Instructors
Our instructors lead our junior lessons and adult clinics.
Looking to take your game to the next level?
Contact our instructors for private or semi-private lessons!
Gabriel Torres
Head Instructor
Gabriel started playing tennis at the age of 6 in Cali, Colombia, competing in numerous tournaments and representing Universidad Del Valle at the 2000 Colombian University National Games. In 2019, his team won gold at the Colombian National Public Servants Games and he won the singles title at the Club Campo Verde tournament.
With many years of coaching experience, Gabriel trains children and adults of all levels. His focus is to develop competitive players while building confidence, discipline and character.
Chinmay Damani
Assistant Head Instructor
Chinmay has participated in many OTA an USTA tennis tournaments. Playing for Northern High School, he competed in the 2024 OFSAA Boy’s Singles Draw.
Through Tennis4Kids and group classes at the STC, he has a great degree of coaching knowledge. He loves passing on his knowledge and skills to others in the game of tennis, making him very excited to teach his expertise to others.
Email: chinmay.damani12@gmail.com
Cell: 519-402-2186
Tej Patel
Instructor
Tej began playing tennis at the age of 6. He has competed in many USTA and OTA tournaments while also improving his skills. He has competed at SWOSSAA in the Boy’s Singles Draw multiple times representing Northern High School.
Tej has developed a love for teaching and helping others grow. He has gained valuable experience teaching tennis through the Tennis4Kids program. He is eager to pass on his skills to help others improve their game.
Email: tej.patel025@gmail.com
Cell: 519-381-4825
Lincoln Preiss
Instructor
Lincoln began playing tennis at the age of 7 and has developed his skills through programs at Tennis4Kids, STC, and Port Huron Tennis House. He has competed in OTA Tournaments and is an active member of the Northern High School Tennis Team.
Lincoln has served as a coach with Tennis4Kids, where he brings energy and understanding of the game to young players. He is passionate about helping others grow in confidence and ability on the court.
Email: lincolnwpreiss@gmail.com
Cell: 226-349-6505
Nick Skillas
Instructor
Nick has been a part of the STC community since the age of 7 and has grown up taking lessons on our courts. Over the years, he’s competed in several STC tournaments and played for the St. Pats High School Tennis Team.
Nick has been sharing his love for the sport by coaching at the STC and through the Tennis4Kids program. He enjoys coaching players of all ages and skill levels, always bringing a positive energy and a focus on helping each player improve while having fun.
Email: nicholas.skillas@yahoo.com
Vanessa Skillas
Instructor
Vanessa has been a part of the STC community since the age of 7, taking lessons through the club. She has competed with the St. Pat’s High School Tennis Teams.
With two years of coaching experience at the STC and three years with the Tennis4Kids program, Vanessa brings genuine love for the game to every lesson. She enjoys working with younger players, helping them build skills and confidence while making sure tennis is always fun.
Email: vanessa.skillas@gmail.com