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.
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.
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.
Varahan Yogalingam
Head Coach, Amesbury
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis through the Philpott lessons at McGregor with my brother.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
It’s very rewarding to work with kids and teach them a sport I love. I can help make a positive impact on the community through my own work.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The jumping two-handed backhand. It’s really cool, and super satisfying when executed properly.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Nick Kyrgios.
Adam Iannetta
Assistant Coach, Amesbury
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis at a local Philpott site and participated in various summer camps.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I really enjoy coaching tennis and being part of an organization that works to serve the community.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
One-handed backhand. It gives you more freedom and flexibility.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Rafael Nadal. I also support all Canadian players.
Steve Gasner
Head Coach, Irving Chapley
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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Sarah Gasner
Assistant Coach, Irving Chapley
How did you start playing tennis?
I use to hit the ball with my mom when I was a kid.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I enjoy working with children and gaining a new experience.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand.
Fun fact about you?
I went to high school with Denis Shapovalov.
Gabriela Mongua
Head Coach, Flagstaff
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing when I was 5-6 years old.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
It’s a valuable opportunity to get experience and also help little kids.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand. I’m comfortable with it, and it’s potent when I use it.
Fun fact about you?
Not all people know that my biggest fear are dogs 🙂
Prisha Patel
Assistant Coach, Flagstaff
How did you start playing tennis?
Through the Philpott Girls Program at my school that my gym teacher introduced.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Because of my newfound enjoyment in the sport of tennis. I had fun interacting with kids last summer, and I want to give others the same opportunity this year!
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand groundstroke. It was the very first shot I learned that can help maintain a good rally if executed properly.
Fun fact about you?
I love doing visual arts! I draw, paint, sketch, and create crafts as my favourite hobby.
Gabilan Yogalingam
Head Coach, Grandravine
How did you start playing tennis?
Read tennis manga, got interested, and asked my parents to sign me up for lessons.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
The kids are a joy to work with and it’s always an amazing experience.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Drop shot. I love the finesse and IQ required to pull off the perfect ones.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Gael Monfils, love his athleticism and showmanship.
Harshavi Patel
Assistant Coach, Grandravine
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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Vincent Zheng
Assistant Coach, Grandravine
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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Ailin Babaeian
Head Coach, Kingsview
How did you start playing tennis?
I learned to play tennis at a young age when my parent registered me in a tennis group program.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I love to engage with children, make a fun environment for them and encourage them to be more active in tennis so they choose it as a sport in their life.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Rafael Nadal.
Riva Christian
Assitant Coach, Kingsview
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing once I got into the West Humber Girls Program in 2021.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
It was so much fun coaching last summer, I didn’t want to miss out this year.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand.
Fun fact about you?
I really love and enjoy sports; volleyball and track are my main ones.
Longe Oluwatomisin
Assitant Coach, Kingsview
How did you start playing tennis?
I learned about it at school through my Gym teacher.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
This is a great opportunity for me and l love working with kids and playing outdoors.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Surprisingly, it is the backhand. I like the feel of the racquet; it’s really satisfying.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite quote is: “It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not!”
Edward Branga
Head Coach, Lawrence Heights
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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Livia Ma
Assistant Coach, Lawrence Heights
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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Rubaya Farazi
Assistant Coach, Lawrence Heights
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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Eric D.
Head Coach, San Romanoway
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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Thuginthan Thurai
Assistant Coach, San Romanoway
How did you start playing tennis?
Joined Philpott Children’s Tennis as a participant in 2011 at the San Romanoway courts. https://i.imgur.com/8dUzeog.jpeg
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Completed the TSLP and decided to work this summer. The courts are very close by and it’s a great way to get exercise in. I also love the game of tennis.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The forehand as it is the most fundamental shot and easy to teach lame answer.
Fun fact about you?
Favourite movie: Dumb & Dumber. Favourite basketball player: Fred VanVleet. Favourite video game: CS:GO
Kamya Shah
Assistant Coach, San Romanoway
How did you start playing tennis?
In 2021, my gym teacher told me about Philpott because they were looking for more girls to be involved in tennis, so I decided to join and learn from them.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Because of the amazing experience I had last summer. I went from learning tennis to loving it as a sport. I’ve also always enjoyed working with kids.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Backhand groundstroke. I know this is unusual but I’m able to hit better and more consistent rallies.
Fun fact about you?
I love being active; I enjoy volleyball and biking along with tennis.
Pouya Farokhsey
Head Coach, Piccinnini
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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Camden Hein
Assistant Coach, Piccinnini
How did you start playing tennis?
My parents signed me up for lessons when I was about 7 years old.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I have enjoyed tennis my whole life and I am interested in teaching kids how to play. I have also participated in fundraisers for Philpott, including a tennis-a-thon, where I played tennis for 12 hours.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Slice second serve. As a left-hander, it goes out wide to my opponent’s backhand and catches them off guard.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Alexander Zverev, and my favourite tv show is Stranger Things.
Mercedes Whonder
Head Coach, Sorauren Park
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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Laryssa Kulish
Assistant Coach, Sorauren Park
How did you start playing tennis?
My parents played tennis before me, so I naturally jumped into the sport.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I’ve been a camper at Philpott for a while now (since 2014). Becoming a coach like the ones I’ve looked up to was a dream come true.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
I like groundstrokes because I am least likely to mess up.
Fun fact about you?
I like carrying around a bag, in case I ever actually need it.
Ben Houle
Assistant Coach, Sorauren Park
How did you start playing tennis?
A couple of my older cousins who play tennis introduced me to it when I was young.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Working with Philpott meant that I would be able to help kids play such an amazing sport. I also like the organization and what they do for tennis in Canada.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The overhead volley. It’s fun and it usually means you won the point if you get to hit one.
Fun fact about you?
I’ve played hockey and tennis for almost my entire life.
Yakoub Akram
Volunteer, Sorauren Park
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis with Philpott when I was 6 with my brother and friends. I have continued playing ever since.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I want to teach children tennis, the same way I was taught tennis by Philpott.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Overhead smash. I love the power that can be generated with that shot and hitting the ball in midair.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite player is Nadal, my favourite movie is Star Wars. I like swimming, playing chess and reading.