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
Coaching Consultant
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.
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.
Gabriela Mongua
Head Coach (Kingsview/Chalkfarm)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing in my home country when I was 6 years old
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I worked with Philpott las summer (summer 2022) and I had an amazing summer, I learned a lot as a head coach, I had amazing co workers.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
I have to say forehand, since it’s my dominant side I have more power and I feel its my strongest shot
Fun fact about you?
Tennis it’s not only a sport, it’s a lifestyle and you have to love and feel passion for it but if you don’t, it’s not for you.
Chelsea Owusu Annisah
Assistant Coach (Kingsview/Chalkfarm)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis through the girls leadership program
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I want to work with Philpott this year because when I worked with them last year I really enjoyed it and it was a great way to stay active.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My favourite tennis shot is a backhand groundstroke because I’m able to control my backhand a lot better than my forehand and also because I get really deep shots with it.
Fun fact about you?
Well, I still watch cartoons till this day and I literally can’t stop watching them (I’m 18 btw)
Sara Duran
Head Coach (Sorauren Park)
How did you start playing tennis?
I joined a club in Colombia close to where I live, back when I was 15.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Back in 2015, I had the opportunity to work with Philpott, and among all the clubs I’ve coached at, my experience with Philpott remains the most memorable and fulfilling camp to this day.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My favorite shot is a closed stance double-handed backhand. There’s just something about the unity of the turn, where my right foot, hip, and shoulder move together. It’s an incredible feeling when everything aligns and the shot flows effortlessly.
Fun fact about you?
There’s two quotes by tennis players that I find have helped me over the years on and off court. “Control what you can control.” ― Andre Agassi, Open (I definitely recommend reading his biography) and “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” -Arthur Ashe
Ben Houle
Assistant 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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Adam Iannetta
Head Coach (Amesbury)
How did you start playing tennis?
My parents put me in a tennis program when I was younger. At first I did not want to play, but once I started playing I really enjoyed it and it is a sport I have continued to play as I have gotten older.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I really enjoy helping kids improve their tennis skills everyday. Tennis is an incredible sport because it is a great way to meet people and stay active.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
One-handed backhand because of Roger Federer and it just looks so cool.
Fun fact about you?
My favourite TV show is The Office.
Diya Zaveri
Assistant Coach (Amesbury)
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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Steve Gasner
Head Coach (Irving Chapley CC)
How did you start playing tennis?
I simply got signed up for lessons as a kid and continously loved the sport more and more as I got older.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I always feel valued every year that I’m back and was asked by several people to return. It’s always an amazing feeling making a positive impact on so many kids every summer.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
My favourite shot is definitely the volley! I was never a power player so this was my way of attacking! Also, I was a soccer goalie and the skill is very similar.
Fun fact about you?
Even though that I’m right handed, I have a left handed forehand in my repertoire.
John Falsarella
Assistant Coach (Irving Chapley CC)
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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Varahan Yogalinga
Head Coach (Grandravine)
How did you start playing tennis?
In the Philpott program.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
It’s a great work environment, and I’m able to work on a sport I personally love and spread that love back to the community.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The inside out forehand, it feels great to run around the ball and really unleash my forehand.
Fun fact about you?
Favourite tennis players are Federer and Kyrgios, I love players of any game that are so good they make it looks easy.
Ayesha Kandeh
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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Andrew Judelman
Head Coach (Lawrence Heights/Baycrest 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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Riva Christian
Assistant Coach (Lawrence Heights/ Baycrest Park)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis once I joined the West Humber Girls Leadership program in 2021.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I’ve worked with philpott for 2 summers already, i love teaching the kids new skills while working on my own. working with philpott is a great opportunity to expand on your own knowledge while feeling good about helping a kid become a tennis player.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Forehand groundstroke.
Fun fact about you?
My fav artist is Lil Baby
Harshavi Patel
Head Coach (JJP/ Giovanni Caboto Park Picinini)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis through the first Girls Leadership Program held at West Humber and later moved into TSLP
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Becoming a teacher is a passion of mine and I find working with Philpott/ coaching during the summer a great way to gain more experience with kids while also doing something I love
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The 2 handed backhand
Fun fact about you?
I’ve never broken a bone.
Yakoub Akram
Assistant Coach (JJP/ Giovanni Caboto Park Picinini)
How did you start playing tennis?
I started with Philpott, I went to classes with my older Brother.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I spent a lot of time in Philpott classes growing up, they provided with fun and engaging lessons that led to me wanting to teach tennis.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
I love the backhand the most as it gives you a lot of control over the direction and power of the ball.
Fun fact about you?
I love Star Wars
Eric Darko
Head Coach (SRW)
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?
Started playing tennis in 2011 at San Romanoway as a 6 year-old Philpott camper.
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
Enjoy coaching as it’s a fun and rewarding job. Giving back to the community I grew up in.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
The forehand because it’s the fundamental shot of tennis, lot of variety and important to teach.
Fun fact about you?
This summer, I’m coaching with my brother Thuvarakan, and my first tennis coach Eric.
Thuvarakan Thurai
Assistant Coach, San Romanoway
How did you start playing tennis?
Through Philpott in 2011
Why do you want to work with Philpott this summer?
I’ve been a camper since 2011, and always thought being a coach will be cool.
What is your favourite tennis shot?
Serve. The satisfaction of hitting an ace is unmatchable.
Fun fact about you?
Favourite tennis player is Nick Kyrgios.