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June Hours:
Mon-Fri: 6:30am-10:30pm
Sat-Sun: 6:30am-9:00pm
MEET THE TEAM
IT TAKES GREAT PEOPLE TO MAKE A WORLD-CLASS FACILITY. MEET THE TEAM ON-COURT, BEHIND THE DESK, & BEHIND THE SCENES!
STAFF TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL PROS
Connor Christian
Assistant Tennis & Pickleball Director - Staff Tennis Pro
Connor is a PTR certified coach who grew up in Gallipolis Ohio where he led his high school team into 3 undefeated seasons at number 1 singles and was ranked top 20 in the state going into his senior year. He then went on to compete in college for a Nationally ranked NAIA division school in Lakeland Florida for his first two years and finished his college career at Ohio Northern university with a winning record in singles and doubles in the varsity lineup to graduate with a degree in marketing. Connor is passionate about helping others reach their goals on and off the court. He studied coaching at Van Der Meer Tennis academy in Hilton head island and has worked in the marketing department at Wilson’s HQ in Chicago. Connor has worked with beginners all the way to top performance juniors/college players. He also serves at Red Rocks church on the Worship team and loves music. $65/hour
Aaron Zaderej
Assistant Tennis & PIckleball Director - Staff Tennis Pro
Aaron is originally from South Bend, Indiana, and has been playing tennis since his childhood. He played competitively in high school and college. When Aaron teaches tennis, he enjoys working most on mindset, serves, and strategy; he also has a passion for working with kids of all ages. Next to tennis, Aaron is a practicing shamanic medicine man, who assists people in stepping out of their comfort zones, and finding new approaches alongside their path. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking, and watching live music.
$65/hour
Kenneth Kilgore
Staff Tennis Pro
Kenneth moved to Denver from Cincinnati, Ohio to pursue his masters degree in business administration. His specialties include tennis strategy and footwork.If you are looking for a kind, patient, goal-oriented pro, Kenneth is your guy. His hobbies include playing soccer, listening to Anderson Paak or Thundercat, and trying out new local delis. On the ATP tour, Kenneth is a big fan of Medvedev and continues to argue that his volley skills are very underrated. $65/hour
Staff Tennis Pro
Sarah Megilligan
She goes by many names: TriSarahtops, Sarahendipity, Megalodon, or simply coach Sarah. In 2020, Sarah received her bachelor's at CSU-Pueblo, where she also played 4 years of tennis. Sarah has been a tennis pro, pursued sales, advertising, film, & radio. She spends her free time mastering puns, lifting heavy things, hiking, and always staying curious by learning something new. $65/hour
Staff Tennis Pro
Eric Smith
Eric comes to us from Vero Beach, FL. Home to American number 1 player Mardy Fish. He trained, and worked on the green clay of Twin Oaks Tennis Club, One of south Florida’s top teaching, and private facilities. If you would like to work on your topspin forehand, or kick serve, Eric is your guy. He is a kind, silly, outgoing instructor, who can help develop players at any skill level. Eric is also USRSA certified, he can help you with any racket, and string questions you may have. When not on court, he loves to try new restaurants around Denver, and loves to talk food. $65/hour
Kevin Pascal
Staff Tennis Pro
Kevin comes from a tennis family and started playing tennis before he can remember. He loves helping tennis players of all skill levels improve their game. His favorite surface is grass, but he grew up playing on clay in Florida, Latin America and Europe. His pet peeves are lift lines and eastern grips at the net. If not on a tennis court, he’s probably skiing, surfing, mountain biking, reading, playing guitar or at Red Rocks. $65/hour
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Rick Escobedo
Staff Tennis Pro
Rick is a junior pro specialist, starting as early as 5 years old. Originally from Roswell, New Mexico, he played high school tennis and many years in league tennis. He understands the importance of teaching kids the fundamentals of the game, along with general core beliefs of being an athlete. Rick has spent many seasons at Keystone working as a ski instructor. If you are hitting the slopes, keep your eye out for him! Consider Rick for the junior player in your family. $60/hour
Julia Clough
Staff Tennis Pro
Julia is a Colorado native who played tennis throughout high school and college. She took up tennis at the age of four, guided by her grandfather who was a collegiate tennis player and later a collegiate coach. Julia draws on the same style of teaching that she learned with. She is patient, gentle, and easy going and focuses on a growth mindset and positive reinforcement when instructing children. She is exuberant and lights up when interacting with her students. She has been a junior pro with the children’s camps at Gates the past three summers. Outside of tennis, Julia loves skiing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, farmer’s markets, and yoga. A recent graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, she will be pursuing a graduate degree in sustainable architecture. Consider Julia for your youth tennis needs! $55/hour
Kate Clough
Staff Tennis Pro
Bio Coming Soon. $55/hour
Robert Leonard
Staff Pickleball Pro
$80/hr semi-privates / $60/hr privates
Robert has been playing tennis and paddle tennis his entire life, and fell in love with the game of Pickleball as soon as he found it. He is a PPR® Certified Coach who taught privately in Southern California before moving to Denver. Among his long list of clients is the one and only Kenny Loggins! Robert pays particular attention to the serve, non-attackable balls, and the ever important Third Shot Drop. Robert explains the how and the why. Struggling with ‘bangers’ or people who refuse to dink? Let Robert show you how to punish their undisciplined play-style!
John Page
Staff Tennis & Pickleball Pro
John is a recent graduate from Liberty University where he played on the Flames Club Tennis Team. He obtained a degree in Sports Management and has a passion for helping others reach their potential. John puts an emphasis on mindset, focusing on players' ground stroke timing and can be seen swinging a one-handed backhand. He is a patient pro that enjoys working with players of all ages and skill levels. In his free time, John enjoys drives in the mountains (with the top down, of course) Spartan Races, watching The Office, and cheering on the Boston Celtics. $60/hour
Bryan Everhart
Staff Pickleball Pro
Bryan Everhart has spent the last few years as a Pickleball Instructor, Coach, and Tournament Player. He loves working with players of all skill levels to improve their fundamental skills and strategic awareness. Bryan has coached many competitive tournament teams at events around the country including the National Championships. He enjoys organizing and operating Pickleball Camps at private clubs and residences while traveling for tournament play. Nothing is more rewarding for him than to see “a light bulb turn on” with his clients during instruction or coached play, those game changing moments when something just clicks! Bryan is very excited to meet and work with the Denver Community this summer.
$80/hr semi-privates / $60/hr privates
Chase Stokes
Staff Pickleball Pro
Chase Stokes grew up in central Virginia playing basketball, soccer, and football. In between school and practice he would play hours of ping pong with his dad, this is where his love for pickleball began. As a player he participates in tournaments across the country and enjoys playing on the weekends at local parks in the Denver area. As a PPR® certified coach, he enjoys working with all skill levels from beginner to advanced, his favorite pickleball skills to help improve are court positioning, 3rd shot drops, and serves. In his free time he likes to ski, play poker, and golf. Looking forward to working with you soon!
$80/hr semi-privates / $60/hr privates
Mario Boschi
Staff Pickleball Pro
As a son of Italian immigrants, Mario has an inspiring work and playing ethic in whatever he does. Mario's' professional pickleball philosophy regarding success has never been focused purely on monetary gain, but rather the development he sees within his pickleball students and clients. Mario's foundation of a successful pickleball coach/instructor enlightened leadership, collaboration and open communication, which leads to a better pickleball player. Mario is certified in the Neuropickleball Trained Coach/Instructor team where he travels across the country, bringing you the best in neuroscience-based performance and pickleball teaching for beginners to elite pickleball players.
$80/hr semi-privates / $60/hr privates
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR TENNIS PROS
Meike Babel
IC Tennis Pro
Meike is a former world-class tennis player, reaching a career high of #27 in singles and #45 in doubles in 1995 on the WTA tour. She played in 19 Grand Slams and represented her native country, Germany, in Fed Cup. After retiring from the pro tour, she was a coach for women's tennis at Tulane & Vanderbilt U. She worked as mental skills coach with the women's tennis teams at Vanderbilt & Emory Univ. Meike enjoys working with players of all ages and levels. She's known to be a tough coach, with extreme knowledge and a playful side. $100/hour
Andy Booth
IC Tennis Pro
Former Director of Tennis at The Snowmass Club in Aspen, Colorado, Andy is a USPTA Elite Professional, twice elected as President of the USPTA Intermountain Division. He’s had great success in taking league players to the next level through strategic court positioning and stroke production. In addition to being a hitting partner for Johan Kriek (two-time Australian Open Champion), Andy was also on-court with Cici Bellis and Nicole Gibbs, two young up and coming American WTA Professionals. $90/hour
Michael Towne
IC Tennis Pro
Originally hailing from Richmond, Va., Michael was crowned Virginia State "All Prep." in high school. He also played college tennis his freshman year at Hampden Sydney College. While out on court, Michael likes to focus on strategic configurations, thinking outside the box, and considering all angles of the court. He has a calming demeanor and a knack for targeting (and then correcting) the weaknesses in a player’s game. Michael also has a mediocre mid-range basketball jump shot and sub-par kickball skills (just don’t tell him that). $75/hour
Brian Williams
IC Tennis Pro
Originally from New Jersey, Brian moved to Colorado in 2017 and began working at Gates soon thereafter. He graduated from the University of Scranton in 2014 where he played singles and doubles; earning First Team All-Conference honors. His favorite shots to win a match are his top-spin forehand and serve, although he wants to teach you ALL the shots. When not on the court, Brian enjoys skiing, traveling, and climbing a variety of Colorado 14ers as a way to simultaneously explore and get a healthy dose of outdoor exercise. A solid coach & great guy. $80/hour
KB Makgale
IC Tennis Pro
Born in Botswana, Africa, KB’s favorite sports, besides tennis, are soccer and football. KB’s serve, topspin, and footwork are a few specialties, among many. KB played tennis at Metro State College of Denver. KB is a true veteran of Gates Tennis Center, having taught lessons here for over a decade. He is quite fond of court 12, but can elevate your game successfully on any given court number you may find yourself on with him. KB has a very calm and even temperament on court, allowing students to feel comfortable and progress at a fast pace. $75/hour
Carey Brading
IC Tennis Pro
A former national junior champion,Carey represented his native country of New Zealand in international play before attending and earning a B.A. in Business Management from Colorado State University-Pueblo,where twice he was awarded All-American status and selected to represent the NAIA national team.Carey has earned many accolades, has several USTA/USPTA certifications, and has been as high as #308 in ATP rankings. When not teaching tennis, you might find Carey on the dance floor doing the Cha-cha. www.careybrading.com $75/hour
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Sam Hitman
General Manager / Hitman Sports Management
From South Jersey, Sam honed his tennis game in Hammonton, NJ, a rural farming town. His first coach was his mother. Sam was #1 singles all 4 years in high school, and then played at Rutgers U. In college, Sam organized Bike Trek USA; and did several “Across America” transcontinental bike rides with a college group. It was on bicycle when Colorado caught Sam’s eye. (probably from the top of Wolf Creek pass!) After graduating, Sam moved to Colorado in 1993, and has been involved with Gates Tennis Center since! (minus a 6 year hiatus from Gates, circa 2000-2005) Starting in 1993, Sam was a Tennis Professional at Gates, when he had long hair, ran popular drill classes, and could move much faster than today! (that’s according to Sam) He was interested in the management side of the industry, too. Sam “took a break” from Gates for about 6 years, and was a Director at a local tennis center. He came back to Gates in 2006 as a principle in a Tennis Management company hired to operate Gates. Today, Sam is the owner of Hitman Sports Management that operates GTC and 3 other facilities in the region. Sam is also a part-owner of a beautiful indoor tennis center in Santa Fe, NM. He tries to run Gates as a great community place and as a public amenity, that it was designed to be when beautifully built by the Gates Foundation and the City of Denver. Sam is a dedicated husband and father of 4. Beyond playing with his kids, Sam likes playing tennis with his wife in Hawaii on special occasions; and while he still roots for his Philly teams (76ers, Phillies, Eagles) first, he then roots for all the Denver teams (Nuggs, Rockies, Broncos) as a very close second. Email: samhitman25@gmail.com
Ted Bradley
Director of Tennis & Pickleball
As Director of Tennis, Ted teaches, manages, coordinates, and still has time for a witty one-liner. He does it all! Originally from Portage, WI, Ted grew up as the son of a basketball coach. He was an all-state tennis player during his high school days, and state champion. Ted played his college tennis at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he played #1 singles and doubles. Ted loves to teach the game, and is passionate about helping people improve their tactical and technical skills. Email: ted@gatestenniscenter.info
Katie Hardin
Tennis & Pickleball Department Manager
Katie is a veteran of Gates Tennis Center and is darn close to being a Denver native at this point, having moved here from Tennessee over 30 years ago! Katie has been a rock star Front Desk Manager and is now focusing her time on the Tennis and Pickleball side of the business. She brings her invaluable GTC knowledge to all things programmatic and will help coordinate and execute our extensive Tennis and Pickleball programs. She's always got her music playing and her laugh can be heard around the entire facility. Katie enjoys playing tennis AND pickleball (no purest here), cooking at home with her cat, and visiting the local movie theaters for the latest horror flick. Email: katie@gatestenniscenter.info
Doug Morton
Co-Director of Operations
Doug joined the Gates team in 2020 having previously moved to Colorado from Big Sky Country. He has played tennis competitively across the western US and served as President of the Board of Directors for USTA-Montana. At Gates, Doug is the man in charge of things "facility" (that's a lot of moving parts)! He is a natural problem solver and is dedicated to keeping our property running smooth and looking great. In his free time, Doug can be found on or planning his next epic backpacking trip, trying out new brewpubs or volunteering on one of several non-profit Boards. Email: doug@gatestenniscenter.info
Madison Green
Co-Director of Operations
Maddy is originally from Madison, WI, where she played tennis through high school and with her family growing up. She moved to Boulder for her undergrad and to ski. Since joining Gates in 2021 she has worked numerous roles including the front desk, managing camp and assisting with the Colorado State Open. Maddy now works alongside Doug to manage the facility, marketing and business operations of Gates. In her free time she can be found hitting the slopes, bowling, doing jigsaw puzzles and falling asleep during movies. Email: maddy@gatestenniscenter.info
Andrew James
Marketing/Design Manager
Andrew moved to Denver in 2014 to explore the great outdoors and all the unique high altitude activities that Colorado has to offer. He was hired as part of the original Lakewood Park Tennis staff, where he wore many hats, helping to build the first iteration of their website, designing their logo, stringing, and more. He transitioned to GTC several years later and narrowed his role to marketing and design. He is now in school, pursuing a degree in Digital Design. In his spare time, he enjoys tennis, skate/snowboarding, music production, and live music. Email: andrew@gatestenniscenter.info
Michael Glaser
Business Services Manager
After growing up and graduating college in Pennsylvania Mike moved back to Colorado in 2014. Making pitstops along the way, he also lived in Arizona, Missouri and Tennessee before settling back in Denver. He grew up playing soccer, baseball and basketball. Mike joined Gates Tennis Center in 2021 after running a youth sports franchise for years in West Denver. In his spare time, he likes to travel whenever possible. In Colorado he likes to go up into the mountains during the summer months for camping and exploring mountain towns. When in Denver he likes to scoot around and explore the food and beer scene. Also, being a big Denver sports fan, he likes to attend Nuggets and Broncos games whenever he can. Email: michael@gatestenniscenter.info
SPECIALISTS
Dan Rosner
Certified Stringer
Dan moved to Denver in 2018 from Minnesota. As a lifelong tennis player, Dan is now appreciating the fact that it's much easier to play tennis outdoors in a Colorado winter vs a Minnesota winter! He is also a big fan of live music, and found the scene in Denver to be a pretty awesome fit for him. After spending some time in Minnesota stringing for a retail shop, he transitioned to full time stringer at Gates Tennis Center and became USRSA certified as a Certified Stringer in Minn, Colorado. When he's not at Gates he's probably hiking or listening to music.
Melissa Harris
Customer Service Specialist
Melissa “Missy” Harris is a Denver native who loves all things tennis. She has played for several years in various USTA leagues, but also enjoys playing non-competitively. Working at Gates Tennis Center is a perfect fit for her when she is not practicing graphic design, hiking around Colorado, biking, quilting, or baking a mean peanut butter chocolate chip cookie. Fun fact that relates back to Gates Tennis Center: Missy designed the Wooden Open logo a few years back. You've probably seen this design on shirts being worn around the facility by staff or customers!