Tennis Coaches & Pros
Frank Salazar
Senior Director of Tennis for the MTTC
Frank is the mastermind of a High-Performance training and mentoring method now being offered at the MAC. This program and philosophy were created to develop world class junior tennis players, high level collegians, and professional tennis players. Since its inception Frank has developed: over 200 nationally ranked players, 30 National Champions, 5 Junior players ranked top 10 in the world.
Email Frank at: fsalazar@macbythesea.com
Trick Toggle
More about Frank
Notable Coaching + Mentoring Achievements:
2011-2017 coached Frances Tiafoe who has held a ranking as high as 11 in the world and is currently regarded as one of the top United States players on the ATP tour.
2011-2017 coached Usue Arconada who achieved #5 World Ranking for Junior ITF
2010 coached the #3, #5, and #12 junior players in the world (Denis Kudla, Mitchell Frank, Junior Ore) as well as the #5 Girl’s player in the world (Trice Capra).
2002-2004 coached #1 and #5 boys players ranked in the United States (Billy Mertz and Treat Huey)
2008 United States Olympic Developmental Coach of the Year, by the USTA
Playing Career Accomplishments
- 1986 Junior Orange Bowl Champion
- 4 Time National Champion
- Ranked #1 in the world in 1986
Education:
Clemson University: Full Tennis Scholarship playing #1 Singles and Doubles
B.A, Communications
Fun Fact:
Climbed and summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008
Tomas Hlavaty
Director of Adult Tennis Programming
Since joining the MAC in 2008, Tomas has been involved in developing all areas of MAC tennis programs from high performance players, Junior tennis and adult programming where he coached many NSL women’s and men’s teams.
“I’m very patient and a good listener. I implement these two qualities to help players achieve their goals and aspirations with tennis, whatever they may be for each person.” My dream ever since I was 12 years old was to work in a year-round, “real tennis club environment” because I didn’t have anything like that when I was growing up in middle school in the Czech Republic. During the winters, my dad practiced with me on a small volleyball court at my middle school.”
Email Tomas at: thlavaty@macbythesea.com
Trick Toggle
More about Tomas
Notable Coaching + Mentoring Achievements
- Coached numerous Men’s and Women’s Teams to win their North Shore League Division.
- Takes a highly personalized approach to each player’s needs, desires and aspirations in elevating their tennis game.
- Works with players from where they are now to where they want to go with their game in the future.
- Thrives on helping people to get better and making a positive difference in people’s tennis.
- “I love tennis and helping people achieve and attain their goals whether it’s to move up in a league or simply improve their game.”
Notable Career Highlights
- Top Nationally ranked Junior in his home country of Czech Republic where he won many National Tournaments.
- Early Teaching career was in Great Britain and the Czech Republic before coming to the US in 2005.
- In 2008 Tomas received an award from USPTA for the 2008 Open Players of the Year.
- Tomas is certified by USPTA, USTA high performance coach, USPTR and USRSA tennis racquet stringer.
- Tomas was also the official racquet stringer for professional tennis of Boston Lobsters in 2014.
Education:
- BS, Sport and Movement Science, Salem State University
- MS & MBA, Sport Management, Southern New Hampshire University, Sport Management
Fun Facts about Tomas
- “You can’t be serious!” At the Men’s ATP Tennis Hall of Fame Tournament in Newport, RI 2008, Tomas was a line judge and had his 15 seconds of fame being yelled at by John McEnroe.
- Tomas can hit a ‘tweener’ on demand.
Nick Wagner
Director of 10 & Under and Junior Recreation Programs
Nick is passionate about creating a fun, welcoming environment where players can develop a lifelong love for tennis. Throughout his career, he has coached players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners and recreational players to nationally ranked juniors, collegiate athletes, and competitors at the highest levels of the sport, including Grand Slam events. While Nick is a highly technical coach with extensive experience across every level of the game, he believes that every individual learns differently and enjoys tailoring each lesson to the unique needs of the player.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes confidence, sportsmanship, skill development, and a genuine love of the game. Despite his experience at the highest levels of tennis, Nick’s greatest passion is teaching and helping others improve, regardless of age, ability, or goals. Whether someone is picking up a racquet for the first time or pursuing high-level competition, Nick is committed to creating a positive, rewarding experience and helping every player reach their full potential.
Trick Toggle
More about Nick
Notable Coaching + Mentoring Achievements
- Developed #1 New England players and Top 100 nationally ranked athletes
- Coached at select Grand Slam Tournaments (including experience at the US Open)
- Led teams to state and sectional championships
Pavle Drobnjakovic
Staff Professional
Pavle started playing tennis at 8 years old and was a top 3 junior in all age groups in Serbia. He then started competing internationally and achieved a ranking of #303 in Europe U14, #296 in Europe U16 and #841 in the world in U18. He played professionally for two years before he went to college and played 5 years on a NCAA Division 1 team. When it comes to coaching, Pavle has been a coach in Serbia since 2017 and in the US since 2021. He has worked with both nationally and internationally ranked players, as well as college. He excels in communicating with students and using his own experience and knowledge to help them reach their full potential. Pavle is PTR and USTA Safe Play certified.
Email Pavle at: pavle@macbythesea.com
Trick Toggle
More about Pavle
Notable Coaching + Mentoring Achievements
- Coached across Serbia since 2017 and the US since 2021.
- Coaches players of all ages and from beginner to advanced.
- Excels at working with Juniors 12-18 years old who are trying to play college or professional tennis.
Playing Career Accomplishments
- Played 5 years of NCAA Division 1 College Tennis as a starter.
- 2022 Southland Conference 1st Team
- Tennis Europe U16 #296
- ITF U18 #841
- Highest UTR = 12.01
- Competed professionally for two years prior to college.
Education
2018-2019 University of North Dakota BS Finance
2019-2022 Nicholls State University
2023 Lindenwood University MS in Business Administration with finance emphasis.
Fun Fact about Pavle
If I had to travel every week, pack and unpack my bags every week, I’d be very willing to do that. I love traveling and seeing new places. Thailand is high on my list to visit.
Claudine Watson
Tennis & Pickleball Pro
For almost thirty years, Claudine Watson has had many leadership roles at the MAC including many years of working with all of our North Shore league teams. She has been instrumental in developing and launching many of the programs that we are still running today. Claudine currently is responsible for all USTA tournaments throughout the calendar year and under her leadership we have attained several National Junior Tournaments. Currently she teaches tennis as well as organizing a robust Pickleball program at the club.
Email Claudine at: cwatson@macbythesea.com
Trick Toggle
More about Claudine
Notable Coaching + Mentoring Achievements
- Started the first USTA League at the MAC and personally traveled to many USTA Districts, sectional and National Championships
- Played competitive Doubles and loves coaching doubles strategy both in pickle and tennis.
- Claudine was instrumental in our ability to host Level 3 and National Junior Level tournaments at the MAC
- Claudine grew up in Belgium and learned to walk on a clay tennis court at home.
Education
Education Brussels University, School of Journalism
Wheaton College, course in economics and business
Fun Facts about Claudine
Claudine married a US citizen and moved to the States at age 19, had three children by the time she was 28 and currently balances her life between her love for teaching tennis and pickleball with her love of her 6 grandchildren!
Avis Murray
Master Pro, Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee
Avis has been a member of the tennis staff in many capacities since the club opened in 1973. She is the club’s traveling coach for the North Shore Women’s Teams. Avis has attained the highest rating of Master Professional in the United States Professional Tennis Association and has been inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame and has received an abundance of awards both in New England and Nationally. Avis is truly in a league of her own in Tennis world, her her entire life has been devoted to the game. We are extremely fortunate to have her wisdom passed on to our coaches and to receive the benefit of her tireless writing feedback for the women’s teams that she watches every week. Avis also has a very popular mental conditioning course that she has developed and runs annually. Our indoor courts have been named in her honor, “Avis Murray Tennis Courts”.
Email Avis at: amurray@macbythesea.com
Trick Toggle
More about Avis
Career Highlights
- Avis has been a member of the tennis staff in many capacities since the club opened in 1973.
- She is the club’s traveling coach for the North Shore Women’s Teams.
- Avis has attained the highest rating of Master Professional in the United States Professional Tennis Association and has been inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame
- She has received an abundance of awards both in New England and Nationally.
- Avis is truly in a “league of her own” in the tennis world, as her entire life has been devoted to the game.
- Our indoor courts are named in her honor, “Avis Murray Tennis Courts”.
Other Notable Highlights
- We are extremely fortunate to have her wisdom passed on to our coaches and to receive the benefit of her tireless writing feedback for the women’s teams that she watches every week.
- Avis also has a very popular mental conditioning course that she has developed and runs annually. Born and raised playing on the public courts on Gloucester Harbor.
Playing Career Accomplishments
Born and raised playing on the public courts on Gloucester Harbor.
Education
US Army Veteran
Fun Facts About Avis
Avis was a contender for All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.