Our team
Brian smallwood, USPTA — GENERAL MANAGER AND Tennis Director
Brian Smallwood has been actively involved in developing grassroots programs for over 25 years in Cleveland. He has coached highly ranked juniors in the Northeastern Ohio District, Midwest Section and National Level. Brian has coached the 2004 Jr. Team Tennis Midwest Section Team Tennis Champions, as well as the finalist teams three other years.
Brian currently serves as the Head Coach for the Hawken Boys and Girls Varsity Teams. They have won the conference five times, produced multiple state qualifiers and Brian has won Coach of the Year five times in eight seasons.
Brian's accomplishments include:
- Serving as Vice President for USPTA Northeastern Ohio Section
- Member of the 2009 5.0 National Qualifying team
- 2017 NEOTA Volunteer of the Year award
- Winner of 2012 and 2016 USTA Midwest Section NJTL of the Year (ICTC) as Executive Director of Inner City Tennis Clinics
- 2012 USTA Midwest Section Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Organization (ICTC) and issued a proclamation by the City of Cleveland
- 2000 USPTA Rookie of the Year
KRZYsztof slomski Uspta, USPTR — assistant tennis pro
Originally from Poland, Krzysztof was a multi sport athlete growing up. He competed in soccer on a professional level. He holds a masters degree in coaching from University School of Physical Education in Poznan, Poland. Teaching tennis has become his true passion, which he has cultivated for the past 12 years. He is a certified professional with USPTA and PTR and is also certified in Strength Conditioning and Movement in the sport of tennis. He has coached number one players at several local high schools including Strongsville and Brunswick. He coached his son Adam to a winning high school career. Together, the Slomski's are a dynamic duo at Center Court.
adam slomski — assistant Tennis Pro
Adam Slomski is a 4 year varsity letterman out of Brunswick High School where he broke the school record for individual wins at first singles. In 2018, he was the school's first and only state qualifier. Adam has been trained by his father, Krzysztof Slomski, who has a masters degree in coaching from The University of Physical Education Poznan Poland. Over the last 2 years, Adam has coached students at the high school varsity and collegiate levels. He is currently the North Royalton HS Varsity assistant coach and Junior Varsity head coach. Adam's motto for teaching is "Embrace the development process. Work tirelessly on improving your game and the results will naturally follow."
- 2018 All Ohio 2nd Team
- 2018 Medina County Tennis MVP
- 2018 Player of the Year
- 4.5 USTA Ranking
Kevin vaughn, uspta, USPTR — assistant Tennis Pro
Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and over 31 years of coaching experience. He has extensive experience coaching a wide variety of age groups, from juniors to adults. He has coached nationally ranked players, as well as NCAA Division I collegiate players. Kevin is the owner of Cleveland Tennis Academy, LLC and currently serves as Head Coach for the Boys and Girls Tennis Teams at Western Reserve Academy.
jeff shimooka USPTR — assistant tennis pro
Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Jeff has been coaching tennis for over 40 years. He has a wide range of experience teaching in country clubs, resorts, tennis clubs and junior tennis academies. He has done both team and individual coaching in 6 different states and 5 different countries. His students include high school state champions, college entrant participants as well as 2 women on the WTA pro tour. Jeff excels in instructing private and elite groups at an advanced level.
Alec wilson-Assistant tennis pro
Alec spent his high school career playing varsity tennis for Western Reserve Academy. He is a senior biology major at Cleveland State University. He enjoys teaching the junior programs at Center Court. His favorite drills include "Around the World" and "Triples." When not on the court, he is an avid musician.
Helen is a 4 year Varsity letter tennis player at Brecksville High School. Her tennis accomplishments as a player include being a 3 time Conference Champion, qualifying for Districts in singles and competing at States in doubles. She is also a USTA tournament player and champion. She enjoys being able to connect with beginning tennis players and share her enthusiasm for the game.