Our Coaches & Staff

Tuckahoe Pass Academy Staff

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Ramón Mercado

Tennis Director

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Dylan Farmer

Head Pro

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Juan Figueroa

Tennis Professional

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Kristyna Nepivodova

Tennis Professional

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Miguel Torrenegra

Tennis Professional

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Paula Avellan Rizzo

Touring Pro | Certified PPR Coach

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Pete Poggioli

Tennis Professional

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Peter Nguyen

Tennis Professional

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Thomas Lapp

Junior Tennis Pro

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Ziad Melhaoui

Tennis Professional

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Zeina Shaaban

Tennis Professional

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Aser Mohamed

Tennis Professional

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Maddie Riccardi

Junior Tennis Pro

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Ramón Mercado

Tennis Director

With over 30 years of playing experience, Ramón brings passion, energy, and dedication to the court. As a certified PTR and USTA professional, CPR certified, and SafePlay approved by USTA, Ramón is committed to creating a safe, fun, and engaging learning environment for players of all ages. He enjoys working with both kids and adults, focusing on building solid fundamentals, improving technique, and fostering a love for the game. Whether players are just starting out or looking to refine their skills, Ramón aims to help them grow as athletes while enjoying every step of the journey.

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Dylan Farmer

Head Pro

With over 16 years of tennis experience, Dylan Farmer brings a lifelong passion for the sport to every lesson. With 9 of those years dedicated to nurturing talents in the dynamic tennis scene of Georgia and the past 6 years enriching the tennis community in Virginia, his expertise is undeniable. Notably, during his junior years, he held a remarkable position as a top 50 player in Georgia, a testament to his deep-rooted understanding of the sport. Beyond accolades, his true passion shines in his enjoyment of working alongside both juniors and adults. As a USPTA certified coach, he works with players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. Dylan’s unique blend of experience, skill, and a genuine enthusiasm for tennis guarantees a rewarding and enriching experience for all who step onto the court under Dylan’s guidance.

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Juan Figueroa

Tennis Professional

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Kristyna Nepivodova

Tennis Professional

Kristyna Nepivodova is a former professional and collegiate tennis player from the Czech Republic and has been coaching in Northern Virginia over a decade. A standout at the University of the District of Columbia, she served as team captain, earned All-Conference honors and received the John Smillie, Jr. Award for overcoming adversity. Kristyna began as a top junior in the Czech Republic and went on to compete at high levels, including earning a wild card into the 2018 Citi Open main doubles draw. In 2021 she helped lead her USTA 5.0+ Women’s Doubles Team to a National Championship win in Phoenix, AZ, finishing undefeated at line 1 doubles with partners including Tuckahoe’s own Cecile Hult. Kristyna’s coaching style blends strong fundamentals, strategic play, and mental toughness with a supportive approach. Drawing on her experience as a high-level competitor, she creates an environment where players of all ages and levels can grow with confidence. Known for her dependable doubles play and composure under pressure, Kristyna brings a deep understanding of competitive tennis, a strong technical foundation and a player-first philosophy rooted in empathy, resilience and skill development. Outside the tennis court, Kristyna is a Principal at Ategra Capital Management, leading research for its private funds, executing trades and maintaining portfolio company relationships. In her free time she enjoys sports, reading and spending time with her loved ones and bulldog Bentley.

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Miguel Torrenegra

Tennis Professional

We’re excited to introduce a tennis sensation who brings an international flair and unparalleled expertise to our community. Miguel Angel Torrenegra Serrano, from Bogota, Colombia, is ready to elevate your tennis game and make this Spring unforgettable. Miguel's tennis journey began in Bogota, where his passion and talent for the sport earned him a scholarship to play for the men’s varsity tennis team at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. His dedication on the court was matched by his academic prowess, as he completed a Bachelor's degree in Business & Management and a master’s in business administration with a specialization in Cybersecurity. While in Florida, Miguel had the incredible opportunity to practice with ATP and WTA players such as Stefan Kozlov and Allie Kiick. These experiences enriched his understanding of the game, refining his techniques and strategies to a professional level. Miguel’s commitment to tennis extends beyond his own play. He has directed the 10 and Under program at prestigious academies like the Developmental Tennis Institute (DTI) and Smatts Tennis Academy in Miami. His expertise in developing young talent is recognized and respected in the tennis community. Working alongside former pro tennis player and current ATP coach, Miguel Tobon, Miguel Torrenegra played a pivotal role in developing a high-performance tennis program. This program has nurtured players like Miguel Tobon Jr., who now ranks #14 in the world in the 18 and under category in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments. Miguel's qualifications are impressive. He holds a Level 2 certification from the Professional Tennis Register (PTR) and a certification from the International Tennis Performance Association (ITPA). These credentials highlight his advanced knowledge and skill in tennis coaching and performance. This Spring don't miss the chance to train with Miguel Angel Torrenegra Serrano right here in Tuckahoe. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player aiming to refine your skills, Miguel's lessons offer something for everyone. His unique blend of international experience, professional training, and a passion for teaching make him the perfect coach to help you achieve your tennis goals. Join us on the courts and let Miguel’s expertise guide you to new heights. This Spring promises to be a grand slam with Miguel Torrenegra in Tuckahoe!

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Paula Avellan Rizzo

Touring Pro | Certified PPR Coach

Ready to take your pickleball game to the next level? Train with Paula Avellan Rizzo — a certified PPR Coach and full-time touring pro competing on both the APP and PPA tours. Currently competing full-time on both the APP and PPA tours, Paula has battled her way to a career-high ranking of #46 on the APP circuit, with impressive wins over top 20 players. Her on-court intensity and passion for the game are matched only by her dedication to helping others improve. Paula brings real tour-level experience straight to the court. Paula leads dynamic, fast-paced clinics designed to challenge and elevate players of all skill levels. With over 10 years of coaching experience in high-performance tennis and a deep understanding of competitive pickleball, she knows how to elevate your game — whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or chasing tournament success. Her clinics are high-energy sessions packed with personalized feedback, competitive gameplay, and pro-level insight. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, or just play smarter, Paula’s clinics deliver results. Train like a pro, with a pro. Join Paula on court and experience the difference.

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Pete Poggioli

Tennis Professional

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Peter Nguyen

Tennis Professional

Peter Nguyen is a highly skilled and dedicated tennis coach with 20 years of experience helping players of all ages and skill levels achieve their goals on the court. A certified instructor through PTR, Peter combines technical expertise, strategic insight, and a passion for the game to foster growth, confidence, and success in every athlete. Peter believes in developing well-rounded players by focusing on technical fundamentals, mental toughness, and match strategy. Whether working with beginners learning the basics or advanced players fine-tuning their competitive edge, and tailors each session to meet the unique needs of the individual.

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Thomas Lapp

Junior Tennis Pro

Thomas Lapp is a proud product of Tuckahoe Tennis, where he’s been playing since the age of six. Over the years, he has competed for the Tuckahoe team in multiple seasons and developed into one of the area’s top junior players. Thomas is currently the No. 1 player at Meridian High School and was the Virginia Class 3 singles finalist. Since joining the coaching staff in 2023, he has brought his energy and passion for the game to the next generation of players. Thomas is especially great with juniors, making him a fantastic choice for Red Ball, Orange Ball, and Green Ball lessons. He loves helping kids build skills, grow their confidence, and discover just how fun tennis can be!

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  • melhaouiz23@gmail.com

Ziad Melhaoui

Tennis Professional

Ziad is one of the most passionate coaches in our academy. His love for the game is unmatched, and his energy on the court is highly contagious. With his distinguished collegiate tennis career at Rollins College, Coach Z brings elite-level expertise and passion to tennis coaching. Ziad grew up playing in Morocco where he climbed his way up the national and international junior rankings before being recruited to play for the Rollins Men’s Tennis program in the Spring of 2016. As a former top college player who achieved NCAA national rankings in both singles (No. 21) and doubles (No. 9), he understands the commitment, work ethic and the mental fortitude required to excel in tennis. Ziad brings a unique perspective and experience from the Tennis World Stage to encourage young tennis players to work to achieve their dreams, just as he has

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  • Zeina Shaaban is an accomplished tennis professional from Cairo, Egypt, with a distinguished collegiate career at D1 college (Jackson State University). As a key player for the Jackson State Tigers, she earned the 2024 SWAC Player of the Year award, boasting an impressive 11–3 overall singles record and an undefeated 5–0 in conference doubles play. Zeina is passionate about sharing her love for tennis through coaching. She is eager to mentor players of all ages and skill levels, focusing on developing strong fundamentals, strategic thinking, and mental resilience.

Zeina Shaaban

Tennis Professional

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Aser Mohamed

Tennis Professional

An accomplished ITF player and former NCAA Division II student-athlete, Aser brings over 14 years of competitive and coaching experience to the court. With a strong background in high-level play and a deep understanding of player development, he is passionate about helping athletes of all ages sharpen their technique, build confidence, and reach their full potential. Known for his energy and commitment, Aser creates a motivating and supportive environment where players can thrive, whether they’re just starting out or competing at advanced levels.

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Maddie Riccardi

Junior Tennis Pro

Maddie Riccardi is a student at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School and has been playing tennis her whole life. After beginning competitive play about two years ago, she has grown a strong passion for the sport and enjoys sharing that love with younger players. She joined the Tuckahoe coaching staff in spring 2025 and works closely with the junior program, especially with Red Ball, Orange Ball, and Green Ball players. With many years of experience working with kids, she brings a strong skill set for teaching younger athletes in a way that is both fun and effective. Known for her patience, energy, and ability to connect with kids, Maddie helps create an enjoyable and encouraging environment for young athletes to develop their skills and confidence on the court.

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