Martin Blackman, Director Born: New York, raised in Florida and Barbados Professional: During his playing career, Martin was recognized as MVP for Stanford University’s team and won 9 Futures and Challenger titles while on the ATP Tour. Martin serves as Chairman of the Professional Tennis Council for the USTA. Additionally, he is on the Board of the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation. Martin has been The Champions Center Director since June 2004, after 5 successful years as the Men’s Head Coach at American University. While at American University, Martin led the Men’s team to 3 Conference titles and was named Coach of the Year three times. Martin is USTA High Performance certified. Coaching Philosophy: Martin’s coaching philosophy is- “fun and fundamentals…repeat.” His greatest coaching achievement occurs when one of his students becomes his teacher. Martin defines a champion as someone who not only makes him or herself great but inspires those around them to become better.
	Vesa Ponkka - Director of Player Development Born: Born: Helsinki, Finland Professional: For the past 16 years, Vesa has trained top junior players in the U.S. and Europe for national, NCAA, ITF and pro competition. His students have achieved several professional titles, #1 junior world rankings, and All American honors. Vesa was a member of the Finnish Davis Cup team, an ATP tour player, and an All-American in college. Vesa joined the Champions Center team in 1999, and has coached and mentored young players at all levels. He is proud to have seen his players reach both the college and pro ranks. Over the past 10 years, Vesa has established himself as one of the best junior coaches in the country. Professionally, Vesa wouldn’t mind being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as a difference-maker in every young player’s life. Vesa is USPTR/USPTA High Performance Certified. Coaching Philosophy: “In the Finnish language, we have a special word ‘sisu’, which means ‘unyielding courage, stamina and fortitude’, a true Champion in life and on the court has SISU”, says Ponkka.
	Frank Salazar, Director of Coaching Born: Dallas, TX Professional: In his competitive days, Frank made his mark on the ATP tour, played #1 at Clemson University and was the #1 Junior in the World. Frank brings several years of experience coaching ATP Tour players, college players and multiple top ten nationally ranked juniors. Currently, Frank is coaching and mentoring 4 of the top junior players in the United States as well as several other top young players. His greatest coaching achievement is seeing his players get better right before his eyes as they work to reach their potential, watching them experience positive results, and feeling proud of their accomplishments. Coaching Philosophy: Frank’s coaching philosophy is- “less talk, more action.” He wants his players to play with a purpose, build a strong foundation and treat triumph and disaster just the same. His definition of a champion is someone who, when faced with adversity is able to battle and when successful is humble.
	Komi “Oliver” Akli, Senior High Performance Coach Born: Lome, Togo Professional: Oliver joined the Champions Center coaching team during the summer of 2000. As a senior coach, Oliver works with several players of all ages and levels, and works with many of the top Nationally ranked players. He has had many coaching successes including working with players who have won USTA and ITF titles. Oliver strives to give his best to his students every day, and hopes to help them reach their goals whether in college or on the ATP or WTA tour. Oliver is USPTR/USPTA High Performance certified. Coaching Philosophy: Oliver believes that true champions understand the importance of discipline and being tough. His goal is to make the Champions Center one of the best tennis training facilities in the world by instilling a strong work ethic, determination, and discipline in every player.
	Mikhail “Misha” Kouznetsov, High Performance Coach Raised in: Moscow, Russia Professional: Misha’s greatest coaching achievement is coaching top international tennis players at Champions Center. He also coached two top 20 players while working in Pennsylvania. Another achievement of Misha’s, is coaching and helping some of the young top players at the Champions Center and watching them grow and excel. Misha’s goal is to develop a player and coach him or her to the top of either the ATP or WTA tours. He hopes to help many children become good tennis players and great individuals. Coaching Philosophy: Misha’s coaching philosophy is to develop a strong technique for a player while concentrating on their future improvements. He defines a champion as a person who is not just a great tennis player but a great individual, someone who has a strong work ethic and a great attitude towards life. He believes “a champion is someone who overcomes challenges, learns from them, and becomes stronger!”.
	Alisama “Ali” Agnamba, High Performance Coach Born: Lome, Togo Professional: Upon arriving in the U.S., Ali served as practice partner to Venus and Serena Williams. He then moved to the DC metro area where he served as a coach in the Georgetown Day Boy’s Tennis Program. Ali’s greatest personal achievements were being selected to play for the Togo Davis Cup team and playing for Togo in the Olympics. Both were honors he cherishes and will never forget. As a member of the Champions Center coaching staff, Ali heads the Junior Champions Program, the first tier for committed junior players ages 7-11. He is USPTR certified. Coaching Philosophy: Ali’s coaching philosophy is to emphasizes discipline, focus and a positive approach to tennis and life. Ali strives to help others realize their goals. For himself, Ali hopes to be successful in everything he chooses to do in life.
	Greg Petrosian , Director of Fitness Raised In: USSR Professional: Greg’s greatest coaching achievement is coaching Rober Emmian and helping him capture the European long jump record, which has not been beaten. Greg also coached Diane Guthrie to become a two-time Olympian and win five NCAA championships. He was D.C. United’s strengthand conditioning coach from 1997-2004. Greg was Sprint and Jump Coach at George Mason University and then at American University, he served as Head Strength and Conditioning coach for four years. Additionally, Greg coaches a number of professional track and field athletes, Olympic winter sports athletes, and Major League Soccer players. Coaching Philosophy: Greg’s coaching philosophy is: work hard, work smart, and dream big because there is no limit to excellence. One of Greg’s goals is to coach a U.S. Open Champion tennis player. He defines a Champion as someone who has total dedication to achieving their dreams and aspirations.
	Neal Bowes , Sports Psychologist Born: Nottingham, England Professional: Bowes is a certified sports psychologist and is responsible for Mental Development at the Champions Center. He is a former professional soccer player and a National collegiate player. He attended the University of Warwick in his native country, England. His team was a finalist in the National Collegiate Soccer Championship. Neal has worked with several national level squads including preparation for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. He has also worked with Olympic, professional and national level athletes. Additionally, Neal holds a certificate in counseling. His former playing experience in soccer at a professional and national level gives him an insight into the demands of high-level sports. Coaching Philosophy: Neal’s coaching philosophy is to give all players the opportunity to learn skills and strategies that will help them reach their full potential. Neal defines a champion as someone who actively seeks out pressure and adversity in order to become a mentally tough competitor.
	Mark Santangelo, Teacher/Literature Mark Santangelo hails from New Jersey, where he attended public schools in Lawrenceville. From there, he attended Yale University, graduating in 1991 with a Bachlors of Arts in History. He moved to the Washington area in 1993, and entered the graduate program in American History at George Washington University, receiving a Masters in Philosophy in 1998. He is the co-author of The Medical Follow-up Agency: The First Fifty Years, 1946-1996 (National Academy Press, 1999), and has written several articles for peer-reviewed academic journals. Mark has also presented a number of papers at academic conferences. He joined the staff of the Tennis Center of College Park in 2006.
	Michelle Ming, Teacher Michelle was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Washington, DC and Colorado. She attended Colorado State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1987, with an emphasis in secondary education. Michelle then attended graduate school for a year but left to become a full-time high school math instructor. After having taught high school mathematics for nearly ten years, shespent one year in the private industry as a Software Test Engineer for a NASA contractor, another year as a STE for a POS company and then two years as a Technology Coordinator for DeMatha Catholic High School. One of Michelle’s greatest teaching achievements is being nominated for Teacher of the Year at Thomas Jefferson High School in Colorado. Being a lifelong learner, Michelle believes that education is a powerful value that she hopes to impart to all her students. Michelle also plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education.
	DJ Butler, Program Director As the Champions Center Program Magager, DJ performs a variety of tasks for the Champions Center. Off the court, DJ manages the daily operations of the program. He is the point person for all scheduling and player management services. On the court, DJ is a staff professional, however most of his time is spent managing the day to day logistics of the Champions Program. DJ is the Tournament Director for all tournaments hosted at the club each year, including the Boys and Girls 14’s National Open. In addition to his roles with the juniors, he also helps organize a variety of different member events and socials on the club side. DJ served for four years as an Assistant Coach for the University of Maryland Women’s Tennis Team. DJ is USPTA certified and has been a member of the team since 2001.