Tennis Staff
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Lisa Berg : Tennis Director
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Email: lberg@rafaelraquetclub.com
Phone: 415-456-1837 Lisa was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and began playing tennis at the age of 8, just a tad bit taller than the net. She was lucky enough to be a part of a small group of kids that was coached by Don Holden, AKA Mister. He learned the game by reading books and watching tapes and in just 4 years Lisa was ranked #2 in singles and #1 in doubles nationally. She loved the game as well as travelling around to the tournaments and meeting new people throughout the country. Lisa went on to play college tennis at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. Four years as a Cowboy was a lot of fun and the team aspect was a nice change from the individuality of the sport. Lisa was selected Most Outstanding Female Athlete at OSU her senior year. Lisa taught tennis at several tennis clubs in Tulsa in the 70’s and her first big job was that of coaching the women’s team at Oral Roberts University. She then left Tulsa and ventured off to paradise, Hawaii. She spent 3 years on the Big Island of Hawaii (in Hilo) and coached the “locals” and learned from Mister how to coach top ranked kids. Next was Maui, where Lisa got the job offer of a lifetime. Teaching tennis at the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali, 50 yards from the beach. Lisa continued training the local kids, but also taught some exciting hotel guests (Bill Cosby, Chevy Chase, Sally Field, Gladys Knight, and many more). Her favorite student though was a runner from California, named Ron. After 3 years of commuting back and forth from Marin to Maui, Lisa finally moved here and she and Ron were married in 1989. Lisa began her career at RRC in September 1989 and is still thrilled to be here 18 years later. Having coached several thousand kids and adults, Lisa still “loves what she does.” Rafael Racquet & Swim Club is like a second home to Lisa (she spends more time here than at home it seems) and she is thrilled to have both of her kids, Conor (16) and Hadley (11) playing at the club. Lisa is very devoted to the game of tennis as she is a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff, serves on the USTA Norcal Junior Tennis Council and most recently was inducted into the Oklahoma District Tennis Hall of Fame. |
Tennis Professional: Geoff Martinez
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Email: gmtennis123@hotmail.com
Originally from Southern California, Geoff Martinez moved to Marin in the fall of 1996 to become the Assistant Tennis Professional at Rafael Racquet Club. Geoff began playing competitive tennis at the age of 16, and quickly moved up the ranks. He was ranked #20 in the 18 and under division in Southern California. He went on to play 3 years at California State University, Long Beach, where he was the #1 player in 1976 & 1977, and the team MVP. Geoff competed in the NCAA Singles Championships in 1976. He turned pro in 1977, and held an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) ranking through 1980 with a high ranking of #250 in singles and #225 in doubles. Geoff competed in the US Open in 1978 and 1980. Geoff’s past experience includes the position of Head Professional at the West End Tennis Club in Torrance, CA, working with renowned tennis pro Robert Lansdorp from 1982-1987, and as the women’s assistant coach at USC from 1989-1991. Geoff has stayed active in competitive tennis and has held numerous top 10 National rankings since 1990. Geoff was named Southern California’s Senior Player of the Year in 1991, and USPTA Senior Player of the Year in 1992. He has represented the United States in International Competition 3 times, including the Avory Cup at Wimbledon in 1997, and the Potter Cup in Barcelona, Spain in 2004 and 2005. Geoff is a 3-time National Champion and is currently ranked #7 in the US Men’s 50’s Singles. For the past 11 years, Geoff has coached the boys and girls tennis teams at Marin Academy High School. Geoff has a great passion for the game of tennis, and enjoys teaching players of all ages and abilities. Geoff resides in San Rafael with his wife Tamra, and has a 22-year old son, Geoffrey. |
Tennis Professional: Tim O'Neal
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Email: tim.oneal@gmail.com
Hailing from Oregon, Tim comes to Rafael Racquet Club with over 34 years coaching experience. He has held a USPTA Pro 1 certification for 23 years. Former positions include: Director of High Performance for USTA NorCal, Director of Tennis at the Hong Kong Country Club, Head professional at the Hong Kong Aberdeen Marina Club and Senior Professional at The Beach and Tennis Club, Pebble Beach, CA. Tim played his college tennis at Southern Oregon University. He was ranked #1 in USTA NorCal Men’s 35 Doubles, #2 in USTA NorCal Men’s 30 Doubles, and # 8 in Hong Kong Men’s Open Doubles. Tim still plays for the USTA Osuna Cup Senior Team which has played Mexico’s top senior players every year since 1977. He has been a team member since 1999. Coaching experience includes competitive juniors that were Nationally ranked in Northern California and Hong Kong. Tim served as a coach for USTA NorCal’s 14 National Zone Team Competitions for 4 years. Working with adults and juniors from the beginning skill levels to advanced levels, in group or private sessions, is what Tim enjoys at RRC. Tim has been associated with RRC since 2004. In his off time, Tim avidly pursues his two main hobbies. One is golf, and the other is researching Japanese Samurai swords and armor. |
Tennis Professional: Jeff Taylor
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Email: jefftaylor75@gmail.com
Originally from North Carolina, Jeff enters his 6th year with the Rafael Racquet Club with continued excitement for coaching and the development of a strong tennis program. Having competed at a high level himself, Jeff brings his expertise and love of tennis to his students. He enjoys working with juniors and adults of all ages and levels. * Top Nationally Ranked Junior USTA; ITF Junior competitor * Competed in USTA Challenger Pro level events * Varsity Tennis at Vanderbilt University 1994-1996 * Varsity Tennis at University California Berkeley 1996-1998 * Coaching experience with nationally ranked juniors * Former traveling coach of WTA Tour |