About Me

Aaron is an award-winning tennis coach with over 28 years of experience, celebrated for his expertise in player development, program growth, and mentorship. Recognized as one of the Top 25 Coaches in the U.S. by Tennis Channel and Top Spin Magazine (2021), Aaron brings a unique combination of high-level playing experience, advanced certifications, and a deep commitment to helping athletes reach their full potential. He is a GTPCA Certified ATP Coach, placing him among an elite group of professionals nationwide.

​​

Personal Philosophy

With a coaching style rooted in growth and adaptability, Aaron tailors his approach to each athlete, focusing on technical development, strategic awareness, and mental toughness. Known for building some of the largest and most successful programs in Illinois, he is highly regarded as both a mentor and a coach. Aaron’s personal experience as a former player enables him to empathize with the challenges athletes face, from the physical to the emotional, allowing him to guide players to their peak performance.

Aaron’s dedication and passion for tennis have impacted countless players and coaches, creating a legacy of excellence and innovation in the sport.

​

Coaching Career Highlights

Since 1994, Aaron has led transformative programs and coached a wide range of players across various clubs, universities, and competitive levels. Notable roles include:

• Dominic Thiem's Academy (Burgenland): Aaron was selected to participate in the prestigious GPTCA Pro Tennis Coach Experience Program at Dominic Thiem's academy in Austria. There, he had the unique opportunity to work alongside Dominic's father and lifelong coach, Wolfgang Thiem, while collaborating with some of the world’s top-ranked junior players, including former world #1 juniors. This experience further honed Aaron’s expertise in high-performance coaching at the elite level.

• Five Star Tennis, Plainfield, Illinois: Currently serving as the Director of Player Performance, Aaron oversees the development of players both on and off the court. He also works closely with the Director of High Performance, contributing to the growth and success of the club's elite training programs.

• Northbrook Racquet Club: Created the Elite Training Program, designed to enhance shot selection, primary and secondary patterns of play, and doubles strategies using Craig O'Shannessy’s ABCD method.

• Elmhurst College: As Head Men’s and Women’s Coach, helped the women’s team rise in conference standings and was nominated for CCIW Coach of the Year.

• College Park Athletic Club: Expanded the junior tournament program from 60 to over 220 players, establishing one of Illinois’ most successful junior programs. Additionally, Aaron launched and developed the Super Excellence Program for JV and Varsity-level players, which started with 300 participants and grew to 660 players, becoming a cornerstone for high school-level tennis development in the region.

• Assistant Coach at Elmhurst College (2012): Contributed to the team’s first conference win in 52 years.

Aaron has also been a featured speaker at the Illinois Tennis Symposium and mentors young coaches, sharing insights from his extensive experience to support the next generation of tennis professionals.

 

Certifications and Training

• GTPCA Certified Level B ATP Coach (2021)

• USPTR Associate Professional

• RBT Specialist (Resistance Band Training)

• Racquet Fit Specialist (2018): Specializing in biomechanics for optimized performance

 

Previous Players Coached

Aaron has coached numerous top-ranked juniors who have gone on to successful college careers. Highlights include:

• David Aizenberg: Top 10 nationally in doubles, Brandeis University

• Zoe Taylor: Nationally ranked, Notre Dame

• Sarah Wang: Ranked top 30 in the US, Two-time state singles champion, committed to UPenn for fall 2024

• Michelle Bacalla: Top-ranked junior, Iowa University

• Dave Bacalla: Ranked in the Top 60 in U.S. Boys U18, played Division 1 tennis at Valparaiso University, and later transitioned to the professional pickleball tour.

• Mia Lurigio: Regional Little Mo Champion, ranked in the 12s at age 9

• Martin Blagoev: 2021 Wisconsin High School State Champion, making history as the first player from Kenosha to achieve this title

• Javier Llanes: Competed on the ATP Tour, achieving a career-high world ranking of #1172

 

Playing Career

Aaron’s playing career has also been distinguished, marked by high national rankings and consistent top performances:

• USTA Pro Circuit: Reached #220 in the U.S. Professional Top 500; nationally ranked #18 in Men’s Open singles and #8 in doubles (2008)

• Notable Tournaments: Semifinalist in doubles at the USTA National Open Grass Courts, defeating the top-ranked team in 2008; reached the round of 32 in singles at the USTA National Hard Courts

• Team Captain: Midwest Section 5.5 Open National team (2015, 2019), leading them to the semifinals

• Hitting partner for the Nuveen senior tour 2001, getting the opportunity to practice with Mats Wilander, Tim Wilkson and others

​