Staff at the Ascot Vale Tennis Academy
Damien Ward
Damien Ward
Damien Ward
Damien brings over 25 years of coaching experience across all levels of the game, from grassroots to elite performance. A Tennis Australia–accredited Level 3 High Performance Coach, he has coached extensively both in Australia and internationally. In 2019, Damien was selected to coach the Australian 14 & Under Boys National Team at the Wo
Damien brings over 25 years of coaching experience across all levels of the game, from grassroots to elite performance. A Tennis Australia–accredited Level 3 High Performance Coach, he has coached extensively both in Australia and internationally. In 2019, Damien was selected to coach the Australian 14 & Under Boys National Team at the World Junior Tennis Finals, leading the team through competitions in Malaysia and the Czech Republic.
Daniel Tegg
Damien Ward
Damien Ward
Daniel is a former professional tennis player who competed on the international circuit, gaining valuable experience on courts around the world. As a coach, he holds a Level 2 qualification with the Lawn Tennis Association (UK) and has successfully managed tennis clubs across the UK. His coaching journey has also taken him across Europe,
Daniel is a former professional tennis player who competed on the international circuit, gaining valuable experience on courts around the world. As a coach, he holds a Level 2 qualification with the Lawn Tennis Association (UK) and has successfully managed tennis clubs across the UK. His coaching journey has also taken him across Europe, where he has worked with players of all levels in a variety of settings.
Rob McRae
Damien Ward
Rob McRae
Rob has over 16 years of experience in the tennis industry and is a Tennis Australia–qualified Club Professional. He is highly regarded for his ability to connect with players of all ages and skill levels, creating a positive and effective learning environment. Outside of coaching, Rob enjoys staying active through tennis and golf.
Staff at the Ascot Vale Tennis Academy
Charles Mehlape
Charles Mehlape
Charles Mehlape
Charles brings over 20 years of coaching experience from both South Africa and Australia. His career highlights include coaching the South African 12 & Under National Team and accompanying top junior players to international tournaments. Charles has also successfully led a wide range of recreational tennis programs across both countries,
Charles brings over 20 years of coaching experience from both South Africa and Australia. His career highlights include coaching the South African 12 & Under National Team and accompanying top junior players to international tournaments. Charles has also successfully led a wide range of recreational tennis programs across both countries, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to player development at all levels.
Hugo Castello
Charles Mehlape
Charles Mehlape
Hugo has recently joined us from France, where he was coaching full-time at a club in Valence. He brings valuable experience working with a wide range of players, including elite juniors, adults, and recreational players. In addition to on-court coaching, Hugo played an active role in organising social events and activities at the club. A
Hugo has recently joined us from France, where he was coaching full-time at a club in Valence. He brings valuable experience working with a wide range of players, including elite juniors, adults, and recreational players. In addition to on-court coaching, Hugo played an active role in organising social events and activities at the club. A strong player himself, he was competing at a UTR level of 12.5+ as recently as this year.
Grace Burte
Charles Mehlape
Grace Burte
Grace Burte is a Tennis Australia–accredited Foundation Coach and a fantastic role model for juniors at Ascot Vale Tennis Club. A former A Grade competitor in the NSJTA, Grace brings both playing experience and a strong sense of leadership to her coaching. She has a natural ability to connect with young players and consistently creates a fun, supportive, and engaging training environment.
Staff at the Ascot Vale Tennis Academy
Eli Gunn
Lara Slisko
Lara Slisko
Eli is one of our outstanding coaches, known for his strong rapport with students and his passion for the game. He continues to compete in high-level competition and brings that experience to every lesson. A Tennis Australia–accredited Foundation Coach, Eli is committed to helping players grow both on and off the court. He is a positive r
Eli is one of our outstanding coaches, known for his strong rapport with students and his passion for the game. He continues to compete in high-level competition and brings that experience to every lesson. A Tennis Australia–accredited Foundation Coach, Eli is committed to helping players grow both on and off the court. He is a positive role model and a valued member of the Ascot Vale Tennis Academy team.
Lara Slisko
Lara Slisko
Lara Slisko
Lara has been a valued member of the Academy since February 2022. A Tennis Australia Trainee Coach, she brings both academic and athletic excellence to her role. Lara spent four years in the United States on a college tennis scholarship, gaining valuable playing and life experience before returning to Australia. She is currently completin
Lara has been a valued member of the Academy since February 2022. A Tennis Australia Trainee Coach, she brings both academic and athletic excellence to her role. Lara spent four years in the United States on a college tennis scholarship, gaining valuable playing and life experience before returning to Australia. She is currently completing her Master’s in Physiotherapy, further enhancing her understanding of athlete development and wellbeing.