Welcome to UBC Recreation Tennis!

The UBC Tennis Centre is happy to announce our new Volunteer Coordinator, Tehya Romeo. Romeo will bring valuable experience and will help provide volunteer opportunities to aspiring coaches and tennis enthusiasts alike.

Romeo played at the UBC Tennis Centre herself as a junior, and worked her way up our development system through high school before starting to volunteer. Through volunteering at the Centre, she eventually became a certified instructor and is now a valued member of the team.

“The most rewarding aspect of volunteering for me was to build relationships with the kids,” said Romeo. “When I got hired as a coach a year after volunteering, I was able to watch the same kids grow and develop through our programs so quickly – while giving back to the community I grew up in.”

UBC Tennis Centre volunteers assist in weekly youth programs, camps and special events – among other opportunities. Volunteers do not need to be certified instructors, however a basic knowledge of tennis is required. The volunteer program is ideal for high school or university students looking to start their career in tennis and gain valuable experience while working alongside our world-class coaching team.

“To graduate high school you do need to meet a minimum requirement of volunteer hours,” said Romeo. “For me it was easy to come in a few times a week and be in an active environment that I already enjoyed. It really was the best of both worlds.”

Romeo also shared a bit of insight on what an effective volunteer can bring to the table.

“We’re looking for someone who is proactive and interactive with the coaches and students – someone who brings a positive attitude to the court, encourages good sportsmanship and helps foster a fun tennis experience for everyone.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities, and how to apply, click here.

By Aneesa Heatherington

Updated: January 16, 2020 5:45 A.M. PST

UBC Recreation programs are scheduled to run and facilities are open for regular operating hours.

Everyone is encouraged to check for updates prior to visiting our facilities in the event that there is a closure during the current weather.

Please check back here or on Twitter for up-to-date information about changes in status.

Members of the UBC community please consult UBC’s Winter Weather Conditions Protocol.

The UBC Tennis Centre is thrilled to announce Pete Grimsey as the new High Performance Director!

Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Grimsey played at the national level as a junior before moving to the U.S. to compete in NCAA Division II tennis at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. Grimsey reached a career high national singles ranking of #27 and began his coaching career in Kansas City and New York.

For the past 11 years, Grimsey worked at Hollyburn Country Club developing the U10-U18 High Performance Program, which produced some of BC’s top junior players, and has assisted with player selection and training for Tennis BC Provincial Training Camps for over five years.

Grimsey has traveled several times with the top U16 provincial players to compete at Canadian Nationals, and has been involved with tours for Tennis BC including the “Little Mo” in California and a Tennis Canada U12 National Camp in Montreal.

Now as the High Performance Director at the UBC Tennis Centre, Grimsey is ready to bring his expertise to the Centre and put his mark on the tennis community.

“I would like to evaluate and identify areas of improvement, then look to build the players’ interest for the sport”, says Grimsey. “By creating a hardworking and positive training environment, I’d love to see more UBC juniors competing in local tournaments and climbing the provincial rankings to qualify for Selection Series and National events.”

The New Zealand native believes in a strong emphasis on work ethic, sportsmanship, respect for others and teamwork.

“I’ve been so fortunate to play this great sport and learn from so many different types of coaches”, says Grimsey. “I hope to pass on this knowledge to as many players as possible. I believe in setting clear standards and goals for players, then guiding and motivating them to reach their aspirations.”

Join us in welcoming Pete – and make sure to say “Hi!” when you see him around the Centre!

By Aneesa Heatherington