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ATN Coaches

Coach Valdrez Mathis

A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Valdrez Mathis  brings over 20 years of playing and coaching experience to the court.  As a PTR Certified instructor, he is passionate about helping players of all ages and skill levels reach their full potential.

 

Whether working with beginners on foundational techniques or guiding competitive players in refining strategy and mental toughness, Coach Valdrez is known for his patient approach and commitment to player growth. 

 

Beyond the court, Coach Valdrez enjoys hiking and spending quality time with his family - pursuing the same balance and discipline he encourages in his athletes. 

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Coach Priscilla Blasingame

 

Priscilla Blasingame has been a dedicated Tennis Instructor with Above the Net for the past two years, bringing her passion for tennis and community into every event and every lesson.  She first discovered Above the Net during a local round robin and quickly fell in love with the organization’s mission to grow the game and connect people through tennis. 

 

Priscilla regularly serves as an instructor for our youngest players, working with toddlers and children ages 3–12. Her energy, patience, and love for teaching make every session fun and engaging for kids to discover the sport for the first time and keep developing their skills. 

 

Beyond the tennis court, Priscilla is deeply committed to serving her community. She volunteers with youth programs, local health fairs, Meals on Wheels, and the Ronald McDonald House, spreading her spirit of service wherever she goes.

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Coach Lajuana Lovelace

 

Lajuana Lovelace is a 20-year military retiree with a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community impact. With over 22 years of experience playing tennis, she is passionate about using the sport as a powerful tool to teach children discipline, confidence, teamwork, and resilience.

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As a mother of one son and a proud grandmother of two, Lajuana understands the importance of positive role models and healthy, structured activities for youth. She is deeply committed to expanding access to tennis and increasing participation within the community—especially for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn and grow through the game.

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Lajuana finds joy in serving others and is excited to grow the sport of tennis through Above the Net, helping young players develop strong character, life skills, and confidence both on and off the court.

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Coach Roger Darby

 

A longtime Atlanta-area tennis professional, Roger Darby brings more than 25 years of teaching experience to the court. A USPTR Certified instructor and PTR member since 1997, Coach Roger has worked with players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners discovering the game to advanced players focused on refining technique and consistency.

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Known for his patient and encouraging coaching style, Coach Roger creates a positive, supportive learning environment while emphasizing strong fundamentals, sportsmanship, and personal growth. His extensive experience includes after-school programs, clinics, camps, and a wide range of community-based tennis initiatives.

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Off the court, Coach Roger is deeply committed to youth development and growing the game of tennis. These values continue to shape his coaching philosophy and make a lasting impact within the community.

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Coach Zacklee Pheng

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Born and raised in McDonough, Georgia, Zacklee has been playing tennis for 10 years, including 7 years of competitive experience. He was first introduced to Above the Net by a friend and former coach, an experience that helped shape his love for the game and his desire to give back through coaching.

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As a coach with Above the Net, Zacklee is passionate about helping students develop strong fundamentals while also growing in confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship. He primarily works with players ages 9 and up and enjoys coaching and playing with athletes of all ages and skill levels, always striving to create a positive and encouraging learning environment.

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Outside of tennis, Zacklee is a junior at Eagle’s Landing High School. In addition to tennis, he competes in Cross Country, which has helped strengthen his endurance and mental focus. In his free time, he enjoys running, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with his family.

Coach Jerome Bradley

 

Jerome is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and former Avaya systems engineer with 32 years of industry experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing from New York University and is officially a certified tennis professional coach through the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), accredited by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). He is also Georgia high school coach certified.

After 33 years in Georgia, he brings a disciplined, service-driven, and analytical approach to player development—focusing on strong fundamentals, match strategy, and mentorship for junior and adult players. He has coached football, baseball, basketball, and tennis.

He has played tennis for about 15 years, including participation in the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) and USTA leagues and tournaments.

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Coach Noah Guinoo

 

Growing up in Stockbridge, Georgia, Noah was first introduced to tennis by his older brother. Although he wasn't immediately interested in the sport, everything changed as he discovered the friendships, competition, and sense of community that tennis offered. What began as a reluctant introduction quickly grew into a lifelong passion.

 

Throughout the years, Noah has competed in USTA, UTR, ALTA, and high school tennis, experiences that have not only strengthened his game but also shaped his character, work ethic, and desire to give back to others through the sport.

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As a coach with Above the Net, Noah is dedicated to helping players build a strong foundation while developing confidence, discipline, and a genuine love for tennis. He believes that every athlete has the potential to grow with the right guidance, encouragement, and mindset. By creating a positive and supportive learning environment, Noah strives to inspire players to embrace challenges, stay resilient through setbacks, and understand that lasting success is built through hard work, consistency, and perseverance.

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Outside of tennis, Noah is an incoming freshman at Kennesaw State University, where he plans to study Computer Science. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, watching soccer, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with his two playful Schnauzers.

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Coach Savanna Floyd

 

Savanna is a dedicated tennis player with a lifelong passion for the game and a strong commitment to personal growth, leadership, and teamwork. She began playing tennis at the age of six and has continued to develop her skills through her high school tennis program and competitive tournaments, gaining valuable experience both on and off the court.

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Driven by her love for the sport, Savanna is passionate about helping young athletes discover the joy of tennis while building confidence, discipline, and resilience. She believes tennis is more than just a game—it is a powerful tool for teaching perseverance, sportsmanship, teamwork, and life skills that extend far beyond the court.

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As a coach and mentor, Savanna is dedicated to creating a positive, encouraging environment where every player feels supported and motivated to reach their full potential. Her goal is to inspire the next generation of athletes to grow as players, leaders, and individuals while developing a lifelong love for the game.

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