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.

Motivation to coach: Hated studying

Pet hate: Dishonesty

Outside interests: Family, wine, fishing, and sport in general

Favourite song:

'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' – the Hollies, with Sir Elton John on piano

Favourite food:

Steak

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

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.

Motivation to coach:

Enormous pleasure helping improve tennis players from 5-65

Pet hate:

Low work ethic

Outside interests:

Architecture, landscaping

Favourite song:

'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' – the Beatles

Favourite food:

Thai, Mexican

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Rod Laver, President Bill Clinton, Andre Agassi, Donald Trump, and wife Alison Roger

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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.

Motivation to coach:

As a youngster he was an assistant coach, and his payment from the boss was private lessons - Jeff caught the coaching bug.

Pet hate:

Getting blamed for something he didn't do

Outside interests:

Fishing – growing orchids and bromalades

Favourite song:

'Cashmere' – Led Zeppelin

Favourite food:

Anything his wife cooks - absolutely anything

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Maria Sharapova (minus father), Dawn Fraser, Ric Charlesworth, Steve Waugh, and Vince Lombardi, legendary Green Bay Packers coach

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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.

Motivation to coach:

At home outdoors, and the interaction with people

Pet hate:

Excuses

Outside interests:

Computers, Internet

Favourite song:

'American Trilogy' – Elvis Presley

Favourite food:

Thai

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Roger Federer, Richard Branson, Michael Jordan

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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.

Motivation to coach: Really enjoys being with kids

Pet hate: Peak hour traffic

Outside interests: Running, exercise in general

Favourite song: 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' - Cindy Lauper

Favourite food: Chocolate

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Paul Newman, Robbie Williams, Princess Mary, Harrison Ford, and "Loz's" best mate Sue Laurence

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DAVID FALCONER

Originally started coaching part time from the age of 17yrs with Love'n Deuce.  I then moved on to establish his own tennis schools, Tennis Valley, Tennis Fairways, and Tennis Cove and also did some coaching in Japan.  In between David was also the head coach and events manager at Darling Harbour Sports in the lead up to the Sydney 2000 Olympics.  David is a club professional coach with Tennis Australia and has coached State and National ranked Juniors.  David is very excited to be part of the Love'n Deuce team again  

Motivation to coach: Meeting people and forming friendships.  Seeing the enjoyment my clients get when improving on court.

Pet hate: Unreliability and missing an easy putt

Outside interests: Golf, NRL, general fitness and family

Favourite song: Mustang Sally, Commitments

Favourite food: Ice Cream

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Michael Parkinson, Bjorn Borg, Noel Kelly, Greg Norman, Dame Edna

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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.

Motivation to coach: Enjoy teaching

Pet hate: Superficiality

Outside interests: Films, beach, and sport

Favourite song: 'Come Undone' – Duran Duran

Favourite food: Italian

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Michael Jordan, Quentin Taratino, Kofi Annan, Pat Rafter and Milla Jovovich

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ANDREW CRAWLEY

Andrew started working at Love'n Deuce in 2009, after operating his own tennis centre in South-West Sydney. He has 25 years coaching experience and is a Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach, as well as a qualified soccer, softball and AFL coach. He has competed at state and local level in tennis and loves being involved in touring groups. He was previously a Primary School teacher for 12 years and has a wife, Kelly, and a daughter, Emily.

Motivation to coach:

I love seeing improvement in people

Pet hate:

People who don’t try

Outside interests:

Family, fishing, movies

Favourite song:

'Bad to the Bone', George Thorogood

Favourite food:

Anything!

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Emily Crawley, Michael Jordan, Beyoncé

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Rio Kuharski

Rio started working at Love'n Deuce in 2009, bringing his extensive playing and coaching experience to the business. He is a Tennis Australia Development Coach, and spent 4 years playing Division 1 college tennis in the United States.

Motivation to coach:

I love to teach tennis players, building rapport, and learning to refine my teaching methods.

Pet hate:

Nothing

Outside interests:

Gym, reading, chess, basketball, skiing

Favourite song:

'Agnus Dei' - Michael W Smith

Favourite food:

Italian

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Jesus Christ, Barack Obama, Mother Teresa, Bill Gates, Roger Federer

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Rochelle Sangster

Rochelle started working at Love'n Deuce as an 18 year old university student in 2001. She has a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Human Movement and Health Education and has taught High School, but finds teaching 2½ - 5 year old children more enjoyable.

Motivation to coach:

I love the interaction with kids: there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child grow into an awesome little person!

Pet hate:

Disloyalty

Outside interests:

Music, photography & sport in general

Favourite song:

'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' – Whitney Houston, 'Pon de Replay' – Rihanna, 'Gangsta’s Paradise' - Coolio

Favourite food:

Chocolate

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Wayne Brady, Beyonce Knowles, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Barack Obama

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Luke Penning

 

Luke began working at Love'n Deuce in 2006 as a work experience student while completing a degree in Exercise & Sport Science at university. Luke is a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer and Sports Trainer, and loves sports in general.

Motivation to coach:

Love of sport and a family history of teaching

Pet hate:

Negativity

Outside interests:

Surfing and all water sports

Favourite song:

'Under the Bridge' – Red Hot Chilli Peppers, 'Shout' – Isley Brothers

Favourite food:

Mexican

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Anthony Kiedis, Eddie Murphy, Jessica Alba, Ernesto Che Guevara, Roger Federer

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Jen Lloyd

Jen started working at Love’n Deuce in 2006 while studying Digital Animation at college.  She has always had a love of sport since she was a young child, and enjoys playing soccer and tennis competitively.  In high school she was part of the Brigidine 1sts tennis team who won the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges title and went on to compete at Nationals.

Motivation to coach:

The reward you get for being a role model and seeing the children's confidence grow as their skills reach new levels, and the smile on their faces when they see they can achieve something they haven't achieved before.

Pet hate:

Flies and unsportsmanlike behaviour

Outside interests:

Soccer, tennis, horse riding, music, movies, beach, drawing, photography

Favourite song:

'Mr. Brightside' – The Killers

Favourite food:

Chinese

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Brian Littrell, Pat Rafter, Ellen Degeneres, Chad Michael Murray, Gai Waterhouse

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Tom Denahy

Tom has been working at Love'n Deuce since late 2006, having come from a job in print marketing. He landed his first gig at Talus Street "cooking the BBQ" for the 2006 October Tennis Camp and later took on the role of managing the Pro Shop as well as coaching juniors. He started playing tennis at the age of 8 and grew up playing on lawn courts in Victoria.

With regards to working at Love’n Deuce, Tom says: “It’s a pleasure to spend each day in a lively and healthy sports atmosphere with customers that are happy to play and socialise at the club.  I have met many great people and great kids and parents…every day is refreshing.”

Motivation to coach:

I get my motivation from the people I work for and with. Everyone has their own individual personality which makes for an interesting place to come every day and we all share a common interest in sport.

Pet hate:

Parking inspectors and people who are late for appointments

Outside interests:

Photography, graphic design, music

Favourite song:

‘Fast Car’ - Tracey Chapman

Favourite food:

Japanese, Italian and Thai

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Pete (brother), Steve Martin, John Cleese, Jim Carey and Johnny Depp.

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Sandy-Ann van den Heever

Sandy emigrated from South Africa in 2004 and has been working at Humpty Squads since 2007. I am currently studying primary teaching on a part-time basis, and has experience in the fitness industry where I previously worked as a trainer and manager of various health clubs for a number of years.

Motivation to coach:

Smile on child's face when they achieve something and they always laugh at my jokes.

Pet hate:

Laziness

Outside interests:

Tennis with friends, sun and surf, gym and dancing (watching - need to learn!)

Favourite song:

"Wait till you see my smile", Alicia Keys and "Today", The Smashing Pumpkins.

Favourite food:

Any creamy pasta

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Ellen DeGeneres, Will Smith, Valentino Rossi, Nelson Mandela and my mum

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Robert McGuigan

Born in Sydney and played tennis with Chatswood Tennis Club since I was 11 years old where I am now a Life Member. My parents played A grade tennis which is where I developed my love for tennis and coaching. I played Inter-District for Northern Suburbs in every age group up to U19 and won the Open Mens Doubles and Open Mixed Doubles in the Northern Suburbs Open Tennis Tournament. I build my game through playing competition tennis and traveling to country tournaments during the holidays.

I have worked as a tennis coach for 35 years and was Director of Sport at Queenwood School for Girls for 20 years. My greatest achievement as a coach was Queenwood winning the prestigious Tildesley Shield Tennis Tournament in 1985 and 1986 with Nicola Meakin and Claire Reaney winning the Doubles title. Claire now works for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

I have made some wonderful friends through tennis who remain as friends today and even now working with the Ladies and Breakfast competitions at Love ‘nD euce I am again meeting all my ex-students I use to teach at Queenwood. -

Motivation to coach:

My coach Henry Lindo and my parents gave me the motivation to play and coach and I have continued to enjoy teaching and playing for the last 35 years.

Pet hate:

Players that don’t think they can use a continental grip on volley and serve. It’s never too late!

Outside interests:

Currently, my family, keeping healthy and trying new cuisines.

Favourite song:

Any song that you can dance too or Black Betty!

Favourite food:

My wife’s Thai cooking and the street food stalls in Bangkok.

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

1. Dr Ron Watts, 2. Mrs Nicola Watts, 3. Nelson Mandela 4. Dalai Lama 5. Roger Federer

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Vince Valenta

I have played from the  age of 7,played many junior tournaments and moved into a coaching career early on and have been coaching tennis for 25 years. My youngest student is 3yrs of age and oldest is 88 and still going strong. Also I have completed a Sports Science at Wollongong University.

Motivation to coach:

All the interesting people I meet from all walks of life.

Pet hate:

Bouncers that don't appreciate my dress sense

Outside interests:

Anything outdoors that involves feats of endurance, and of an extreme nature.

Favourite song:

Back in Black

Favourite food:

Toss up between baked beans on toast and bacon and egg roll

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

The Mighty Quinn, Big wave dave, Bundy Boy, Chuckie and Shambles.  All mates at a bbq.

 

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Nelson Parker

Been playing tennis since age of 5 and had very sucsessful jnr career representing his state and country in jar events. Level 1 qualified coach and has spent a year over in U.S.A working as assistant coaching director for the John newcombe Tennis Ranch working with some of the best jnrs and coaches in the world, as well as many tennis centres around Australia. Still playing competitive tennis, Ranking top 400 in Australia.
 

Motivation to coach:

Working actively and outdoors, teaching your favourite sport to others.

Pet hate:

People with no ticker and who give up easily

Outside interests:

Rugby League (Go the Eels), Golf, Surfing, the beach and guitar

Favourite song:

Reign Over me - Pearl Jam

Favourite food:

BBQ Ribs

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Muhammad Ali, Nathan Hindmarsh, Jack White, Johnny Knoxville, Pat Rafter, Travis Pastrana

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Craig Smith

I have lived and played on the northern peninsula all of my life. I did my first lesson for a local coach at age 15.  I established 'Smiths Tennis Centre' at North Curl Curl in 1982, and after 20 years moved to Belrose Tennis Centre for 7 years and since then I have worked for a variety of tennis centres before working at Tennis Cove in 2009 and now Love'n Deuce in 2010.
 

Motivation to coach:

"Best job in the world"

Pet hate:

Bullying

Outside interests:

Watching Rugby and Rugby League

Favourite song:

Banana Boat (Dayo), Harry Belafonte

Favourite food:

Steak and vegetables

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

My wife Cathy, my 3 children Cassie, Matt and Brad, and my deceased dad Ray who they had not met.

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Steve Herbert

I started playing tennis at the age of 11 and continue to enjoy playing in Open and Seniors Tournaments around NSW.  I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach at a Tennis Resort in Austria for 2 years in 1989/1990.
 

Motivation to coach:

The enjoyment of seeing people improve and reach their potential

Pet hate:

People cheating during a tennis match !

Outside interests:

Family, fishing, water skiing,  and ......... TENNIS !

Favourite song:

Thunderstruck / ACDC

Favourite food:

Seafood

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Ken Rosewall, John Travolta, Jack Nicholson, Catherine Zeta-Jones and my mum

 

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Gavin Johnstone

Born and raised in Sydney, I started learning tennis at the age of 7.  My first coach as Don Rocavert.  I started playing junior tournaments every school holidays and long weekends at age 8 1/2 through to around 16 1/2 with varied results. Wins included three junior doubles title from Todd Woodbridge and Jason Stoltenberg.

I have been coaching since 1996 and I am a TCA level 2 accredited coach since 2005.
 

Motivation to coach:

I get genuine satisfaction from helping people improve and being part of it.  I also like meeting different people, being outdoors and active.

Pet hate:

Double standards and dishonesty.

Outside interests:

All things Fast & Furious, cars, motorbikes, boats etc.  Interested in all motor sports including participating in Club Moto X and drifting in Oran Park.

Favourite song:

Too hard to name a favourite but I love many different varieties of music including Jazz, Blues,

Favourite food:

Seafood

Host the ultimate dinner party with five guests:

Ken Rosewall, John Travolta, Jack Nicholson, Catherine Zeta-Jones and my mum