Francisco Ruiz

Francisco Ruiz is an (ITF) International Federation High Performance Coach which is the highest ranking certification offered to coaches. A respectable accomplishment and a gratifying journey, Francisco strives to share the knowledge gained to train nationally and world-recognized players.

Francisco has also been the traveling coach for many ATP and WTA professionals, where he picked up the subtle nuance that he takes to the courts, furthering his already accomplished training technique.

He served as the Director of the Mexico City Multicultural Exchange Program and was the first Latino to be on the USTA NorCal Board of Directors in 2006. In 2004, he was awarded the Diversity Leadership award for his outstanding coaching, and in 2010 he was presented with the prestigious Trailblazer award for his lifelong service in the minority tennis community.

Francisco has been playing tennis for over 50 years, competed in USTA tournaments and has made USTA champions and tournaments champions. For over 35 years, he has been a dedicated coach across the Bay Area and has established branch academies in Santa Clara (new branch in Kona Kai)  and Mountain View (we serve the entire South Bay Area – San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, etc.) the home for some of the top ranked players in Northern California. His interests include his family, teaching his two sons tennis, and attending the US Open every year.

His coaching philosophy embodies the belief that the path to professional-level competition takes 10 years of committed effort and a cumulative 10,000 hours of practice. This framework also applies to the journey of elevating a recreational player to a 3.5 NTRP level, requiring approximately 1,000 hours of dedicated instruction.

In practical terms, if a player dedicates one hour per week to lessons (accounting for 52 weeks per year), achieving the goal would span 20 years. Francisco’s guidance to those he has coached emphasizes consistent engagement in tennis activities, ideally three to four times a week. This approach, he suggests, is a realistic strategy for an individual with average talent to attain a low intermediate level within a timeframe of 5 to 6 years.

Coach Jorge

Coach Jorge Ballesteros possesses a diverse skillset that encompasses various aspects of the field. Throughout his career, he has excelled in both individual and group tennis classes, imparting his knowledge and expertise to players of all levels – from enthusiastic amateurs to highly trained professionals. Moreover, Coach Ballesteros is well-versed in physical preparation and fitness training, ensuring that his students are equipped with the stamina and strength required for optimal performance on the court.

In addition to his coaching abilities, Coach Ballesteros also has a keen understanding of venue security measures. He prioritizes creating safe environments within sports facilities by implementing stringent safety protocols. As an administrator and sales professional, he efficiently manages administrative tasks while driving sales by effectively communicating the value of products and services offered.

Coach Ballesteros’s exceptional time management skills enable him to optimize daily tasks assigned to him while upholding a high degree of responsibility and commitment towards meeting objectives. A testament to his strong communication skills is evident through active listening techniques which allow him to better understand athletes’ needs. His analytical prowess enables him to identify areas for improvement in players’ performance or training plans.

Recognized as an excellent team player with a dynamic and proactive profile, Coach Ballesteros adeptly navigates collaborative efforts within any setting. Furthermore, he places great emphasis on developing positive interpersonal relationships which contribute significantly not only professionally but personally as well.

Coach Andres

“I’m Andres, a dedicated tennis professional with over 20 years of experience in playing and coaching. As a former college tennis player, I’ve also competed in ATP tour tournaments, including Futures and challengers.

Over the past two years, I’ve been an integral part of Silicon Valley tennis, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the growth of the sport through coaching, organizing events, and fostering a vibrant tennis community. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of tennis talent, I’m committed to sharing my expertise and love for the game on and off the court.”

Coach Yulia Almiron

I am Yulia Almiron Solano, originally from Madrid, Spain. I have been playing tennis since I was four years old and began competing at the age of 8-9. I have had the privilege of training with top-notch coaches who have worked with WTA and ATP players.

During my last two years of high school, I was homeschooled to accommodate my rigorous practice schedule and tournament travels. While living in Valencia, I focused on honing my grinding technique and mastering clay court play. My experience includes ITF and WTA tournaments (10, 15, and 25). To continue my tennis journey at a high level, I decided to pursue my undergraduate studies in the USA.

Initially, I attended Longwood University where my coach was a top 400 player in the ATP rankings before transferring to a school in South Dakota for better academic opportunities. Both schools were division one institutions. During my time at Longwood University, I received the “player of the week” honor and was the sole representative from our team at regionals.

Coach Mauricio Tellez

Coach Mauricio Tellez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University Anahuac Mexico. Currently, he is pursuing studies as a Personal Trainer with a focus on tennis development at Foothill College in Palo Alto. Additionally, he is studying Sports Psychology at the same institution.

In both Mexico and the United States, he has worked as a tennis coach for the past six years, gaining extensive experience with children of all ages as well as adults. With a strong belief in the transformative power of tennis, he views the sport as a catalyst for not only physical development but also personal growth and overall development in young athletes.

As a tennis player, Coach Tellez began his journey at the age of 10. He achieved his best national ranking in Mexico in 2022, reaching the top 40 in the country. Motivated by his ambition, he traveled to Europe and participated in tournaments across different countries, further enhancing his skills and knowledge. He also had the opportunity to serve as a sparring partner in the Acapulco Open (Master 500).

Coach Tellez firmly believes that the key to improvement lies in embracing and learning from mistakes, as reflected in his quote, “The only way to improve is to start missing now.”

Coach Eliecer Cifuentes

With extensive experience in the Sports area, Coach Eliecer Cifuentes brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every aspect of his profession. Having specialized in individual and group tennis field classes, he has honed his skills in providing top-notch training and guidance to aspiring athletes. Additionally, Coach Cifuentes excels in physical preparation and fitness training, ensuring that his students are equipped with the stamina and strength necessary for peak performance. His commitment to safety is unparalleled as he meticulously attends to the security of sports venues, guaranteeing a secure environment for both players and spectators alike.

Administrative tasks seamlessly intertwine with Coach Cifuentes’ multifaceted role as he adeptly handles sales responsibilities while also caring for new users ranging from enthusiastic amateurs to seasoned professionals. Moreover, his proficiency lies not only in teaching but also in optimizing class planning according to current fitness trends. Demonstrating exceptional adaptability, he excels at navigating changing industry standards by embracing continuous learning opportunities – an attribute which sets him apart as an employee committed to personal growth.

Coach Cifuentes’ skill set extends beyond instructional abilities; his time management prowess enables him to optimize daily tasks without compromising on quality or efficiency – vital qualities given the significant responsibility placed upon him. The art of communication is one Coach Cifuentes has perfected over years of practice; active listening underscores his ability to truly understand each individual’s needs while analytical skills help identify areas for improvement with precision.