Our Pros

What other club can offer pros with as many accolades as TCT? How many others have ATP World Tour Coaches? None. We are committed to providing the highest level of instruction and quality programs anywhere else in the area. If you are interested in Private Lessons, you can contact the pro directly or call TCT to find time and availability that fits you both. Lessons start at $60 for 30 minutes of one-on-one instruction.

Aaron Kusza - Director of Junior Development

A resident of Wallingford, Aaron graduated from Villanova University after a winning college tennis team career where he finished as the number one singles player. While earning a Master's degree in Theology and Religious Studies, Aaron also put in two years as an assistant coach for the Villanova men's tennis team. For the last several summers Aaron has taught tennis all over southern Connecticut, ranging from beginners to top ranked juniors and college players. Aaron brings a formidable mix of energy, dedication and tennis talent to the TCT tournament training program.

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Brian Barker - Tournament Training Programs

Brian Barker , former U.S. Pro Tour Coach of James Blake, returns to TCT after 10 years on the tour. He brings with him numerous international coaching awards and recognition for James' incredible comeback after a slew of unfortunate events to rise to a top 5 world ATP ranking. Brian is leading the charge as part of our Tournament Training program to foster young talent once again.

Isidro Martinez

Isidro was born in the Dominican Republic, where he was the #1 player in the 10's, 12's, 14's and 16's. He played #1 at Brunswick College, where he won the Regional Tennis Championship. He graduated from West Georgia University with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Sciences and coached the women's tennis team, which made the NCAA Championships. Isidro moved to France where he played pro tours and continued his education, obtaining a Masters in Computer Science at the University of Rouen.

Beth Norton

A long time pro at TCT since 1996, Beth is a native of Connecticut. Her early years were spent playing junior tennis and she achieved the number five junior world ranking in 1975. Beth went on to become a professional tennis player and enjoyed a stellar career during which she reached the rank of 20th in the world. In 2003 she was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame for her career accomplishments. Beth's many years of training and experience are evident in her ability to teach strategy and hone her student's ground strokes.

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Rome Lillicraf

Rome has been a fixture at TCT since 1985 when he started out as a student in the same class as Brian Barker, James Blake's long time coach. Rome went on to captain his Fairfield University team from 1982-1986 and was all New England Collegiate Division 1 in 1985. Rome's friendly personality and teaching style make him a natural on the court.

Matt Daly

Matt has been a success in the world of tennis ever since he qualified for the junior nationals every year since age twelve. He went on to play number one singles for Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in finance in 2001. Following college, Matt played the pro tour for two and a half years before returning to New England. A favorite with the juniors, Matt's incredible footwork and ground strokes put him in a class of his own.

Zeljko Knezevic

Known affectionately around TCT as "Z", Zeljko was born in Bosnia but spent his junior years in Germany training with Niki Pilic, Germany's former Davis Cup captain. He achieved a top ten ranking in Germany, competing in national and ITF junior tournaments throughout Europe. Zeljko graduated magna cum laude from the University of Vermont with a degree in Political Science while playing first singles and doubles. He was voted America East All-Conference, Most Valuable Player and NCAA Scholar Athlete. Zeljko is a USPTA P1 certified instructor and his experience includes teaching at the Topnotch Resort and Tennis Academy in Stowe, Vermont, the Noroton Yacht Club in Darien, the Shippan Racquet Club in Stamford and the Kings Highway Tennis Club in Darien. Zeljko has excellent ball control which leads to superior drilling techniques. His students love his easy going style and quick smile on and off the court.

John Pagano

John has over 16 years of experience as a tennis professional, teaching juniors and adults, both beginners and advanced players. He played four years of singles and doubles at UCONN, a Division 1 school.

Ben Zuckerberg

Two-time Connecticut state champion and three-time New Haven Register all area MVP. Ben was ranked top 5 in the New England Boys 18's and top 100 Nationally in the Boys 18s. Ben has taught at Woodbridge country club, Sutton East Tennis Club and is Grassroots Tennis volunteer. Ben uses an energetic and positive approach to teaching and is ready and able to teach all ages and ability levels.