Meet the Team
Meet your Love’n Deuce coaching team:
PAUL FRANCIS
The Boss. Paul’s father Reg, and mother Mary, started coaching tennis 60 years ago in Rangers Road, Cremorne, at the back of the now Redlands school, before moving to Balmoral Beach in an idyllic setting with five courts.
Paul took over 30 years ago, launched Love’n Deuce with courts at Grafton, Wheatley, and Talus Streets, to become Sydney’s leading tennis complex.
Hated studying
Dishonesty
Family, wine, fishing, and sport in general
'He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother' – the Hollies, with Sir Elton John on piano
Steak
Sir Donald Bradman, Roger Federer, Sarah O’Hare, Kerry Packer, and Pope Bendict XV1
MARK ROGER
General
Manager, holding the NSW TCA Level 2 coaching certificate.
Mark has been at Love’n Deuce for 16 years after a competitive
career at local, state junior, and state senior level – a doubles
specialist.
A coach for over 20 years, Mark’s currently working with all age groups
from beginners, to senior tournament level.
Enormous pleasure helping improve tennis players from 5-65
Low work ethic
Architecture, landscaping
'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' – the Beatles
Thai, Mexican
Rod Laver, President Bill Clinton, Andre Agassi, Donald Trump, and wife Alison Roger
JEFF SNELLING
Head Coach and the patriarch of the team, was a State-ranked player
as a youngster, but saw his future as a coach.
After 14 years in the USA with Fred Stolle, Jeff returned home, and
has been at Love’n Deuce for the last 12 years.
As a youngster he was an assistant coach, and his payment from the boss was private lessons – Jeff caught the coaching bug.
Getting blamed for something he didn’t do
Fishing – growing orchids and bromalades
'Cashmere' – Led Zeppelin
Anything his wife cooks – absolutely anything
Maria Sharapova (minus father), Dawn Fraser, Ric Charlesworth, Steve Waugh, and Vince Lombardi, legendary Green Bay Packers coach
BRAD MELVILLE
Had
an outstanding junior career, winning singles tournaments in Australia,
New Zealand, Europe, and the USA – and capturing the coveted Pizzey
Cup for NSW with Jason Stoltenberg, Todd Woodbridge, and Adam Anderson
in 1985, after being runners up in 1984.
Holds a BBA (Finance) degree from the University of Texas, where he
was Pan–American 1986–1989, and number one player in the tough NCAA
Division 1.
At home outdoors, and the interaction with people
Excuses
Computers, Internet
'American Trilogy' – Elvis Presley
Thai
Andre Agassi, Tiger Woods, Thomas Edison, Jimmy Buffet, and Erin Brocovich
LORRAINE NICHOLS
Better known as “Loz”, Lorraine fell into teaching kids between two–and–a half to four years of age, to know themselves through sport – and she’s done a sensational job.
Every parent will readily attest to the fact that keeping their own kids interested is a tough job – “Loz” has as many as 250 kids in a week – a marvel.
Really enjoys being with kids
Peak hour traffic
Running, exercise in general
'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' – Cindy Lauper
Chocolate
Paul Newman, Robbie Williams, Princess Mary, Harrison Ford, and “Loz’s” best mate Sue Laurence
NICK CARSON
Moved from Melbourne to Sydney last year, holding a Bachelor of Education P–12, Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement), majoring in sports psychology – and is a Tennis Australia accredited coach.
Nick’s had extensive experience coaching advanced juniors, and has toured Australia, and overseas, with elite juniors.
Helping to improve kids
Disorganised people, and those who turn up late
Golf, football, swimming, and punting
'Shimmer' – Fuel
Lasagna
Sir Donald Bradman, Pamela Anderson, Gary Ablett, Greg Norman, and Bon Jovi
TOMAS UHRIK
Young Gun.
Tomas started coaching tennis in '96. USPTR Tennis Professional since 2003,
played NCAA college Florida Div 1, ex touring professional.
Holds a Commerce
degree and has been at Love'n Deuce since 2004.
A burning desire to improve every tennis player
Negative people
Fishing, swimming
'In the Summertime' – Thirsty Merc
Spinach and ricotta cannelloni
Jesus Christ, Elvis Presley, Rod Laver, Oprah Winfrey, and Toms’ mother – Kristina
DOMINIC HALL
Caught the coaching bug playing collegiate tennis for five years in the USA, moved back to Darwin for three years, and is now in Sydney with a Development Coaching certificate, and studying for the Advanced Coaching qualification.
Enjoy teaching
Superficiality
Films, beach, and sport
'Come Undone' – Duran Duran
Italian
Michael Jordan, Quentin Taratino, Kofi Annan, Pat Rafter and Milla Jovovich
