Private Lessons & Coaches in Montecito, CA

With over 35 years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for racquet sports, Dimitar Yazadzhiev has dedicated his career to helping athletes unlock their full potential. His journey includes a decade of coaching at the world-renowned Weil Tennis Academy and more than 16 years leading his own academy in Santa Barbara, working with players of all ages and levels — from beginners discovering the game to elite professionals competing on the world stage. Throughout his career, Dimitar has coached and trained Top 50 ATP and WTA players, including Grigor Dimitrov, Ana Tatishvili, Rebecca Marino, Sesil Karatancheva, and Ksenia Milevskaya, helping them refine their game and reach peak performance. He has also represented Bulgaria as a National Player in the 50+ division, competing twice at the European Pickleball Championships in England and Italy — demonstrating his passion and skill in both tennis and pickleball. What sets Dimitar apart is his unique blend of elite coaching and over 25 years in the luxury hospitality industry, having worked with prestigious resorts such as the Ojai Valley Inn and the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. This combination allows him to deliver not only world-class instruction but also a five-star, service-driven experience where every player feels valued and inspired. At Dimitar Tennis & Pickleball, he focuses on private instruction and customized training programs, blending technical precision, strategy, fitness, and mental focus — all delivered with warmth, professionalism, and personal attention. Mission: To help players of all ages and skill levels train smarter, compete stronger, and enjoy the game more fully — in an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and world-class.

""I have been practicing at Dimitar Tennis Academy from day one, and I am proud to say that I have made the right decision staying there. Dimitar is a very experienced coach who gives each player lots of personal attention, and also pushes them to utilize every second they spend on the court. Dimitar Tennis Academy offers a perfect combination of mental and physical training that prepares a player well for an upcoming tournament. It is also a place where any level of player can practice and rapidly improve. Over my years at DTA, I have felt my game solidify and consistently improve. Also, I have seen many others around me improve at a rate I didn’t think was possible. A great thing about the courts at Hilton Beachfront Resort is that they are a few hundred feet away from the beach. Their location really gives each player a more enjoyable time out on the court. On top of my game improving from training with Dimitar, practicing at DTA has also made me a better person. I believe that anybody who decides to train at Dimitar Tennis Academy will experience the best tennis program in Santa Barbara and will also become a better individual." (Peter Jivkov)

I’m a passionate tennis coach who works with both junior and adult players of all levels. Whether you’re a competitive junior aiming to play in college, an adult looking to improve your game, or someone picking up tennis for the first time, I tailor each lesson to your individual goals. My coaching style is energetic, supportive, and focused on long-term improvement while making each lesson enjoyable and productive.

Hi, I’m Brian Simpson, a PPR-certified pickleball coach originally from Scotland and now proud to call Ventura, California home. I love helping people discover the fun, social side of pickleball while building confidence and fitness along the way. Whether you’ve never picked up a paddle or you’re getting back into movement after a break, I’ll meet you exactly where you are, no pressure, just progress.

Hi! My name is Olivia. I'm a life long athlete and current student. I have worked in youth sports. After I got injured and had to have surgery, I learned about training and everything about how my body works to get back to playing the sports I love. Thus lead to me getting certified as a running coach. I love helping others learn and improve their running. Wether your just starting out running, working on conditioning, or prepping for a race, I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

I'm passionate about sharing my love for tennis with players of all levels. As an experienced player with 9 years of playing experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a dedication to helping you reach your full potential on the court. Let's work together to refine your game in a fun, supportive environment.