Anthony Shirley
Background & Experience:
• San Diego Native: Anthony hails from San Diego and has deep roots in the local tennis community.
• Playing Career: He played collegiate tennis at Grossmont College, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for coaching.
• Coaching Credentials: Anthony is a USPTA-certified tennis instructor with extensive experience coaching players of all ages and skill levels.
• Professional Roles: He has served as Tournament Director and Assistant Tennis Pro at Barnes Tennis Center, organizing events and providing top-notch instruction.
• Current Position: Anthony holds the role of Adult Tennis Competition Manager at USTA Southern California, where he oversees adult competitive tennis programs across the region.
Anthony specializes in foundational development for children and adults of all ages, as well as technical and strategic progressions for young athletes at competitive and high performance levels.
Coaching Philosophy:
Anthony believes in fostering a supportive and challenging environment that encourages players to reach their full potential. His approach emphasizes skill development, strategic understanding, and a love for the game.
Fun Fact:
Beyond coaching, Anthony has a passion for organizing tennis events and has been involved in various tournaments, including the SoCal Pro Series in San Diego.
To contact for lessons:
Phone: +1 (619) 964-1148
Email: Atashirley@gmail.com
Rodrigo Gajales
Rodrigo Grajales is a former ITF professional tennis player with extensive experience in the sport, from a top junior career to professional play and coaching.
• Best Memory: Practiced with Nick Kyrgios before an exhibition match with Cameron Norrie in Mexico City.
Rodrigo’s coaching combines deep knowledge of technique, strategy, and mental toughness, making him a versatile and effective coach for anyone looking to elevate their racket sports performance.
We are thrilled to have Rodrigo as part of our coaching staff, bringing his international experience and enthusiasm to our academy. Please join us in welcoming him, and feel free to introduce yourself when you see him on the courts!
To contact for lessons:
Chris Warner
To contact for lessons:
Emiliano Taboada
• 5+ Years Padel Experience: Extensive playing and coaching experience in the fast-growing sport of padel.
B.S. in Sports Management
Hugo Salmeron Catalan
Hugo is a high-level collegiate athlete and skilled coach who brings a powerful blend of discipline, leadership, and international training to MO Tennis. Originally from Spain, Hugo trained under a traditional Spanish method passed down by his father—one of the region’s top coaches—and developed into a nationally ranked player. He captained the NCAA Division 1 team at Kennesaw State University, where he also studied Sports Management.
With a background in both high-performance competition and youth development, Hugo has experience coaching a wide range of players—from young juniors to nationally ranked athletes. His coaching philosophy focuses on precision, strategy, mental toughness, and making lessons engaging and motivating. Hugo is known for his calm energy, attention to detail, and ability to connect with students while pushing them to reach new levels.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, Hugo creates a supportive environment rooted in structure, accountability, and love for the game. Whether he’s running drills or sparring as a hitting partner, he brings energy, consistency, and a passion for helping players succeed.
To contact for lessons:
Phone: +1 (470) 845-6827
Email: hugosalmeroncatalan@gmail.com
Antonia Pareja
As a passionate and experienced tennis player with over 12 years of competitive play, I bring a deep commitment to the sport both as an athlete and as a coach. Since high school, I’ve dedicated myself to coaching young athletes, helping them develop their skills, build confidence, and embrace the values of teamwork. I thrive on mentoring and find genuine joy in fostering growth—on and off the court—especially in kids who are eager to learn and improve.
My competitive achievements include being ranked in the top 10 in Southern California and in the top 40 nationally for the recruiting class of 2022 as a five-star recruit. These accomplishments earned me a full athletic scholarship to Purdue University, where I played varsity tennis for one and a half years. I am now continuing my tennis career with plans to transfer to another program to further my athletic and academic ambitions.
Tennis has been more than just a sport for me—it has been a teacher of discipline, resilience, and mental toughness. Competing at a high level has shown me that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about preparation, consistent effort, and the mindset to embrace challenges head-on. It’s also taught me the importance of balance, as I’ve learned to push my own limits while supporting teammates and others around me.
As a coach, I strive to instill these lessons in my players. Whether it’s encouraging perseverance, building technical skills, or teaching the value of preparation, my goal is to inspire young athletes to succeed not only in tennis but in life. My passion for the game drives me to create an environment where players feel motivated, confident, and supported every step of the way.
René Lazo de la Vega Meyenberg
Rene has been immersed in competitive tennis since childhood, developing a deep understanding of the game both as a player and a coach. He played college tennis in Mexico, where he honed his technical and strategic skills while competing at a high level. Throughout his career, René has participated in numerous tournaments across California and Mexico, gaining valuable experience on different courts and against diverse playing styles.
While pursuing his Master’s degree abroad in Sydney, Australia, René continued to share his passion for the sport by teaching tennis to players of all ages and levels. His approach combines technical precision, tactical awareness, and a focus on mental strength—helping his students not only improve their game but also build confidence and discipline on and off the court.
Email: renemeyenberg77@gmail.com
Phone: 619 416 7752