Our Lavie Tennis Academy team offers coaching for beginner to advanced players both junior and senior. The junior programme aims to get young players competing regularly as a part of their development, and senior coaching caters to the needs of each individual player. The Lavie coaches are qualified and professional, offering modern coaching philosophies to help improve your tennis on court as well as grow your tennis worlds around the club. Our overall goal is to connect all elements at the club to grow the club community and make it a thriving place for both juniors and seniors.
Airton Agostinho I Lead Coach
Airton has been coaching in New Zealand since 2016, focusing on junior development and working with players of all levels. With a background in engineering, Airton brings a unique approach to coaching, using video analysis and his analytical skills to fine-tune players' technique. This hands-on, detailed coaching style helps players reach their full potential on the court. Airton believes in creating the right environment and fostering positive behaviours on court. He's dedicated to guiding young players as they build their tennis journey, ensuring they have the foundation to succeed.
Jake Thompson I Lead Coach, Red and Orange Stage
Jake is a passionate 12U coach who thrives on creating and nurturing academy level players. He believes strongly in using tennis as a mechanism to create independent, inquisitive minds that seek challenge. He considers his strengths to be his focus on tactical play, and an ability to drive players towards success whilst maintaining a healthy relationship with tennis. He has been a coach educator for Tennis New Zealand, the 12U team coach for Tennis Northern, and the selector and head coach for the 7U and 9U academies at Albany Tennis Park. At Lavie, Jake is involved across all 12U programmes, nurturing and growing the next wave of champions.
Nicolas Moreno I Academy Coach
Nicolas, originally from Colombia, has been part of the Lavie Tennis Academy for the past five years and works across all areas of the program. With a high-level playing background, he brings strong intensity to every session and is able to push players of all levels while keeping structure and purpose at the centre of his coaching. Having grown up on clay courts, Nicolas has a strong understanding of the tactical side of the game and how to build points. His ability to adapt to different players and maintain high standards on court helps ensure every session delivers clear progress.
Glynnis Carolissen I Club Coach
Glynnis is from Namibia-South Africa and started coaching in underprivileged communities on a voluntary basis since her first ITF tennis coaching course at 16. Educational and work background include BA (Human Movement Science), Fitness Instructor, Junior Development Coaching course (2008), and Psychologist in her day job. Glynnis has played competitive tennis since age 9, went to the US on a tennis scholarship and continues to play competitive tennis at 50. She is tennis crazy, continues to develop her game and loves supporting others in their tennis!
Alexander Chambers I Assistant Coach
Alex is a dedicated tennis coach at Lavie Tennis Academy, with 3 years of coaching experience, working with players of all ages and abilities. He holds a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (AUT, Health & Physical Education), a Tennis NZ Assistant Coach certificate, and is completing his Development Coach qualification. His coaching style focuses on building strong foundations, inspiring confidence, and creating a positive, player-centred environment. Whether you’re starting out or competing at a high level, Alex makes every session engaging, supportive, and tailored to your goals.
Nicholas Curin I Assistant Coach
Nicholas has been playing at Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club since he was 5 years old and started coaching at 15 years, quickly realising it was his passion. He regularly competes in tournaments including Caro bowl, and has won multiple club championships.
Zara Ranchhod I Assistant Coach
Zara is a 20 year old university student in her 3rd year at the University of Auckland. She has been playing at Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club for 15 years and coaching here for 3 years. She truly loves being a part of other people's tennis journey and giving them the same amazing experience she had growing up. She likes to play tennis as often as possible and is frequently at the tennis club, playing with friends and family. She also participates in club and interclub tournaments.
Chelsea Wijntjes I Assistant Coach
Chelsea is a university student who began playing tennis at Blockhouse Bay when she was 5, instantly loving the sport and the people she met through it. Her experience competing in high-level tournaments and interclub competitions over the years, including Caro Bowl and Chelsea Cup, inspires her to help players of all levels develop their skills and passion for the sport.
Peyton Samuels I Assistant Coach
Peyton is in her final year of high school. She has been playing tennis since she was 4 years old. Tennis has always run in Peyton's family and has become of interest to her to help other people learn the sport. Peyton has been coaching young children casually for two years. She loves helping them grow in tennis as well as gaining confidence, new connections and friends to take into their future.
Tyla Samuels I Assistant Coach
Tyla is a Senior in high school and has been playing tennis since the age of 4. She loves tennis because of the sense of connection to family, friends and community. She has been coaching at Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club for just over a year. She enjoys coaching kids, seeing them have fun, make friends and develop their tennis skills. She continues to strive toward improving her own game.
Hana Teague I Assistant Coach
Hana is a 14 year old that attends high school. She has been playing tennis at Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club since she was 6 years old. Hana holds a strong passion in tennis and loves playing with others while also socialising with peers through tennis. She coaches young children hoping to inspire them as they improve their tennis skills while she also strives towards enhancing her tennis game.
Private Coaching
Private sessions with all coaches will be available before school, during the day, and on weekends. Prices range from $75 to $135 per hour, depending on the coach’s qualifications and experience. Please speak with the coach to arrange a suitable day and time.
Coach Airton: +64 22 630 6001
Coach Jake: +64 210 582 446
Coach Alex: +64 22 409 1854
Bookings
For all junior and adult classes, competitions, camps, and tournament support bookings, please go to the Lavie Booking Portal.
Contact Rebecca, Club Operations Manager, at rebecca@lavietennisacademy.com or on WhatsApp at +44 7477 863391 if you have any questions.
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Note - Wayne Molloy will continue to offer private coaching separate to the Lavie Tennis Academy, please contact Wayne directly on wayne@bhbtennis.co.nz or 021627858.