About the Pros at Murrieta Tennis
Kristen Grady – Head Coach
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I love tennis! At seven years old, I tried tennis for the first time. My mom took me to a small beginner lesson right here in Murrieta. The funny thing is that I didn't want to go to that first tennis class, but my parents said that I had to try it at least once, and if I didn't like it we wouldn't go back. After the first couple minutes I was hooked! I loved all the movement, the "ping" sound as the ball made contact with the strings, and the target practice. My parents' next problem was trying to get me to leave the courts. After each lesson, I would beg them to let me stay and practice even if it was just on the wall, and when they finally got me out of there, I would come home and pratice on the garage. I still love tennis and I carry this passion for the sport with me in working with my students.
Qualifications:
–USPTA Certified Tennis Professional
–8 years experience teaching tennis lessons
–Ranked as high as #3 in Southern California as a Junior Player
–Top 25 in the country as a Junior player
–Played for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on a full Division I tennis scholarship
–Have coached many of the areas top junior players including Marcus Nalley Emily Maxfield, Jessica Anzo, Meghan Sheehan-Dizon, Ashley Mackey, and others.
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Ben Rogers – Assistant Coach
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I am from what you would definitely call a "tennis family." My mom, grandparents, and uncles all played tennis. At ten years old, I took my first formal tennis lesson. By 12 years old, I was competing in the local Southern California tournaments. I remember practicing often at my grandparents court. As a kid I would get so mad that my mom and grandma could beat me - but I was eager to catch up! Tennis is a tradition in my family and it truly is a sport for a lifetime. As a kid, tennis gave me something to look forward to, a place where I made a lot of new friends, and now, it's given me a job that I love. I hope to pass this love of the game on to the kids I get the priveledge of working with.
Qualifications:
–6 years of teaching experience
–worked at the Victoria Tennis Club in Riverside for two years
–#1 on Murrieta Valley High School's Varsity team in 1998 and 1999.
–played two years for Saddleback Jr. College
–played one year at Cal Poly Pomona
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Bay Croitoru – Assistant Coach
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I am from a huge tennis family. I grew up watching my mom, dad and grandpa playing tennis and I started playing tennis at eleven years old. My whole life consisted of being on the tennis court - I lived and breathed tennis! I played my first tournament when I was 12 years old and continued with junior tournaments until I was 18. I have been teaching tennis for eight years. I really have a passion for teaching tennis and love watching my players succeed and go on to be the best tennis players they can be.
Qualifications:
-Attended Hemet high school and played #1 singles on the Varsity team freshman-senior year.
- After graduating, I went on to Azusa Pacific University and played tennis on a tennis scholarship
-At Azusa Pacific University, I was an all American all four years.
-In NAIA college rankings, I was ranked #4 in doubles and #6 in singles.
-I have been teaching tennis to both kids and adults for the past 8 years.
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Maxx Bjoin – Assistant Coach
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I began playing at the age of 11 and was immediately intrigued about everything tennis had to offer. I started practicing as much as possible and took every opportunity to get on the court so I could improve my game. As a freshman in HS I played on the Great Oak HS tennis team to further my game. Now, I really enjoy coaching, and showing the upcoming kids what a great sport tennis is!
Qualifications:
-Played on the Great Oak Varisty tennis team my Freshman-Senior year.
-I won the Southwestern League Doubles Championship, which was also the first League Title in tennis in Great Oak's history.
-I also won a second Southwestern League Doubles Championship my senior year of high school with one of my best friends.
-I made it to CIF twice and made it to the final 16 on both occasions.
-I have been teaching tennis for two years and hope to pass my love for the game on to my students!
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