*All staff are personally trained by Director Kim Grant and are held to her personal standard of excellence.*
Kim Grant, Director Kim is a former professional tennis player with 18 years of experience on the WTA tour. While on the tour, she gained a reputation as an excellent match strategist, and she coached other professional players while still competing herself. Kim has coached all over the world, starting with coaching fellow WTA professionals during her playing career. She is a certified instructor (including WTA, and USTA certifications) in 6 different countries. Read more...
Coaches & Staff
Coach Emma- Head Coach (Orange Ball) Emma has been with Kim Grant and her academy since the beginning. Emma started with Kim Grant Tennis Academy as a player and earned top junior rankings in Northern California. Emma represented Kim Grant Tennis Academy at the 2008 Orange Bowl and has a 2008 Junior Sectionals Doubles title to her name. Currently, even though Emma is a coach at KGTA, she is embarking on a professional career - playing many International Tennis Federation Tournaments.
Coach Joshua- Head Coach (Red Ball) Introduced to tennis around the age of 9, Coach Joshua enjoyed it from the start. Coach Joshua said: “I loved to compete and see the results of putting in hours of hard work of training and practicing paying off in matches.”
Besides playing competitively as a junior, Coach Joshua also played for his High School Varsity Team and then for the SJSU Men’s Club Team. Coach Joshua has a background in Child Development and has taught Mathematics at local middle schools.
He is USTA certified and has coached tennis at various tennis clubs in the Bay Area, USTA Summer League Teams, as well as been a coach for a middle school tennis team in Cupertino before joining the KGTA Team.
Coach Joshua’s passion for tennis and drive to help shape players into the best versions of themselves on court and off court makes him a great addition to the KGTA Team.
Liza University of Mount Olive
Originally from Kherson, Ukraine, Liza started playing tennis at the age of 7 years old. Throughout her tennis career as a junior in Ukraine, Liza was top 10 under 14 and under 16. she also won multiple national championship tournaments.
Liza played tennis and studied at the University of Mount Olive was a two-time conference tournament champion. She was also awarded the "Academic All District Award". Liza graduated with a degree in Exercise Science and minor in Coaching.
Liza's philosophy is, "In learning you will teach and in teaching you will learn."
Simon University of Buffalo Originally from Vaxjo, Sweden. Simon's accolades include: - Ranked top 5 in Sweden as a junior - ITF Junior Doubles championship, 2 time winner - Swedish Double National Champion, 2 time winner - Highest UTR ranking is 13.0
Simon was a D1 player at University of Buffalo (1/2 position) . At the Mid American Conference (MAC), he played on the 1st Tournament team (top 6 in conference) as was awarded the Sportsmanship Award. He has coached/ hit with Michael Antonio's (#1 14 year old in the world), and was a hitting partner for Holger Rune (Currently top ATP) and was a. hitting partner for Jessica Pegula. He studies sports management.
Gabriel Hailing from Switzerland, Gabriel embarked on a tennis journey at the tender age of 4, igniting a passion that would shape his future. Swiftly ascending the ranks, he emerged as a prominent figure among junior players, clinching the coveted under-15 national team championship—a testament to his early prowess on the court. Venturing across continents, Gabriel embarked on a transformative collegiate tenure at Southern Arkansas University. Over three illustrious years, he left an indelible mark on the tennis courts, particularly shining in doubles play, earning the esteemed title of a first-team conference member. Beyond the courts, his academic pursuits mirrored his athletic dedication. In 2023-2024, Gabriel attained the pinnacle of academic excellence, garnering recognition as the most outstanding sport management student of the year. Additionally, his commitment to scholarly endeavors was further acknowledged as he received the distinguished title of the most outstanding student of the year for the esteemed College of Education and Human Performance at SAU. This bio captures Gabriel's tennis journey seamlessly intertwined with his academic achievements, showcasing his multifaceted talents and dedication.
Victor Victor's journey spans continents, beginning with his birth in Spain and a decade-long stay in Belgium before he embarked on his American dream at the age of 18.
Driven by his love for tennis, he landed at Prairie State College in Illinois, where he not only earned an Associate's Degree in Pre-Physical Therapy but also left an indelible mark on the tennis court as a finalist in both the No. 1 doubles and singles at the NJCAA National Championship Region IV. Transitioning to Lourdes University in Ohio,
Victor continued his academic pursuit, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management. As he concluded his collegiate tennis career, his WTN score stood at an impressive 22.8, a testament to his dedication and skill both on and off the court.
Coach Enrique Born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico, Enrique has been involved in tennis his whole life. From playing at a university level at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico to teaching tennis at the Odyssey Club in Cancun, Mexico to being the Tennis Director at the Puerto Adventuras Golf and Tennis Club and the Hotel Robinson Club, Enrique has done it all.
Enrique coaches using drills, games, and live-ball situation and improves the strategy and tennis ability of the players along the way. He encourages students to develop their mind and body and develop the consistency that is required to compete at any level of the sport.
Coach Ema Ema is originally from Serbia and came to the United States on a full tennis scholarship. She played division 1 collegiate tennis for all four years as an undergraduate student. Ema spent her freshman and sophomore year at the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she played both singles and doubles. By the end of her sophomore year, the team was ranked 75 in the ITA National Team Rankings. Upon finishing her sophomore year, Ema transferred to Missouri State University where she served as a number 1 player for both singles and doubles. In 2016 she was named an All-MVC First Team selection as well as MVC Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week on two occasions. Ema was also on Athletic Director's honor roll on three occasions, and on the Dean's list her senior year.
Rina She was born and raised in Russia. Started playing tennis at the age of 8. Competed in many junior tournaments across Russia and received a D1 full scholarship to study and play tennis at Missouri State University. Played both singles and doubles and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Upon graduation I moved to California and have been with the KGTA for 6 years. In those years I acquired extensive experience working with all ages and skill levels. Concurrently I completed in several ITF tournaments across the country. "My background along with my knowledge of KGTA teachings allow me to help any player improve their skills and enjoy the game of tennis." She was also the head coach at our club in Monterey and is an expert in teaching pickleball, now brings her experience to KGTA for teaching tennis and pickleball.
Lena Southern Arkansas University
Originally from Serbia, Lena started playing at the age of 6.
Lena excelled in her tennis career as a junior and played as the number 1 for a Southern Arkansas University.
She's been the recipient of 3 all conference champion team awards, 3 team MVP awards and won the female athlete of the year award in her senior year. Coach Lena also won 3 individual conference tournaments.
She graduated with a Cyber Security degree.
Coach Aleks Coach Aleks was born and raised in Uzbekistan, Tashkent.
He started playing tennis at 6 years old. As a coach, Coach Aleks is dedicated to helping players of all levels reach their full potential on court, he is committed to staying current with the latest techniques and strategies in the game and is always seeking new ways to help tennis players succeed. Coach Aleks says, “Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player wanting to take your game to the next level, I am here to help you achieve your goals. I am excited to work with you and help you become the best tennis player you can be.’
Aditya (Adit) Originally hailing from Haryana, India, Adi's journey in tennis began at the tender age of 8. His early dedication and talent culminated in a remarkable feat: clinching the Gold medal in the nationals. Yet, beyond personal triumphs, Adi's heart beat for imparting his knowledge and passion for the sport.
At a mere 16, Adi embarked on his coaching odyssey, nurturing juniors and molding raw talent into polished skills. What began as a youthful fascination swiftly evolved into a lifelong vocation. For Adi, coaching transcends mere instruction; it's a deeply personalized journey. He understands that each player is unique, and progress burgeons when coaching methods align with individual learning styles. "I firmly believe," Adi asserts, "that delving into a player's psyche, both on and off the court, catalyzes swift advancements."
Seasonal Staff
Brooke Based in the Bay Area, California, Brooke is a varsity tennis player for Woodside High School.
Her journey with tennis began in toddlerhood, and she quickly developed a deep love for the sport. With each swing of the racket, Brooke's passion for tennis blossomed, propelling her to the varsity level and making her a formidable force on the court. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Brooke harbors ambitions in the field of psychology. As an aspiring psychology major, she aims to delve into the intricacies of the human mind and behavior. One of her dreams is to study abroad in East Asia, immersing herself in the rich cultural tapestry while pursuing her academic interests. Brooke's story epitomizes dedication and ambition, both on and off the tennis court, as she strives to excel in her athletic endeavors and pursue her academic passions.
Daniel Daniel's journey begins in El Salvador, where he hails from originally. After relocating to the Bay Area two years ago, he quickly found his stride at Woodside High School, where he recently graduated. A standout on the Varsity High School tennis team,
Daniel showcased his skills and passion for the sport, leaving a mark on the local tennis scene. Now, as he embarks on the next chapter of his life, Daniel's experiences and achievements serve as a testament to his adaptability, determination, and the bright future ahead of him.
Administration
Kerilyn, Assistant Director and Life Coach Kerilyn was a top level junior in South Africa and played division I tennis at San Jose State University on a scholarship. Coach Kerilyn has been coaching and developing players of all levels for 15 years and is certified with the ITF- International Tennis Federation. Along with her well-accomplished tennis career, she is a certified life coach, award winning leader, and public speaker.
Fiona- Personal Assistant to Director Kim Fiona, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, boasts a rich and diverse career journey. Following her graduation from Wits Technikon, she embarked on a 15-year tenure teaching Fashion Design, eventually ascending to the role of Head of Department. Transitioning into motherhood after the birth of her son Joshua, Fiona creatively engineered the "trolley tots cover," a hygienic solution for shopping carts, while simultaneously contributing as a volunteer at her church, guiding couples towards marriage readiness. Certified as both a Lifeline counselor and a Family Life practitioner, Fiona's commitment to supporting others is unwavering. In 2008, she and her husband Dean co-founded Ezyprop, a thriving property rental and sales agency based in Sandton. Relocating joyfully to the USA in 2019 with her family, Fiona now revels in exploring her new homeland, indulging in its sights and flavors.
Stacey- Coordinator As a top ranked junior in South Africa, Stacey spent a total of 6 years as #1 in the nation. Stacey earned a tennis Scholarship to University of Hawaii where she studied BA Media and Communication. Along with being an ITF certified professional tennis coach, Stacey also has a degree in Fashion Management and Communication with a minor in Haute Couture. She is currently working towards her Masters in Fashion Management. Her passion for tennis and player enrichment shines through in all she does at KGTA.
Laura-Accountant Laura joined us in 2016 and is responsible for managing the accounting, financial reporting, payroll, and overseeing compliance with tax returns and other regulations. Laura grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. When graduated from high school, she got her accounting degree from Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires. Although Laura did not grow up playing tennis, she always felt attracted to the sport. Later, when she met her husband Jorge (a tennis player since eight), she became an enthusiastic tennis player. Laura and Jorge have one daughter, Helena, who is a tennis student at KGTA, and Zoe, their dog, who loves to pick up tennis balls! Outside of work, Laura enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, traveling and attending tennis tournaments.
Sydney- Office Manager Originally from the Bay Area, Sydney is a member of the office staff. She is a certified Medical Assistant and currently pursing a degree in Nursing. Sydney attended Sacramento State for her undergraduate classes and is now continuing her studies in the Bay Area. She has been involved in competitive sports for 12 years, primarily basketball, which she has 4 years of experience coaching as well. She has good analytical and problem- solving skills and is very excited be a part of the KGTA team.
George- Front Desk Representative George grew up in Menlo Park, California, and is currently attending school in San Francisco. He initially attended college in Northfield, Minnesota pursuing a degree in Psychology, and then transferred over to the University of San Francisco, switching over to pursue a degree in Communications. As a child, George traveled with his Dad’s baseball team across the country. Witnessing his dad’s competitive spirit encouraged him to delve into the world of sports on his own, playing inter mural volleyball in college and developing a passion for tennis from working at the academy.
Scott- Stringer Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Scott moved to the Bay Area with his family at the age of 10. His tennis journey began at a young age, continuing into his high school years where he played varsity tennis for Foothill High School in Pleasanton, CA. Scott’s passion for tennis has propelled him to become a valuable asset in the tennis industry. As an active tennis player specializing in doubles, Scott has achieved multiple USTA sectional championships and national titles in recent years. His expertise extends beyond the court; he is highly knowledgeable about tennis gear and is renowned as one of the fastest stringers in the Bay Area. Often referring to himself as #BeastMode, Scott can complete a 15-minute string job per racquet on a tournament-standard Wilson Baiardo stringing machine, showcasing his exceptional skill and efficiency.
Professional Players
Viewing Sessions By Request: As a professional athlete training at our facilities, training sessions with coaches are available to be viewed/ observed live on court with the player and coach. - PRIVATE (Pro Player and Coach practicing and a student may be on court listening, taking notes and absorbing the knowledge.) - CLINIC (Group of students are on court watching a Pro Player and Coach train, but a second Coach is there to explain the training sessions and explaining to the students what to learn from and apply to their own tennis.) - MATCH PLAY (Pro Player and a Coach play practice matches or live ball drills and student can be on court to get to an up close experience.) * Viewing Sessions are priced differently based on the category, so please contact the office for booking requests. Players are allowed to ask Pro Players questions after practices and may give "coach" tips and pointers if asked.