Our Teaching Staff

Mike, a USPTA Elite Professional and PTR certified coach, is one of Maine’s top tennis professionals. Since joining Apex in 2019, he has directed academy and junior programs, training many of the state’s best high school players. A former Maine State Singles Champion (2007–2009) and #1 New England junior, Mike played Division I tennis at Brown University, competing at #1 singles and graduating in 2013 while ranking 15th all-time in singles wins.

Gavin joined the Apex teaching staff in the fall of 2021. At Apex, while serving all levels of players, Gavin has further consolidated his expertise in developing elite juniors in line for college tennis experiences. Gavin is a PTR Professional with specialty certifications in performance coaching as well as a RSPA Elite Professional. He is a coach developer for PTR and USTA running tennis coach certification workshops. Gavin also holds a GRSA Master Stringer and Racket Technician certification.

Jeff is a well-known figure in Maine tennis, both as a player and teaching professional, with over 40 years of experience. A former St. Francis College player and consistently topten ranked competitor in USTA New England, he brings deep expertise to Apex. Jeff is PTR certified at the Tennis Instructor and Professional 1 levels, a USPTA Certified Professional, and USPTA Sports Science Level 1 certified. He enjoys teaching all ages and abilities, helping players grow.

Prior to joining the Apex staff in 2022, Todd studied psychology and played club tennis at the University of Massachusetts. Todd was a multisport athlete for years, playing baseball, soccer, and basketball before making the transition to the tennis courts. He utilizes his background from a variety of sports in his approach as a coach, emphasizing the importance of developing athleticism in addition to the more technical skills and strategies that are necessary for tennis.

John joined Apex in 2018 after growing up playing tennis in Connecticut, where he won a New England Sectional title, ranked #2 in New England, and #72 nationally. A fouryear member of Princeton’s Men’s Tennis Team, he captained as a senior, competed in the NCAA tournament in doubles, and later played for Oxford University while earning a graduate degree. A USPTA Certified Professional, John has coached high school teams and enjoys teaching players of all ages, especially doubles.

Maria is a PTR Level 2 Certified Tennis Professional who joined Apex in 2021. Originally from the San Francisco area, she rediscovered her love for tennis after years working as an early education teacher in Waldorfinspired schools. At Apex, she helps coach U10, Green Ball, and beginner players of all ages, focusing on fun, inclusive, and engaging instruction. Maria is especially passionate about developing young athletes and remains actively involved in Apex’s Summer Tennis Camps.

Caleb, a Maine native, fell in love with tennis at age 10 and began competing in USTA and UTR events during his teens. He earned a Health Sciences degree from the University of Southern Maine and, after rediscovering his passion, began coaching in 2021. Now PTR Level 1 certified, Caleb leads Apex’s summer camps, works with Academy and 10U juniors, and enjoys teaching adults of all levels, blending skill development with energizing cardio sessions.

Abby is a PTR level 2 Certified Teaching Professional, she has been involved in tennis since the age of 10. Originally from Gorham, she is studying exercise science at the University of Southern Maine and competing on the women’s tennis team. At Apex she specializes in working with children and adult beginners. When she’s not on the tennis court she enjoys riding her bike and going to the beach.

Eric is a Level 2 teaching professional, certified by the RSPA, PTR, and USTA – reflecting a commitment to excellence. Drawing on over 25 years of tennis industry experience as a full-time USTA NE staff he has trained hundreds of physical education teachers and recreational coaches, extending his impact across New England. Eric also has eight years of high school tennis coaching experience, and thrives on developing and coaching players of all ages and skill levels.

Patrycja began tennis at age 4 and rose to No. 6 in Europe (U16) and No. 1 in Poland (U18). She earned WTA rankings, reaching 800 in singles and 500 in doubles, with national and ITF titles and wins over top-500 WTA players. A former Polish Fed Cup member, she later competed for Northwestern State of Louisiana’s Division I team, captaining an undefeated season. Patrycja is now dedicated to coaching and holds a master’s in clinical psychology.

Tennis has always been a part of Nick’s life, starting at age four and continuing through high school and college. While working at a local tennis club, he found his passion for teaching, and in 2024 he moved to Maine to teach at Apex. As a PTR certified teaching professional, Nick enjoys working with people of all ages and skill levels, believing that with hard work and positivity anyone can find success in tennis. Nick also enjoys cooking, photographing birds, traveling, and spending time at the ocean.

Gomes is a dedicated tennis professional from Luanda, Angola. Playing by age eight through free community lessons, by sixteen his talent led him to represent the Angolan National Team in African tournaments. He later supported youth development with the Angolan Tennis Federation. Since arriving in the US. in 2022, Gomes has shared his international expertise through instruction, skill development, and USTA League play, bringing passion, perseverance, and global perspective to every player he teaches.

Stephan began playing tennis at age nine, becoming the top junior at Cardinal Hill Swim and Tennis Club and a top-20 player in Virginia. He starred in high school, earning MVP honors and serving as team captain. At West Virginia Wesleyan College, he competed in top singles and doubles positions as a scholarship athlete, later serving as assistant coach. A USPTA Elite Professional and PTR certified tennis professional, Stephan also captains many USTA league teams and has competed at USTA Nationals eight times.

Harvey McCartney, a Central State University education graduate, is a P1 Pro with a Sports Science rating and one of Maine’s only USPTA & USTA Specialists in Competitive Player Development. A former #1 singles player in Oklahoma, he has coached top high school teams, trained satellite tour players, and developed nationally ranked juniors. Harvey spent 30+ years as Director of Tennis, and excels in one-on-one technical stroke development for adults and juniors.