Private Lessons & Coaches in Gainesville, VA

Alex Cyrille Lago is a professional tennis player and coach from Côte d’Ivoire. I started playing tennis at age five and trained for eight years at a high-performance center in Casablanca, Morocco. As a junior, he reached Top 300 in the ITF rankings and achieved a UTR of 13. He proudly represented Côte d’Ivoire in Davis Cup competition and won multiple international championships. I teach any tennis level . Kid from age 5 to 18 and adults .

"Happy to see he’s slice getting better

I play pickleball for the love of the game — finding joy in every dimension it offers, from competition and fitness to connection and community. I’ve been immersed in the world of pickleball since 2021, developing my game to a 5.0+ level and coaching players across different skill levels and backgrounds. As a certified pickleball coach, I have worked with various organizations and clubs, helping new and experienced players sharpen their skills, develop strategic thinking, and enjoy the game’s fast-growing culture. My coaching style blends fundamentals with the creative freedom that makes pickleball both accessible and endlessly fun. By profession, I am an environmental scientist and international development expert with over 15 years of global experience in sustainability, climate resilience, and resource management. Off the court, I am a parent of three wonderful kids, and we call Annandale, VA our home — where pickleball has become part of our family’s rhythm of life. I also write about pickleball, sports culture, and the deeper meaning of athletic pursuit. My recent publications on Medium explore the spirit of the game and the origins of greatness in sports: • Do You Know Pickleball? — Read Here • Where Athletic Greatness Begins — Read Here For me, pickleball is not just a sport — it’s a movement, a mindset, and a growing community I’m grateful to be part of.

"Shamim is very knowledgeable and extremely personable. I enjoyed my lesson with him and plan to continue with a few more sessions in the near future.

With 12 years of playing experience and 5 years as a tennis coach, I've had the privilege of guiding high school teams to significant tournaments, including state regionals. Currently, I oversee clubs across various states, dedicated to enhancing players' skills. I take pride in mentoring beginners to collegiate levels, helping them achieve their dreams of playing college tennis. My coaching style is a mix of technical precision and ensuring every session is enjoyable, fostering a love for the sport alongside skill development.

"Tanveer is an excellent coach. Very calm and mild mannered while delivering quality feedback and instruction

I’ve been a Floridian my entire life until I made the move up to Virginia last Spring with my wife and 3 dogs. I’ve been a certified athletic trainer, high school teacher and tennis coach for the past 20 years. I became a USPTA teaching professional about 10 years ago and have taught kids as young as 5 to adults as old as 65. I’ve coached the Gainesville High School girls tennis team the past 2 years. I believe tennis is truly a sport of a lifetime that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.

"Matt is a very capable and helpful coach, he identifies and communicates clearly what and how to improve, and makes lessons both enjoyable and productive.

Training sessions focus on transferable skills that show up in games — shooting mechanics, dodging with purpose, defensive footwork, positioning, and lacrosse IQ. Each session is tailored to the athlete’s position, age, and current level, with an emphasis on confidence, decision-making, and consistency.

With nearly three decades of professional experience on the field, I bring passion and experience to every session. My goal is to foster both skill and a lifelong love for soccer. Let's elevate your game!

I have a masters in Computer Science and a bachelors in Physics. I have both teaching and one-on-one tutoring experience. I am interested in tutoring students one-on-one in math, computer science, and physics from the middle school to college level. I can do either in-person or online. I focus on making sure you understand the material beyond just manipulating symbols.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: United States Soccer Federation “A” license. USSF National Youth license, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma. US Soccer Federation Grassroots Coach Educator (English and Spanish). Former USSF Area Scout. Club Technical Director (6/15/2015 to 6/15/2022). Degree in Elementary Education. Former professional player in Ecuador, South America.

For the past eight years, I've cultivated a passion for boxing and mixed martial arts in students. I'm currently 5-1 in my professional MMA career (my last fight was in the UFC Contender Series). Coming from a small city in India, I wasn't naturally athletic, but through my growing understanding of technique, athletics, and biomechanics, I fight at the highest levels. I blend time-tested techniques and concepts with personalized training, getting people to really love martial arts and boxing the way I do.

"Kaushik is a wonderful striking coach. He has a wealth of knowledge and you’ll always walk away learning something new.

I am an attorney with experience in courtroom litigation, adjudication of legal proceedings, leading professional trainings, presenting at a law firm webinar to clients, and managing large groups of junior attorneys. I was an adjunct professor of legal studies at The Johns Hopkins University School of Professional and Business Studies and taught courses related to the practice of law. I provided academic tutoring and mentoring to high school students. I love languages, teaching, and reading!