Guy Parks, II, USPTA Master Professional, Director of Tennis

Guy has been the Director of Tennis at the Racquet Club since August 1998.  Guy was one of the first 80 professionals worldwide to receive USPTA Master Professional status. In 2004 Guy was selected to the USPTA Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Mason, Ohio during the ATP championships. In February of 2008, he was selected as Midwest Division USPTA Pro of the Year.

Parks earned his Masters Degree with an emphasis in motor learning at Ohio University where he assisted with the OU tennis program. Guy is certified as a USTA high performance coach and has a specialist degree from the USPTA in competitive player development. He was the first Master Professional to complete the USTA sport sciences and earn certification.

Guy was the former Owner, Director of Chillicothe Swim and Racquet Club. He was the original Columbus Area Training Center Head Coach. Guy has spoken numerous times at State, Midwest section, and International tennis conventions and seminars including the September 2009, USPTA World Conference. Guy was both the president of the OVTA and the USPTA Midwest Division. He gathered honors as Midwest tester of the year and was the Fay Tooley award winner in the Midwest Section and was presented the Midwest president award in 2003.

Guy is from Portsmouth along with his wife Jane. Their son Michael reached the final four of the Ohio State High School Championships back-to-back years. Michael played also played at the Air Force Academy where he finished three on all-time most singles wins list. Michael is now a Major in the Air force flying KC-135 Tankers out of Spokane, Washington.

To go to Guy's personal web page at USTPA.com, click here. 

To contact Guy directly by e-mail, click here.

Bryan Nibert, USPTA High Performance Coach, Head Tennis Professional

Bryan Nibert is a USPTA certified Professional1 and serves the Racquet Club as the Head Professional. He formerly directed programs in his hometown of Portsmouth. Nibert was Director of Competitive Tennis and co-owner of clubs both in Chillicothe and in New Albany. He has been recognized by the USPTA as Midwest Pro of the Year and the Ohio Pro of the year three times.

Bryan has been honored by the USPTA receiving the National Industry Excellence Award and the Cap Leighton Award  from USTA/Midwest Section.  He has a High Performance Coaching Certification from USA Tennis and a USPTA Specialist degree in Competitive Player Development.

Bryan has been the Head Coach for many Midwest Zonal and Competition Training Center teams. Nibert has directed camps both in Australia & Fiji. Bryan is the OVTA Davis Cup/Wightman Cup Head Coach and Columbus Training Center Head Coach. He has run USTA camps before the National Championships in Florida, Georgia, California, and Texas. Nibert has been ranked as the #1 player in the Midwest Section and has won over 20 Midwest titles.

Bryan’s students have won 4 state doubles championships, 4 singles high school state championships, 4 team titles, reached two finals, two final 4’s and nine elite 8’s since 2000. His students have won National singles, doubles and collegiate titles. Amanda Taylor of Vanderbilt received both All-American Status and received the SEC Community Service Award. In 2009, Bryan was certified as one of the Midwest Sections inaugural Midwest Training Center Coaches. 

Our goals are to strive to 1] build players games and confidence 2] teach players to love the battle in front of them 3] do it in a fun  & organized manor so their hopes and dreams come true.

To go to Bryan's personal web page at USTPA.com, click the following link:  http://www.bryannibert.usptapro.com

To contact Bryan directly by e-mail, click here.

Gene Fields,   USPTA Professional, Director of Recreational Development

Gene is originally from Columbus and is glad to have returned after almost 20 years.   Gene has recently directed programs at Olympic in the winter and Swim and Racquet in the summer.   Gene received his degree in exercise science from Appalachian State University.   He directed the women’s tennis program as the Mountaineers head coach.   We are delighted to have Gene back in Columbus and currently serving the Racquet Club as the Recreational Tennis Director.

Gene started playing the game at 10 years of age.   He then went on to play for Whetstone high school and Ohio University.   Gene began his teaching career at The Continent.   Gene has been a long time volunteer for various Columbus charities.

Upon leaving Columbus in 1980, Gene had the opportunity to work for the legendary Harry Hopman at his International tennis camp.    It was his first exposure to world-class tennis players.   Hopman provided Gene a chance to go to Europe to work in Bologna, Italy.   While in Bologna he worked at a camp that Hopman had just opened.   Following his work in Italy Gene went to Germany for a five-year stay and co-founded The Hunsruck Tennis & Squash School.  This school offered technical and tactical instruction and intense training for the sport.   He also taught at several other local clubs.

Gene enjoys teaching at all levels but admits to having a special interest in juniors.  Gene is looking to create additional exciting and fun tennis experiences here in Columbus.

To contact Gene directly by e-mail, click here.

Gabe Higgs, USPTA Professional, Director of Competitive Development

Gabe Higgs is originally from Chillicothe where he was a multi sport athlete and developed his game on hard and clay courts. He has a level 1 rating from the USPTA, the oldest and largest organization of teaching professionals in the world. Gabe is the Director of Competitive Junior Program at the Racquet Club and is in charge of tournament planning, competitive events, and fitness training program.

Gabe currently coaches many of our highly ranked juniors, top high school and college performers. He has been involved in coaching many USTA Team Tennis for the Racquet Club.  He helped lead multiple teams to the Midwest Championships in Indianapolis.  Gabe has helped with USTA Competition Training Center Coach in Columbus for the past several years.

Higgs was Assistant Head Professional at Bogue Banks Country Club in Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina.  While there, he trained several high level juniors on clay and directed the off court speed and fitness programs. 

Higgs grew up playing competitive tennis in Ohio, where he competed in numerous Midwest and National Tournaments including the ITA National Clay Courts. Gabe recently won the Midwest Clay Court Doubles Championships.

Gabe received a Biology degree from Allegheny College and was honored as   NCAC All-Conference in singles and doubles for 3 years.  For his degree, he completed a senior comprehensive project titled A Complete Approach to Sport Speed Training, which was geared towards tennis, and used as a training program for the tennis team.  He also has completed the USTA Level 1 and Level II Sports Science Exam.

To contact Gabe directly by e-mail, click here.

Jake Dowdell, USPTA Professional,Tennis Professional

Jake Dowdell is the latest addition to our staff.  He attended Elyria Catholic High School where he competed in tennis, basketball, and cross country. Jake played 4 years of varsity tennis and was the captain of his team his senior year.  His junior year he finished third in doubles at the Ohio State High School championships with his cousin Mike Herrick in 2001.  Jake also qualified and ran in the in the state cross country race his sophomore year of high school.

As a junior player Jake competed in USTA tournaments throughout Ohio and was also part of a Junior Olympic team that won a bronze medal.  Since playing juniors he attended Lorain County Community College and finished his associate’s degree in fine arts before being offered the opportunity to pursue a career as tennis professional.  

Jake has spent the past 6 winters working at Fox Creek Golf and Racquet Club where he worked with both juniors and adults.  He has been in charge of the male staff the past 6 summers at Yellow Ball Tennis Camp, a five week overnight camp based out of Oberlin.  Jake has also been the assistant coach for several varsity high school teams from his area.

Jake is engaged to be married the summer of 2009.  Michelle is currently finishing the Pharmacy D. program at The Ohio State University.  Jakes knowledge of the game and professionalism will enable him to help player’s at all competitive levels.

To contact Jake directly by e-mail, click here.

Katie Carroll, Tennis Professional

Katie Carroll joined us in the summer of 2008 as a fulltime staff member. Katie played high school tennis and ran cross country at Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis.  Katie is the only player to win the Indiana High School State Singles Championships four years in a row.  Katie also helped lead Park Tudor to two high school team state championships.

Katie was a top performer in her junior tennis career competing at #1 on our Midwest Zonal team, playing on the Indiana 18 and under Junior Wightman Cup team, being ranked nationally and in the Top 10 in the Midwest Section.  She also reached the doubles finals of the 18 and under National Indoor.

After high school, Katie attended Wake Forest University, where she played four years of varsity tennis.  Katie was selected co-captain of the tennis team her junior and senior year.  She was selected an All-American in singles and finished her senior season ranked nationally in the Top 40.  In addition Katie had success in the classroom, making the deans list every semester and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

Katie is married to Brian Carroll, former Wake Forest University and DC United MLS soccer star.  With Brian’s trade in 2008 to the Columbus Crew, it enabled Katie to move back to the Midwest.  Katie had been teaching in Virginia and previously taught summers at North Central High School in Indianapolis.

Katie is excited to impart her knowledge of the game and we are excited to have such an enthusiastic pro at our facility.

To contact Katie directly by e-mail, click here.

Roger Thurman, USPTA, Tennis Professional

Roger Thurman is a USPTA certified professional. The USPTA is the oldest and largest professional teaching organization in the world. Roger developed his passion for tennis at the young age of five while shagging balls for his father on the courts in Gross Point, Michigan. He shortly thereafter started playing tournament tennis and was soundly beating players four and five years older.

Roger's talent earned him junior ranking in Southeast Michigan and the Western [now Midwest] Section. After high school Roger played for Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He won the Mid-American [MAC] conference in both singles and doubles for three consecutive years. Thurman also held high singles and doubles ranking in the adult divisions of the Section.

Following college he explored playing the Professional tennis circuit, returning to the Detroit area where he taught tennis for more than twenty years, including coaching the University Liggert men's team in Gross Pointe. He also managed and was owner of the Riverview Racquet Club in Detroit.

Roger joined the staff at the Racquet Club of Columbus in the fall of 2005 and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to everything in and around the courts.

Tyler Stephen, Tennis Professional

Tyler Stephen grew up in nearby Worthington and attended Kilbourne High School. While at Kilbourne, he was a three-time conference champion and a state qualifier in 2004. During his career, the Wolves won three conference champions and held a top 10 state ranking. He was also a member of the golf and basketball teams while at WKHS.

Tyler continued his career at Otterbein College where he played both first singles and first doubles for three years. He was a four-time All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection (2005-2008) and was a three-time selection for Academic All-Conference (2006-2008). In 2005, Tyler helped lead the Cardinals to the OAC tournament finals. While at Otterbein, he was a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) and was also inducted as a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society (Spanish). He graduated with honors in 2008, receiving a degree in Business Administration.

Currently, Tyler is the head coach for both the girls and boys at Thomas Worthington High School. He also runs adult programs at the Worthington Parks and Recreation during the summer. He has been with the Racquet Club since 2007 and looks forward to his continued commitment of improving each student.

To contact Tyler directly by e-mail, click here.

Marc Wurtzman, Tennis Professional

The Racquet Club of Columbus is proud to welcome Marc Wurtzman as part of its teaching staff. He formerly was assistant Men’s Tennis Coach at The Ohio State University for three years and the Men’s Assistant Coach at the University of Wisconsin. Marc was previously an instructor at Wickertree and Elysium Tennis Clubs.

Originally from Brighton [near Rochester] the New York native earned a top 50 National Ranking in all junior age divisions. He was presented with the K Swiss Sportsmanship Award. In his senior year Marc was the New York State singles champion.

Marc’s was a four time varsity letter winner at The Ohio State University. He played number one singles player his senior year and also served as team captain. Marc left Ohio State ranked top twenty all time in singles victories. Following college Marc played the Professional Tour for one year and his most notable win came against world top ten Fernando Gonzalez.

Wurtzman received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University. In 2005 he was named the ITA Midwest Assistant Coach of the Year award for his work with the Buckeyes. Marc has coached numerous Ohio High School State Qualifiers, Collegiate Singles and Doubles Champions, and both GCTA Women’s and Men’s League Champions. We are excited to welcome Marc and we are looking forward to his knowledge of the game being shared throughout the club.

To contact Marc directly by e-mail, click here.

Christina Keesey, Tennis Professional

The Racquet Club is excited to welcome Christina Kesey as part of its teaching staff.  Christina played high school tennis in Northfield, MN, where she made back to back trips to the final four of states, finishing both 2^nd and 3^rd.

She had a successful junior career in the Northern Section finishing top 3 every year and being a part of the Zonal team.  Christina won both the Sportsmanship award for the 12s Zonal team and the Fed Cup overall Sportsmanship award. 

After high school, Christina came to Ohio to play four years of varsity tennis for The Ohio State Buckeyes and just graduated this past June.  Christina led the team in Singles wins as a Freshman, and continued to have a successful career with the Buckeyes.  She was 2-time MVP and voted Big Ten Sportsmanship Winner.  Throughout her career with the Buckeyes, Christina studied and learned a great deal about doubles and now really loves the game of doubles.  In 07-08, she defeated the number 1 ranked doubles team at the ITA National Indoors. 

She also found success in the classroom earning her Bachelors degree in Health Sciences.  She was 3-time Big Ten and ITA Scholar Athlete.

Christina has experience teaching in both Minnesota and South Carolina.  She spent time doing in depth video analysis of top pros. 

Christina is enthusiastic about tennis, working hard, and having fun on the court.  She is excited to stay in Ohio and be a part of the Racquet Club team. 

To contact Christina directly by e-mail, click here.
 

Ken Berlin, Tennis Professional

Ken Berlin grew up in Twinsburg, Ohio graduating from R. B. Chamberlin High School.  He was a two-time all Chagrin Valley Conference selection and earned team MVP honors in his senior season.  Ken was also a member of the golf team at RBC. 

Ken went on to become a four-year letter winner in tennis at Hiram College including earning NCAC All-Conference honors in his senior season.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication.

After graduation, Ken joined Western Reserve Racquet and Fitness Club in Streetsboro, Ohio as a teaching professional.  During his four years there he worked with juniors and adults of all levels, including local high school varsity players that went on to play collegiate tennis.  Ken also coordinated successful mixed doubles and adult men's leagues at WRRFC.

After spending some time away from the game, Ken is very excited to be back in Ohio and part of the staff at RRC.  He currently is coordinating our mixed doubles events and coaches the Worthington Middle School Girls Club Team.   

To contact Ken directly by e-mail, click here.