Meet the Tennis Staff

John Woods O: 387-1633 [email protected]	John Woods Director of Tennis John Woods has been the Director of Tennis at Longboat Key Club for over 30 years. A Texas native John went to Texas Tech University and earned his degree while playing tennis. After brief stints at the Houston Racket club and the Fondren Tennis Centre he joined Rod Laver and Roy Emerson in creating tennis clinics around the nation. "The best experience a pro could have learning from two of the greatest players ever". In addition to making sure the clubhouse, courts and surrounding areas are in great condition John's other duties at the club are creating programs, tournaments and round robins that the members will enjoy and creating the "heart of the club" the wonderful employees who help to make the day to day tennis a fun and exciting experience.
Sammy Aviles O: 387-1633 [email protected]	Sammy Aviles Tennis Professional Tennis Professional Sammy Aviles started his tennis career training with Nick Bolletierri in Puerto Rico where he became one of the top 5 players in the Caribbean by age 16. He started his teaching career with Nick in Puerto Rico in 1970 and eventually moved with Nick, and seven other professionals, to the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort. There they developed the Nick Bolletierri Tennis Academy. During this time, he was one of Nick’s top professionals and moved on with him and helped create what is now known as IMG Academies. In 1985, Sammy started working as an Assistant Pro at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, and then became the Director in 1988. He ran a very successful tennis program which earned the #1 Tennis Resort in the Nation award for eight consecutive years. In addition Sammy has taught many top tour players including Roger Smith (#124 in the world), Jill Hetherington (#3 in the world in doubles), and works with Jesse Levine (currently #96 in the world). Sammy is a positive addition to the staff and will be giving private, semi-private and group lessons. Please stop by The Tennis Gardens and introduce yourself the next time you are at the Club.
Randy Ardenfriend O: 387-1633	Randy Ardenfriend Tennis Professional Randy Ardenfriend has been teaching tennis for over fifteen years. Randy was the Head Pro at the Palisades Tennis Center in California for seven years before coming to Longboat Key Club. Randy has coached many top ranked juniors at both the state and national levels. Randy specializes in modern stroke methodology.

Jackie Bohannon O: 387-1633	Jackie Bohannon Tennis Professional Born is Sarasota, Jackie Bohannon was the #1 player at Sarasota High School. She went on to play in college as the #1 player at Stetson University. As a Certified USPTR Tennis Professional as well as Tennis Canada Certified Jackie has worked in Nike Tennis Camps, West Point Military Academy, Belleair Country Club, The Boulevard Club and presently, TheLongboat Key Club Tennis Gardens.
Prakash Maraj O:387-1633	Prakash Maraj Tennis Professional Originally from Trinidad, West Indies, Prakash Maraj has lived in the United States for 25 years. As a Certified USPTR Tennis Professional, Maraj has worked with students from the New York Tennis League for the US Open Junior Program, the Women's Professional Tour, Bausch & Lomb Tournament, 10 years at Amelia Island, The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort and presently, The Longboat Key Club Tennis Gardens.