@vandermeertennis.com