Tennis:
Teaching Staff
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The Aspen Hill Club’s staff is a blend of PTR professionals who are involved in state, regional and national competitions. They are skilled in the latest teaching techniques and offer private and group lessons for all ages and abilities.
Jeff Klein (PTR) – Director of Tennis – Jeff has worked at the Aspen Hill Club since 1979. He has coached players from beginners to professionals playing in the US Open. Jeff has been Co-Director of the AHC Junior Program, Head Pro and the first Head Coach of the USTA Area Training at the AHC. Jeff brings a deep knowledge and commitment to all members, as well as an innovative and light-hearted teaching style.
Geoff O’Neill (PTR) – Assistant Director of Tennis – Geoff joined our staff after being a Club member for many years. He is a former instructor for the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation. Geoff is involved in the adult drills and has developed the Hit and Run programs, which are some of our more popular programs.
Claude Grady - Elite Tennis Director - Claude has been coaching at the Club for several years now, currently heading up our Advanced Junior and L1 National Groups. He has trained and traveled with players just starting in L5’s to those competing in Easter Bowl and Kalamazoo. Claude won multiple L1’s in singles and doubles while ranking as a top Mid-Atlantic junior, when he was selected for the prestigious USTA Player Development Program. He played in the prestigious South Eastern Conference while attending top Division 1 School, University of Kentucky. Before joining our staff, Claude coached at the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation for several years.
John Parsley (PTR) - Assistant Director of Junior Tennis - John brings over 25 years of experience and enthusiasm for tennis including team tennis, tournament play and teaching experience over the last eight years with juniors and adults.
Norma Baker (PTR) – Staff Pro – Norma has been at the Club as a member and coach for over ten years. She heads up our Little Tennis and Beginner Programs using the Quick Start Method. Norma played her collegiate tennis at Hillsboro College in Florida and has also been a Tennis Coach at Jay Reynolds College in Richmond, Virginia.
Marcus Ngbea (PTR) - Marcus Ngbea (PTR) - Marcus has been with the Tennis Department for a few years now. He played four years of college tennis at Morgan State University. He was also a Mid-Atlantic ranked junior. He is highly involved in our junior program.
Jeff Fretwell (PTR) –Staff Pro – Jeff joined the staff at AHC a few years ago. He is a graduate of The Citadel in South Carolina, where he played his collegiate tennis. Jeff worked with the Van der Meer Tennis Academy in South Carolina for two years and at their satellite site in Sweetbriar, Virginia. Jeff heads up our Beginner Drill group, many Hit and Run's and Drills.
Merritt Johnson (PTR) – Staff Pro – Merritt has over 10 years teaching experience and 2 years experience playing USTA Professional Satellites. He has been ranked as high as #2 in the Mid-Atlantic in the Men’s 35 and over and as high as #36 nationally. Merritt is a graduate of Norfolk State University where he played his collegiate tennis. He worked with Washington Tennis and Education Foundation for five years before coming to AHC. Merritt has experience working with juniors and prides himself in his ability to help contribute to their growth both as players and individuals.
Linda Baim (PTR) – Staff Pro – Linda has been involved in tennis as a competitive player, instructor and manager since 1980. For many years Linda was the Tennis Director at the Aspen Hill Club until she retired in 1998. During those years she was ranked both in the Mid-Atlantic and the Nation in doubles. She has since returned to the club to add her administrative and teaching experience to many areas of the tennis program.
Carole Ford – Staff Pro – Carole has been at the club since 1990. Since retiring from the Pro Tour, Carole continued playing National tournaments and racked up a couple Senior Women’s doubles Gold Balls. She does an exceptional job with Linda Baim working with many of the club’s competitive women’s tennis teams.
Michael Gee - Please welcome our new staff pro, Michael Gee. Michael, a top nationally-ranked junior, started off his collegiate career at Clemson University where he played on their men’s tennis team. Transferring to Howard University in his second year of college, Michael recently graduated with a degree in Political Science. While playing #1 Singles on the men’s tennis team at Howard, Michael was also named MEAC All-Conference 1st Team and MEAC Player of the Year. Please be sure to say hi the next time you see him at the Club!
