SPC Online Conference

Martijn Belgraver

Martijn Belgraver, born on January 30, 1972, is the General Manager of Rafa Nadal Academy Kuwait since September 2019. He is responsible for the academy’s operations, collaborating with the Kuwait Tennis Federation, developing grassroots tennis, and establishing the academy as the top excellence center in tennis and fitness in the GCC region.

Martijn is the owner and founder of INTIME Tennis Academy, which he led from July 2002 to October 2021. His academy produced 25 Dutch junior champions (U12, U14, U16), 2 European junior champions (U14, U16), and 1 junior Davis Cup title (U16). He has experience traveling with top 100 WTA and ATP players and has organized the Tennis Europe tournament for U14/U16 at Dekker Zoetermeer since 2013.
As a private coach (2000-2002), he trained Martin Verkerk, the runner-up at Roland Garros. As a professional player (1992-1999), Martijn was the 1996 Dutch champion in doubles, achieved an ATP ranking of 200 in 1997, and competed in 8 Grand Slams, winning against notable players like Ivan Ljubicic and Dominik Hrbaty. He speaks Dutch, English, German, French, and beginner Spanish.

Sofia Shapatava

Sofia Shapatava is a professional tennis player with over 16 years on tour. She has competed in all the Grand Slam events and represented her country in the Fed Cup for 11 years. Sofia is skilled in translation, foreign languages, tennis instruction, fitness, and nutrition. She strives for strong communication skills and continually seeks to learn more. Alongside her tennis career, Sofia holds a law degree and various certificates.

Her goal is to enhance the tennis community and support younger generations in finding their path in the sport. In 2022, Sofia and her coach and husband, Tim Schultz, founded Shapa Management, a company dedicated to guiding players in their career paths. They assist with organizing practice facilities, arranging national and international tournaments, connecting with universities and academies, and finding better training facilities, coaches, and physios.

Sofia continues to compete on the ITF tour and participates in national tournaments and leagues in France and Germany. She also serves as a players’ representative on the ITF Women’s Player’s Panel, working to improve conditions for lower-ranked players on the tour.

Ana Cvetkovic

Ana Cvetkovic, known as “Ana The Coach,” transitioned from player to coach early, thanks to Jelena Gencic. Competing in 237 tournaments from ages 9 to 19, she spent 6 years on Yugoslavia’s national team with Monika Seles. After struggling to go pro without support, Ana accepted a US scholarship, where her coaching passion grew.

Since 1992, she coached in the US, then in Serbia at Radnicki and Tennis Academy Zivkovic, focusing on individual coaching with young girls. She served as National Coach for girls U12&U14 for 8 years and led over 40 summer camps. For the past 12 years, Ana has traveled year-round as a full-time coach.

In 2021, she directed Gorin Tennis Academy in Barcelona, but plans changed due to the war in Ukraine. Currently based in Serbia, she coaches ITF top 20 junior Teodora Kostovic.

Gabor Pelva

Gabor Pelva is a consultant for coach and player development in Hungary and globally. His work involves collaborating with National Tennis Associations, clubs, players, and tennis parents. He founded two sports agencies, Tennis Consultancy and GoCollegeSports.

Previously, Gabor served as Sports Director, Coach Education Director, and National Head Coach of the Hungarian Tennis Association, playing a major role in developing tennis in Hungary. Dedicated to establishing a competitive player development program, he supported many talented players in honing their skills. Gabor was a key influencer in growing the sport, managing projects aimed at increasing performance and participation in tennis.

As an accomplished and energetic professional, Gabor brings extensive experience in coaching, teaching, and leadership from diverse sports organizations worldwide. Specializing as a player-centered coach, mentor, and advisor, he focuses on individual goals and guiding athletes towards their desired outcomes. He adopts a holistic approach to player support, addressing various aspects to ensure comprehensive development.

Stefano Nicoletti

Stefano Nicoletti is a tennis coach, soft skills expert, and mindfulness instructor with extensive experience in highly competitive sports environments. His unique approach blends technical coaching with a deep understanding of mindfulness principles. Stefano’s background has equipped him with the skills to help athletes enhance their performance, communication, and emotional intelligence.

He is not just a coach but a travel companion, guiding players through their athletic and personal journeys. Stefano’s method is grounded in real-world experience, making him relatable and effective in fostering growth and resilience. His work focuses on empowering athletes to navigate challenges with confidence and mindfulness, leading to sustainable success.

Through his coaching, Stefano aims to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect, ensuring that each player feels supported and understood throughout their development journey.

Fernando Famoso

Fernando Famoso, a seasoned tennis coach from Buenos Aires, Argentina, has dedicated his life to the sport since picking up a racket at age four. Competing in junior competitions and venturing into professional tennis laid a robust foundation for his over 20-year coaching career.

Fernando holds ITF coaching certifications and has completed numerous advanced courses, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and excellence in coaching. His diverse experience spans roles as a private coach, academy director, and club manager, showcasing his versatile expertise.

Currently, Fernando focuses on coaching juniors transitioning into professional tennis, guiding them with the same passion and dedication that defined his own early career.

Mark Wylam

Mark Wylam is the owner of SPC and a PTR certified tennis coach with an entrepreneurial spirit. Holding a degree in Business Management, he continues to play tennis at a good club level.

Mark established SPC with initial support from his late father, Ralph Wylam, who passed away in 2015. Building on his father’s skills in creating Social Tennis, Mark transformed it into SportsProsConnect in 2018.
Through hard work, dedication, and commitment, SPC has connected over 400 tennis, padel, pickleball, and fitness coaches. SPC has built a strong community, helping coaches find jobs professionally.

The core values of SPC—Professionalism, Connections, Community, and Commitment—are central to the conference being held in October 2024. All presenters will offer unique insights related to these core values, emphasizing the importance of each in the sports coaching industry.

Susan Nardi

Susan Nardi is a racquet and paddle entrepreneur and an award-winning coach whos vision has provided huge growth in communities/organizations she is working with. Currently, she is the Vice President of LA Tennis, Inc., LA Pickle Club and LA Euro Sports. Her goal is to grow racquet sports while increasing the retention and quality of life of players.

In 2021, she was named a National Double-Goal CoachÒ for Positive Coaching Alliance. Susan is a USPTA Elite Professional, USPTR Professional, MTM Level 4 Coach and board member of WTCT.

On court she coaches all levels of juniors, adults as well as working in adaptive tennis. Currently, she is the coach of Veronika Miroshnichenko (WTA 289).

Sarah Stone

Originating from Australia, Sarah Stone has forged a distinguished path as a professional tennis coach for over 15 years. With a background as a former competitor in esteemed tournaments including Wimbledon and the Australian Open, Stone brings invaluable firsthand experience to her coaching endeavors in the upper tiers of women’s tennis.

In an arena where female coaches are scarce, Stone shines brightly as a WTA Gold Coach, reflecting her exceptional expertise and accomplishments. Moreover, she has held prominent positions, including chairing the PTR Women’s Board and serving as a revered committee member of the International Club of Australia. Through these roles, Stone actively contributes to the global tennis community, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Rubén Herrera

Rubén Herrera is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the sports and health industry. With a strong background in startups and business development, Rubén has a proven track record of leading projects to achieve significant growth.

Currently, he serves as Head of Partnerships at Inspiretek and Coya, where he spearheads strategic alliances and collaborations, driving business growth and enhancing market presence. Known for his curiosity and communication skills, Rubén is dedicated to fostering health through sports.

A former Division I student-athlete at Jacksonville State University, he holds a BA in Communications and an MS in Business Administration. He loves people, technology, and sports, especially tennis.

Johan Kriek

Johan Kriek, a South African-born multi-grand slam singles champion, has resided in the United States for the past 45 years. Kriek reached a career-high ranking of #7 in the world in singles and #12 in doubles. He competed on the ATP Tour for nearly 20 years and on the senior Champions tour for 11 years, achieving notable success.

He reached the quarterfinals or better in all four major tournaments and won the US Open senior doubles once and Wimbledon senior doubles four times with Kevin Curren. For the past 18 years, Kriek has been coaching aspiring young tennis players in the United States.

He is about to embark on an ambitious project to bring professional tennis back to Africa. Johan Kriek remains the most successful tennis player ever from the African continent.

James Corden-Lloyd

James is a PTR certified Performance Instructor, certified Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)(TESOL) founder of Corden Tennis Academy and Corden English Academy. James also had the privilege of serving as an assistant trainer for racehorses in two different continents: South Africa and the United Kingdom.

James, gave valuable insights into equine and athletic performance while simultaneously honing organizational and managerial skills that have been fully utilized within his Tennis Journey.

He is also a network marketing professional and co-designer of innovative new polo stirrups which are now available in shops and Polo clubs all around the world.

Craig Webster

Craig Webster, an International Coach and Mentor, began his career excelling in various sports during his school years, including cricket, athletics, and tennis. He competed on the European Professional Tour before it transitioned to the ATP Tour in 1973, participating in prestigious events like Roland Garros and pre-Wimbledon grass court tournaments across Europe. Realizing the challenges of sustaining a professional playing career in 1975, Craig shifted his focus to coaching.

He started under Gardnar Mulloy in Miami and later obtained PTR certification while learning from Dennis Van Der Meer. Returning to South Africa, Craig became the Gauteng Central provincial coach, establishing a prominent academy at Ellis Park with 20 courts. He mentored every top junior in South Africa, including Wayne Ferreira, Tanya Hartford (WTA #34), and Robbie Venter (ATP #40).

Natalie Da Silva

Natalie Da Silva is a Tennis Strength & Conditioning Coach with over 10 years of experience in Tennis.

Natalie’s approach through assess, monitor, programming and preparation ensures a overall look to maximise potential and tennis performance.

Specialised tennis conditioning professional working with today’s elite tennis players.

Through a holistic approach to preparation and recovery ensure that you will reach your maximal potential while travelling on tour.

Cesar Morales

Understanding the science and art of coaching is crucial for fostering a stronger cultural foundation. Cesar Morales has had the privilege of working extensively with diverse individuals, athletes, corporations, and programs worldwide through his two entities. Through Cesar Performance Coach and Cesar Tennis Consulting, he and his team have facilitated meaningful connections, repaired relationships, and enhanced communication across various domains—from coach to player, employee to employer, and colleague to colleague.

Their approach, rooted in neurolinguistics and empathy, aims to cultivate growth and abundance within communities. Morales emphasizes building bridges of understanding and shared philosophies, fostering strong, enduring, and healthy environments. Over the years, their efforts have impacted thousands of players, hundreds of coaches, and numerous organizations, contributing to the creation of cohesive and purposeful communities.

Andy Dowsett

Andy Dowsett is SYSTEM-9.

Andy has educated over 3000 coaches spanning three decades. As well as authoring books on tennis, Andy has lectured around the world with SYSTEM-9, educating coaches, parents, and coaches on how to bring the best out of players and keep them in the game.

Andy has produced two national champions in both Denmark and the UK and trained GB player Olly Beadle who he travelled to the Australian Open with. But with his worldwide system he is no stranger to making everyone he coaches a great competitor in the game of tennis.

Andy was the head of PTR in Great Britain for 12-years having worked them the previous 10-years as national tutor and tester. He was awarded the UK PRO of the year in 2000 and Clincian of the year in 2007. As well as these accolades he was also awarded Essex Development coach of the Year 2024 by the LTA.

As a coach, educator and writer Andy is a trusted and reliable source in the world of tennis, and is one of very few tennis coaches to have gained his PTR Level 5 Master of Tennis Performance in 2017. Alongside this he also holds the LTA master coach accreditation.

Conrad Singh

As the CEO at Centercourt Tennis Academy in New Jersey, Conrad Singh has recruited and developed team of Athletes and Coaches as well as a Culture of Winning.
Conrad holds degrees in Sports Science and Education and has the highest level of qualifications from Australia, USA and Asia. As a Grand Slam Master Coach, he has worked with players at over 55 Grand Slams. Conrad has a passion for Elite Player Development but also for building Teams of World Class Coaches and Programs.

As a Private, State and National Coach that is heavily involved in Coach Education and holds Elite credentials from Australia, Europe and USA. He is a regular Keynote Speaker at Global Coaches Conferences and has multiple current Touring Professionals which he is Specialist Coach and Advisor. His unique Coaching Philosophy is ‘Teach whats Essential, Encourage whats Natural and Allow for each Individual.