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MEET THE TEAM
*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.
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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.
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Coaches
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. 
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.’ |
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. 
Aditya (Adi
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." |
Coach Ryan
Coach Ryan grew up in the Midwest (Michigan) playing tennis for several summers as a youth, learning a deep appreciation of the game from an early age. Coach enjoyed exceptional tennis coaching and does his best to emulate and share a positive, motivating performance with all his student-players. After years in Tech Sales (and client-interfacing roles), Ryan pivoted to tennis and is passionate about helping the next generation of tennis enthusiasts learn and enjoy time on-court. Coach Ryan has years of experience coaching and being an on-court mentor to young children, teens and adults. Coach enjoys working with all ages and levels to develop and hone many of the basic fundamentals of tennis through clinics, camps and 1:1 instruction. Coach Ryan's coaching style is geared towards the players age, current tennis ability, and their own goals for tennis performance. Coach Ryan also loves to volunteer and giving back to local communities. For several years, Coach was one of several adult volunteers who coached the Hillview Middle School tennis program (Menlo Park), coaching 12-15 6th - 8th graders and has volunteered as a Girls Youth Softball Head Coach (MVLAGS) for levels 6U, 8U and 10U. In his free time, Coach plays 3.5 / 4.0 tennis and actively plays USTA leagues. Staff
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. 
Tatsuya
He is originally from Yamaguchi, Japan. Starting tennis at the age of 5, he quickly rose to the number one spot in his region and competed in national tournaments across Japan. His dedication to the sport led him to college tennis, where he earned All-Conference singles honors. He graduated with a degree in Marketing, balancing his academic achievements with his athletic success. |
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. 
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. 
Teodora
Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, Teodora has been playing tennis since the age of five. Her journey began on the red clay courts of Europe, eventually leading her to compete in ITF junior tournaments and later earn a spot on the collegiate team in South Carolina. At Kim Grant Tennis Academy, Teodora serves as a Movement and Injury Prevention Coach, helping athletes stay strong, move efficiently, and avoid injuries. She has experience working directly with college-level athletes as both a trainer and teammate, and she’s passionate about making every athlete feel confident and capable in their body. “Tennis taught me how to fight, science taught me how to think, now I use both to help others grow.” - Teodora |
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. |
Rupal
Rupal's journey began in Haryana, India, and led her across the world to pursue both academic and professional opportunities in the United States. A former collegiate tennis player at Erskine College in South Carolina, Rupal brings a strong background in the sport and business to her current role as Business Assistant at Kim Grant Tennis Academy. She works closely with the Business Office Manager, contributing to project development, and the refinement of administrative operations. With a passion for the business side of sports, Rupal aspires to build a future career in tennis management, particularly in operations and administration at Grand Slam tournaments and international tennis events. |
Micaela
Originally from Lima, Peru, Coach Micaela “Mica” began her tennis journey at the age of 5 and has grown into a college athlete and summer coach. She was ranked among the Top 15 juniors in Peru and is a Regional Singles and Doubles Champion, as well as a 2-time National Doubles Champion. Coach Mica is currently an NCAA athlete at Lander University, where she is pursuing a degree in Communications and Marketing. “From beginners to high performers, I’m looking forward to helping you improve and reach your goals. Excited for a summer full of tennis and fun!” - Coach Mica |
Nikhil
Nikhil has been passionate about tennis for as long as he can remember. After living in India for seven years, he moved to California, where he has continued to grow both as a player and now as a coach. A longtime student at the academy, Nikhil recently joined the coaching staff and brings a strong understanding of the game, especially from a player’s perspective. He currently attends Gunn High School and plays on the Varsity tennis team. Nikhil has competed in numerous tournaments and even traveled with Coach Kim to Florida to gain national level match experience. His energy, experience, and dedication make him a valuable part of the coaching team. |
Leana
My name is Leana, I’m originally from Venezuela and have been playing tennis for 15 years. As a junior player, I proudly represented Venezuela in the South American Championships in the 12 & under category and won multiple regional, national, and state tournaments from ages 10 to 18. I moved to the United States to further develop both my academic and athletic career, where I won several tournaments, including a USTA Level 3 title, before earning a Division 1 college scholarship. For the past two years, I’ve competed at the No. 1 singles and doubles positions for my team. Tennis has always been a fundamental part of my life, and I’m fully committed to helping players bring out the best in themselves, both on and off the court. 
Robby
My name is Robby Newman, I am 17 years old and I live in Menlo Park. I just graduated from the class of 2025 at M-A highschool and plan on attending SDSU for college. I played varsity tennis for my highschool team and plan on continuing to play tennis in college. I love coaching tennis and have been doing it for about 3 years now. |
Ethan
Ethan is a rising senior at Palo Alto High School, where he plays on the varsity team. Ethan’s tennis journey began at 12 years old at the KGTA summer camps, where he found his passion for the sport. Ethan began coaching with a local Acing Autism program, where he teaches kids with autism how to play tennis. Outside of the sport, Ethan aims to study finance in college, but is also interested in economics and foreign policy. His goal is to study abroad in Italy and Spain during his studies. He also takes part in his school’s Agora foreign policy magazine, where he is a writer and editor. 
Calvin
I am a recently graduated high school tennis player who has been taking the game seriously for about the last seven years. I finished high school at doubles one, narrowly missing out on going to CCS individuals with my doubles partner, Rowan Hanley. I’ve played both doubles and singles on multiple occasions for Menlo-Atherton and have sufficient experience in different areas of match play. As of September, I will be attending Drexel University to study mechanical engineering. I absolutely plan to continue playing playing tennis on Drexel’s club team, although I hope to walk on to the collegiate team. I feel very strongly about my love for the sport and enjoy having the opportunity to provide others with the spark to ignite their tennis careers the same way I initially did. |
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. |
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.
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.
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KGTA HQ: 3005 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
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