|
|
Tennis Pro
Welcome Ray Sahag, Franco's NEW Tennis Director and his wife Walker, Tennis Pro!
Ray Sahag, Director of Tennis
USPTA, PTR, USTA High Performance Certified
Ray has over 22 years of teaching and coaching experience at all levels in the Tennis Industry. He has worked under the 2 greatest names in the game, Nick Bollettieri and Dennis Van der Meer. Starting as a pro in the academy at Bollettieri's he moved up to be the Head Pro of the Adult program. This was followed by 16 years directing and managing tennis programs and clubs in Florida, South Carolina and Mississippi. As an instructor his Adult teams have enjoyed great success at all levels. His junior programs have produced multiple players with #1 national rankings, collegiate All American's and last year's US Open Boys Finalist, Devin Britton.
His #1 passion is people but tennis is a close 2nd. Ray has been married to Walker for 20 years after meeting when they were both pros at Bollettieri's. They have a 15 year old Golden Retriever named Ginny.
"We are blessed to be here at Franco's. We love the staff and membership. The potential in all areas is limitless which is so exciting to us. We both look forward to becoming a big part of the community." |
 |
Walker Sahag, Academy Director
PTR and USTA High Performance Certified
Walker comes to Franco's from Hilton Head Island where she was the Director of the Van der Meer World Class Tennis Academy. Walker has coached and taught at every level of the game. She was Director of High Tech at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy and lectured to students and coaches from around the globe. She has worked closely for a number of years with Jim Loehr, the world's #1 sports psychologist. As a speaker and presenter at every major conference in the U. S., Walker has spoken on a wide variety of topics. Her articles have appeared in Tennis, World Tennis magazine to name a few and she has been seen on national TV as well as international TV.
Walker has traveled and been the personal coach for players on both the ATP and WTA tours including upcoming Hall of Fame inductee Monica Seles. Her junior programs have always produced players who have won at the highest levels both nationally and internationally. National Champions, All Americans and ITF winners have all come from her programs.
Walker has been married to Ray for 20 years and has a 15 year old Golden Retriever named Ginny.
|
 |
Therina Steenkamp, Head Pro
U.S.P.T.A. Certified, Tennis Pro
Therina was born and raised in Nelspruit, South Africa, where she was ranked #5 in singles and #1 in junior doubles. She has loved tennis since she picked up a racquet at the age of 4. She's obtained her USPTA certification in 2003. Her teaching experience includes 5 years of working with many different levels of players including juniors, beginners, and advanced adults. She is an active participant in USTA singles and doubles.
Therina attended college at Weber State University where she received a Bachelors degree in Athletic Training in 2002 and was rated #1 player on that university's team.
|
 |
John Ballard, Assistant Tennis Pro
U.S.P.T.A. Certified, Tennis Pro
Please welcome our new assistant pro, John Ballard. John comes to Franco's from Windyke Country Club in Germantown, TN. During his time there he directed a highly successful Quickstart and Junior program along with his other teaching duties. He was recognized for his excellence as a teacher by being selected the USPTA Southern Section Rookie of the Year. This is a great accomplishment since it is chosen from all the pros in the 9 southern states. As a player, John represented his home state of Ms. In numerous junior competitions. He played #1 singles and doubles during his time at Belhaven College, and continues to compete in USTA league and tournaments. As a 5.0 player, John and his team won the 2008 Southern Sectional and competed for a national title in Palm Springs CA.
|  |
|
