Stephan Harris
East Supervisor
How did you start playing tennis?
I was on the court since I was 2 years old; my dad was my coach and by the time I was four, I was able to play off the baseline.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I have been with this program since 2015. I have always loved their mission to teach free tennis and to promote a healthy lifestyle for kids who would not be able to afford tennis. It feels like I’ve gone full circle in life; I was taught tennis for free and I am able to do the same for others.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My serve. Nothing feels better than hitting an Ace and ending the point immediately.
Fun fact about you?
My dad wanted to name me after the tennis player, Boris Becker, but with my mom and Godmother’s help, I was named after Stefan Edberg. I was really close to being Boris Harris. I am thankful that is not the case.
Andy Sutton
Head of Coach Development
How did you start playing tennis?
I started with my parents and then one day, my sister and I grabbed their racquets and wouldn’t give them back until they hit with us. The next day, my dad brought home junior racquets for both of us.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I very much believe in the Philpott mission and think it is a great way to give back to the sport that has given me everything – my career, my sense of self, and my sense of purpose.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The one-handed backhand. It looks elegant and feels wonderful when well struck.
Fun fact about you?
When I am not teaching, I love to be in the kitchen cooking. It’s really relaxing.
Ricky Chee
West Supervisor
How did you start playing tennis?
After watching Agassi at the 2001 Rogers Cup.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
It’s a great charity organization, has an amazing coaching team and plays with Inner City Children.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand. It can move opponents from side to side.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Agassi. Love his return serve from the monster machine built by his Dad.
Stephanie Chen
Head Coach, Malvern
How did you start playing tennis?
Started casually with my kids.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
To see my students from last year and inspire more children to play tennis.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Hsieh Su-Wei. She has amazing ball placement and a magic touch. It is fascinating to watch her play.
Marco Ho
Assistant Coach, Malvern
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis with my brother and father.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I want to try out new things as this will be my first experience with a job. I’m curious to see how it goes and look forward to meeting new people.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Serve. I love the feel of tossing the ball up, and hitting it back down with force.
Fun fact about you?
I’ve played with the majority of tennis coaches in this program before we became coaches.
Kimmy C Raveendren
Assistant Coach, Malvern
How did you start playing tennis?
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Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
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What is your favourite tennis shot?
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Fun fact about you?
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Ishika Kaushal
Head Coach, Flemingdon
How did you start playing tennis?
Started playing at the age of 5 with my family and went from a recreational to a competitive player around age 10.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I strongly believe in Philpott’s mission and have a passion for reducing barriers to sport for children. I want to encourage participation and enthusiasm regarding sports in the younger generation.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Overhead. It makes me feel confident and powerful.
Fun fact about you?
I have a passion for travelling; some of the coolest places I’ve visited are Kenya, New Zealand, Iceland and Thailand.
Jeff Leathem
Head Coach, Jimmie Simpson
How did you start playing tennis?
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What is your favourite tennis shot?
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Fun fact about you?
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Sadie Partridge
Assistant Coach, Jimmie Simpson
How did you start playing tennis?
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Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
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What is your favourite tennis shot?
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Fun fact about you?
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Madeleine Warren
Volunteer, John Innes
How did you start playing tennis?
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Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
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What is your favourite tennis shot?
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Fun fact about you?
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Hayden Azan
Head Coach, Agincourt
How did you start playing tennis?
Through my family.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Growing up with the sport of tennis, I have gained so many invaluable skills. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn tennis, regardless of their situation. Philpott helped me realize this belief.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The serve. It sets the tone for the rest of the point and I like that you have complete control over it.
Colin Fok
Head Coach, McGregor
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing with the Philpott Program when I was 4 years old.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
To encourage and be a leader for the kids in my community.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Serve. It’s the most rewarding and satisfying to get right.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite food is chocolate.
Angie Fok
Assistant Coach, McGregor
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis at the age of four.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I want to give back to the community that impacted my childhood in a positive way. Being able to coach the younger generation through Philpott was an opportunistic way to do this.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand. It is one of the most versatile shots.
Fun fact about you?
One of my favourite pastime activities is baking.
Arnab Bardhan
Head Coach, Oakridge
How did you start playing tennis?
Through the free tennis program.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
To gain experience on how to be a leader.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand because you use it the most.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Roger Federer and my favourite anime is Dragon Ball Z.
Paul Kabbya
Assistant Coach, Oakridge
How did you start playing tennis?
Through the Philpott program at Oakridge.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I want people to enjoy tennis in the same way that I have.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
I enjoy slices. Seeing the ball bounce unnaturally and confusing my opponent are both fun things to see happen.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite show is the American version of The Office (I’ve seen the whole thing too many times).
Jake Gunzel
Head Coach, Secord
How did you start playing tennis?
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Fun fact about you?
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Nemdini Ratnayake
Assistant Coach, Secord
How did you start playing tennis?
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Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
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What is your favourite tennis shot?
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Fun fact about you?
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