Stephanie Chen
East Supervisor
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.
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.
Zara Bellavia
Head Coach (John Innes)
How did you start playing tennis?
My mom was a tennis player so she wanted my sister and I to play
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I want to continue to teach the sport that I love in a new city.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The serve because it starts off the point
Fun fact about you?
I love to travel
Shekinah Moyo
Assistant Coach (McGregor)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis in grade 9 when my friend asked me to try out for the tennis team at school.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I wanted to build a skill while getting paid, this job was the perfect opportunity
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My favourite shot is the volley, It was the shot I picked up easily.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite artist is Beyoncé and I’m seeing her on tour very soon
Nadia Gillingham
Assistant Coach (Jimmie Simpson)
How did you start playing tennis?
By Philpott
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
They came to my school and offered a job through the Girls Leadership Program.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand because it’s simple.
Fun fact about you?
I play hockey during the winter.
Abeishan Sivamurthy
Assistant Coach (Jimmie Simpson)
How did you start playing tennis?
Through Philpott’s summer program.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Because I want to start sharing my experiences and knowledge from Philpott with other children.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
-The forehand because it’s basic and is also a shot that’s incorporated with other racquet sports.
Fun fact about you?
I am a lefty!
Arnab Bardhan
Head Coach (Oakridge Park)
How did you start playing tennis?
Philpott children tennis program
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I like giving back to the community
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand because if you know how to use it properly you can hit great winners
Fun fact about you?
I like watching k drama
Paul Kabbya
Assistant Coach (Oakridge Park)
How did you start playing tennis?
Philpott summer program
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I had lots of volunteer experience and could transition easily into a coaching position.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Backhand slicing is the most fun, and the direction of spin is easy to control, so it’s my favourite.
Fun fact about you?
Bullet Train is my favourite movie.
Hannah Grace Acacio
Assistant Coach (Malvern)
How did you start playing tennis?
I played tennis for the first time going into the Girls Leadership Program organized by Philpott.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I wanted to work with Philpott because I thought it would be a fun way to step out of my comfort zone playing a new sport and trying coaching for the first time.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
I like volleys because they’re quick and more of an aggressive attack.
Fun fact about you?
I like skateboarding.
Aungshu Dhar
Assistant Coach (Flemingdon/Angela James Arena)
How did you start playing tennis?
Through joining Philpott
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
To make money for University and because I love playing tennis and teaching.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My favorite shot is the dropshot because it’s a great offensive weapon that opens many openings.
Fun fact about?
My favorite tennis player is Novak Djokovic.
Kimmy Christo Raveendren
Head Coach (Malvern/ Don Montgomery)
How did you start playing tennis?
I was really shy and got bullied in high school, so I never really had friends after I graduated, so I picked up tennis as a way to make friends.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Because I’m going to be head coach at the Malvern Court and as the court where I learned to play tennis, it makes this summer all the more special.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
I actually have two, the serve and volley. It’s because I really like the serve and volley playing style.
Fun fact about you?
I enjoy playing guitar and improving my french. skills!
Anderson Xu
Assistant Coach (McGregor)
How did you start playing tennis?
My dad took me to summer camps when I was young.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
To help encourage tennis in Canada and to save up for post-secondary tuition.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand because you use it the most.
Fun fact about you?
Fav tennis player is Rafael Nadal
Esakar Kamaleswaran
Head Coach (McGregor)
How did you start playing tennis?
Through philpott
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I enjoy coaching
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehands strokes because it’s my most consistent shot.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite movie is spirited away
Frances Fiorino
Assistant Coach (Flemingdon/Angela James Arena)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis as part of the young women’s leadership program at Philpott, and quickly grew to love it.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Philpott is a great organization that helped me pursue an interest in tennis, and I’m happy to help others in pursuing their interest as well!
What is your favourite tennis shot?
I like the forehand. It’s the first shot I learned.
Fun fact about you?
I love ice cream, especially during the summer.
Marco Simanic
Head Coach (Flemingdon/ Angela James Arena)
How did you start playing tennis?
Philpott
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
When I was younger, I was always inspired with the coaches I grew up with and I always wanted to give back and be like them teaching tennis, and I am grateful to have this opportunity to become a tennis coach.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My favourite tennis shot is my backhand. It is a very reliable shot and I manage to always get myself out of tricky situations during a point with it.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite tennis player is Novak Djokovic, I enjoy watching anything interesting whether its action, sci-fi, horror.
Angie Fok
Assistant Coach (Jimmie Simpson)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis with my brother as a participant in the Philpott program at Malvern.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I wanted to work with Philpott this summer to give back to the organization that has presented me with plenty of opportunities and provided many beneficial skills to use both on and off the tennis courts.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My favourite tennis shot is the forehand as it is what I am most comfortable with and it has many versatile uses.
Fun fact about you?
Sleeping is my favourite hobby.
Kim Pallarca
Assistant Coach (Don Montgomery)
How did you start playing tennis?
My father enrolled me in the Philpott Summer Program at Malvern in 2007. I learned tennis solely from Philpott’s free programs, and it paved the path for me in ways I could never imagine. It allowed me to become an Instructor/CP1 with 9 years of coaching experience, grow to attract opportunities to work at the community, provincial and national levels of tennis, and it provided me with inspiration to receive an Advanced Diploma at Humber College for Sport Management. Thanks dad, for enrolling me in the program that changed my life.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I’ve always referred to Philpott as the “Philpott Family.” From being a participant, to coach, to administrator and facilitator, I will always see myself as being a part of this family. This is my 16th year involved with Philpott and my 10th year as a coach…and I don’t intend to leave! Being able to continue the Philpott full circle of cultivating quality future leaders is an incredible opportunity.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My favorite shot is the approach shot. I love the rush I get when hitting this shot.
Fun fact about you?
One of my favorite shows is Ted Lasso. 10/10 recommend.
Sierra Parker
Assistant Coach (Secord/ Coleman)
How did you start playing tennis?
Through the Philpott Girls Program.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I want to work with Philpott this summer because I want to ensure that more people get involved in tennis. When I first started learning through the Girls Program, I was a bit nervous and confused. As the program continued, I was excited to play and am looking forward to continuing to play. Philpott’s push to get more people involved inspires me, therefore I want to work with Philpott this summer.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
While I am more comfortable with forehand, I think my favourite is backhand as it is versatile and a good way to get points!
Fun fact about you?
Some fun facts about me are that I like Formula 1, my favourite movie is Notting Hill, and I like to watch Emma Raducanu play tennis!
Isata Jalloh
Assistant Coach (Oakridge Park)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis through the Young Women’s Leadership program with Philpott Children’s Tennis.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I strongly believe in the Philpott mission in promoting tennis among youths and children especially, young girls. I feel a special satisfaction playing tennis while helping young children learn the sport. This summer, I hope to inspire and encourage many hearts, in participating in this sport while brightening the future of my community!
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand. An effortless stroke, with a powerful swing of the racquet to the direction of where you want the ball to land.
Fun fact about you?
I enjoy dancing and swimming. I also have a passion for cooking. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and pride in my capabilities. I love crafting different cuisines, and expanding on my creativity!
Jake Gunzel
Head Coach (Secord/ Coleman)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing when I signed up for lessons at the Scarborough Bluffs Tennis Club.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I wanted to work, to help create a community for children to share a sport together, one that I am passionate about, so children can have fun, enjoy themselves, create friends and hopefully enjoy tennis for life to grow the tennis community so many people can enjoy the sport and have an active life.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The forehand, as most people find it easy, so that helps create longer rallies since most people find it easier, which is my favorite part of tennis, rallying back and forth, so to be able to rally comfortably with another allows me to enjoy tennis and from a coaching perspective, see children happy, and in the heat of the game because they can rally, even if they should’ve used their backhand in a few shots, it gets them rallying and hitting balls, creating a fun space for everyone.
Fun fact about you?
A favorite quote of mine is, “Thoughts are just thoughts, they are only reality if you make them to be”
Asvin Selvapavan
Assistant Coach (Secord/ Coleman)
How did you start playing tennis?
—
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
—
What is your favourite tennis shot?
—
Fun fact about you?
—
Marco Ho
Assistant Coach (Malvern)
How did you start playing tennis?
—
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
—
What is your favourite tennis shot?
—
Fun fact about you?
—