With over 35 years of coaching experience, JJ joined the UBC Tennis Centre in 2011 after serving as Tennis Director at the North Shore Winter Club from 2003 to 2011. Since arriving at UBC, he has led the program as Tennis Director for more than 15 years, continuing to share his passion for the game with players of all ages and levels. A highly accomplished competitor, JJ played in junior provincial, national, and international events, and proudly represented Canada at the ITF World Championships in the 35+ division in New Zealand. In his current role, JJ oversees all operations at the UBC Tennis Centre and remains dedicated to growing and promoting tennis as a lifelong sport within the community.
Experience:
- Tennis Director – UBC Tennis Centre (2011-Present)
- Tennis Director – North Shore Winter Club (2003-2011)
- Head Assistant Pro – Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club (2000-2002)
- Assistant Pro – The Arbutus Club (1989-2000)
Greg Macken is the Head Coach at the UBC Tennis Centre, where he leads the coaching team and oversees the design and delivery of tennis programs across all age groups and skill levels. With over 15 years of coaching experience, Greg has worked in a variety of roles focused on program management, coach mentorship, and junior development.
His coaching background includes experience at the Arbutus Club and St. George’s School, where he was involved in coaching both recreational and competitive players. From 2016 to 2022, he served as the Competitive Program Coordinator at UBC Tennis Centre, specializing in junior development and supporting players competing at the provincial level.
Greg’s approach emphasizes long-term development, inclusive programming, and fostering a positive learning environment for both athletes and coaches.
Experience & Certifications:
- Head Coach – UBC Tennis Centre (2022 – Present)
- Competitive Program Coordinator – UBC Tennis Centre (2016 – 2022)
- Tennis Coach – UBC Tennis Centre (2012 – Present)
- Tennis Coach – Arbutus Club (2012 – 2020)
- Tennis Coach – St. George’s School (2010 – 2014)
- UBC Tennis Team (2014 – 2015)
- Course Facilitator – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 3 (in progress) – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 2 – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 1 – Tennis Canada
- Wheelchair Tennis Certified – Tennis Canada
Pete Grimsey was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and has served as the UBC Tennis Centre’s High Performance Director for the past six years. Prior to joining UBC, he spent a decade at Hollyburn Country Club, where he coached athletes of all ages and levels, with a primary focus on developing the U10–U18 High Performance program.
Pete has been actively involved with Tennis BC for over six years, assisting with provincial training camps and leading top U16 athletes to compete at Canadian Nationals from 2016 to 2021. His experience also includes working with elite development pathways and international events such as the “Little Mo” tournaments in California and Florida, the Tennis Canada U12 National Camp in Montreal (2018), and the Vancouver J3 ITF (2019).
As a travelling coach on the professional circuit, Pete most notably accompanied Canadian player Rebecca Marino to the Australian Open in 2022. He was recognized as the Tennis BC High Performance Coach of the Year in 2016.
In his current role, Pete oversees the UBC Tennis Centre’s Performance Program, where he continues to develop provincial and national-level athletes. He is also deeply involved in coach education and mentoring, contributing to the ongoing growth and excellence of the Centre’s coaching team.
Experience and Certifications:
- Coach 2 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 1 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Coach 3 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Wheelchair Tennis Certification – Tennis Canada
- Tennis BC Provincial Coach
- Travelling Coach – WTA Tour
Alberto Sanchez, currently serving as the UBC Tennis Centre Coordinator of Competitive Programs, brings a wealth of tennis expertise to his role. With Club Pro 2 and Coach 3 certifications from Tennis Canada, Alberto’s coaching journey began in Madrid, where he worked as a Tennis and Padel tennis instructor before relocating to Vancouver in 2016.
Throughout his career, Alberto has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing tennis programs for players of all ages and skill levels. He has worked extensively with both kids and adults, fostering a passion for the sport and helping players reach their full potential.
In addition to his work at the UBC Tennis Centre, Alberto has served as a provincial tennis coach for Tennis Alberta at U14 Nationals and Tennis BC at U12 Nationals. He remains actively involved in provincial tennis camps and national competitions, where he continues to mentor and develop young athletes.
Alberto’s dedication to the sport extends beyond coaching. As a Tennis Canada Course facilitator, he contributes to the education and development of future tennis coaches in Canada. With his extensive experience and passion for tennis, Alberto is committed to providing top-notch coaching and guidance to all players at the UBC Tennis Centre.
Experience and Certifications:
- Coach 3 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Coach 2 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 2 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Wheelchair Tennis Certification – Tennis Canada
- Course Facilitator – Tennis Canada
- Tennis BC Provincial Coach
- Tennis Alberta Provincial Coach
- Padel Instructor
Michelle is a born and raised Vancouverite, having spent 16 years coaching competition rock climbing. A few years ago, she stumbled upon tennis while looking for a change of scenery and fell in love immediately. An experienced High-Performance athlete and coach, Michelle holds a Masters in High Performance Coaching at UBC, bolstering her experience and love for the game of Tennis.
Michelle is a Club Pro 2 Certified Coach and oversees UBC Tennis Centre’s Events and Mixers, as well a Students, Staff, Faculty and Seniors Programs. As a leader at the UBC Tennis Centre, Michelle is looking forward to sharing her love of tennis with players of all ages, levels and backgrounds.
Experience & Certifications:
- Coordinator, Events and Culture – UBC Tennis Centre
- Tennis Instructor Certification – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 1 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 2 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Course Facilitator – Tennis Canada
- Advanced Coaching Diploma – CAC
- M.Kin – High Performance Coaching – UBC
John brings over 22 years of competitive tennis experience, having played tournaments as a junior across Canada and competed in Junior ITFs in Florida. He has been coaching for the past five years, beginning his career in Toronto before relocating to BC, where he coached at the Whistler Racket Club. Now proudly coaching at the UBC Tennis Centre and overseeing UBC’s Junior Development Programs, John is passionate about every facet of the game and is committed to helping players improve and enjoy the sport.
Beyond the court, John’s love for the outdoors shines through in his hobbies, which include snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. A dedicated endurance athlete, he also enjoys running and road cycling, always seeking new challenges.
Experience and Certifications:
- Development Program Coordinator – UBC Tennis Centre (2024-present)
- Tennis Coach – UBC Tennis Centre (2022-2024)
- Tennis Coach – Whistler Racket Club (2019-2022)
- Tennis Instructor Certification – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 1 Certification – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 2 Certification – Tennis Canada (2026 competion)
Thiago Barros is a Tennis Professional at the UBC Tennis Centre with over 25 years of coaching experience across private clubs, tennis academies, and recreational programs in both Brazil and Canada. His coaching philosophy emphasizes strong technical foundations, fitness integration, and inclusive instruction for players of all ages and levels.
Since moving to Vancouver, Thiago has contributed to the coaching teams at the Jericho Tennis Club and worked under Gord Haukas Tennis, developing and leading lessons focused on skill development, fitness, and enjoyment of the sport. Prior to that, he coached extensively in Brazil at Top Tennis, Chácara do Abaeté, and Niterói Racket Club, where he coordinated youth and adult training programs and organized community tournaments.
Thiago brings a unique blend of technical tennis instruction and physical education training, with a background in physical therapy and multiple certifications from both Tennis Canada and the Brazilian Tennis Federation. His coaching style is energetic, student-centered, and rooted in long-term athlete development principles.
Experience & Certifications:
- Tennis Professional – UBC Tennis Centre (2025 – Present)
- Tennis Instructor – Jericho Tennis Club, Vancouver (2019 – 2024)
- Tennis Instructor – Gord Haukas Tennis, Vancouver (2019)
- Tennis Instructor – Top Tennis Academy, Brazil (2007 – 2018)
- Tennis Instructor – Chácara do Abaeté, Brazil (2008 – 2018)
- Assistant Coach – Niterói Racket Club, Brazil (2004 – 2006)
- Club Pro 1 – Tennis Canada (2021)
- Club Pro 2 – Tennis Canada
- Tennis Instructor Certification – Tennis Canada (2019)
- Tennis Instructor Training Level 1 & 2 – Brazilian Tennis Federation (2008)
- International Tennis Workshop – Brazilian Tennis Federation (2017)
- Bachelor in Physical Therapy – Estácio de Sá University, Brazil (2006)
Asal was born in Isfahan, Iran, where she discovered her passion for tennis at the age of 18. What began as a recreational pastime quickly became a central focus of her life. After competing in numerous tournaments, Asal transitioned to coaching in 2018, gaining valuable experience working with various clubs and diverse groups of players.
In addition to her tennis journey, Asal worked as a Sports Nutritionist in Iran for 5 years. Upon moving to Canada, she was determined to continue her coaching career. She began at the Coquitlam Tennis Centre, earned her instructor certification, and later joined Tennis BC. Asal leads UBC’s junior tournaments while also working with players of all ages and levels, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to the court every day.
Experience and Certifications:
- Tennis Coach – Tennis for Life (2023)
- Tennis Coach – YMCA Tennis Camps (2023)
- Tennis Coach – North Shore Winter Club (2024)
- Regional Project Coordinator – Tennis BC (2024-Present)
- Sports Nutritionist (2017-2022)
- Tennis Instructor Certification – Tennis Canada
- Club Pro 1 – Tennis Canada (completion 2025)