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Tennis Racket and Ball

meet the pros

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JAY MORGAN

Executive Director

Jay is the son of the club’s founder Steve Morgan, became the club manager in 1981 and has been the South Barrington Park District Executive Director since 2007. His playing career includes four years at Barrington High School (1968-1972) and four years at Bradley University. Jay has been a USPTA member for over 30 years. Contact Jay at jmorgan@sbpd.net

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PAUL BURRUS

Tennis professional

Paul is USPTA certified and has been teaching tennis since 1974. He has held the Head Pro position at Barrington Hills Country Club, Glen Ellyn Racquet Club and was Director of Tennis at The South Barrington Club from 1980 to 2008.

He has been the Club Manager since 2008. Paul played four years of collegiate tennis at Illinois State University. Paul works with all skill levels, travel teams and leagues. Contact Paul at pburrus@sbpd.net

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KURT KOPP

director of racquet sports / club manager

Kurt Kopp has been in the tennis industry as a Director, Coach, Player for over 30 years.  He holds a USPTR certification in 10u, high performance and senior development.  Most recently in 2024 as a player Kurt Kopp and Dana Gill won the USTA Golden Slam. Winning the USTA National Hard Courts, National Indoors, National Grass Courts and the National Clay courts in the Men's 55s.  He also paired with his son to finish as a finalist in the National Father Son Indoor Championships at the South Barrington Club.  Currently Kurt and Dana are ranked #1 in the country and #2 in the world.  Kurt and Brayden are the 5th ranked team in the country in the Father Son category.

 

Kurt has 2 sons. Brayden Kopp (24) is a senior and plays at Judson University and also teaches at SBC. Ian Kopp (22) has his own business and agency called Kopp Digital and Vincere Marketing Solutions.

 

Kurt has dedicated his adult life to the tennis industry and has no plan of stopping anytime soon.  His philosophy of teaching tennis is based around a technical /tactical approach combined with hard work and a positive attitude.  I firmly believe that tennis is a lifelong sport. I look forward to serving your tennis needs at SBC.  kkopp@sbpd.net

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Tanya Haber

tennis manager

PTR Level 1 Certified Coach

PPR Level 1 Certified Coach

 

Tanya has been working in the Tennis Industry for over 20 years as a Tennis Professional, Administrator and Coach. She is a PTR Certified Tennis Coach and a PPR Certified Pickleball Professional. She has coached college tennis at the NCAA Division I and III levels. Tanya played NCAA Division I tennis at De Paul University. She is a former Elementary School Teacher who has a Master of Education. She has a daughter who plays NCAA Division II tennis at Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado. Tanya also has a son who will be playing NCAA Division II golf at Springhill College in Mobile, Alabama. Tanya, along with her husband Mike and two children, received the USTA Midwest Section Family of the Year 2024 award in Detroit, Michigan.

Tanya enjoys teaching Red, Orange and Green Ball players as well as all levels of Adults. Contact Tanya to enroll in our Junior/ Adult lessons, schedule a try out or make up class. Contact Tanya at thaber@sbpd.net

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BRANDON DECHTER

DIRECTOR OF JUNIOR TENNIS

Brandon has a huge passion for both tennis and fitness. He coaches tennis and trains clients of all age groups as a Tennis Professional/Personal Trainer at SBC.  

Brandon started playing tennis at age 5, taking the Junior USTA circuit seriously. He progressed to several National Level tournaments across the United States. Brandon went on to compete at the college level in singles and doubles for 4 years at UW-Whitewater while studying Biology, Chemistry, and Business. 

 Brandon is continuing to gain knowledge in the tennis industry and is focused on the overall development of junior tennis players to help them reach their highest potential and individual goals.

 Contact Brandon at bdechter@sbpd.net

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Bill Schmidt

tennis professional

Bill has been teaching tennis since 1996 and at the South Barrington Club since 2008.  He played Division I college tennis for the University of Illinois at Chicago where he also earned degrees in Kinesiology and Business Management.  Bill has recently held the Chicago District and Midwest Section number one ranking in mixed doubles in the open division.                                  

Contact Bill at bschmidt@sbpd.net

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STEPHEN BROWN

Director of Platform TEnnis
 

Steve Brown, a dedicated platform tennis enthusiast with a remarkable 15-year tenure at the South Barrington Club. As a seasoned player for 12 years and Assistant Paddle Coach for 8 years, Steve’s expertise and passion for the sport make him an invaluable asset to our community. With a patient and encouraging coaching style, Steve has guided players of all levels to improve their skills and find greater enjoyment in platform tennis. His positive presence creates a welcoming atmosphere both on and off the court, fostering camaraderie among players. Steve’s commitment to the growth of the platform tennis community is evident in his efforts to introduce new players to the sport and cultivate their love for platform tennis. Join Steve on the court for an enriching experience that celebrates the spirit of our platform tennis family at SBC.  Contact Steve at sbrown@sbpd.net

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Geghard Najarian

Tennis Professional

Geghard Najarian grew up in a family of tennis players and started at age six and two years later he was in tournaments.  His father was his first coach and instilled in him passion for the game. He competed in the Pan-Armenian Olympic Games with his twin brother in 2007, 2011, and 2015.

Coaching young friends for fun became a career and watching their progress was incredibly gratifying.  He has varied and extensive experience with private and group classes for all age groups. Certifications include PTR 11 to 17, USTA Coach Youth, and Adult Cardio tennis. Geghard’s local experience includes coaching at TAM Tennis Club, Deer Creek Racquet Club and he served as Head Coach for the Men and Women’s Tennis teams at Oakton College.

He enjoys teaching all ages and all skill levels from beginner to advanced.  This coach is still passionate about the game of tennis and wants to grow the game of tennis, not only for the players he coaches but also within the larger community and nationwide. Geghard enthusiastically dedicates his time not only to his full-time role as a telecom engineer but also to his love for tennis, immersing himself in both pursuits with equal fervor.

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Lisa Pearson

Tennis Professional

Lisa learned how to play tennis at South Barrington Club at the age of 4. She attended Bowling Green State University and played four years of collegiate tennis while earning her degree in Elementary Education.  Shortly after college, she moved to San Diego and taught tennis/pickleball at the Rancho Bernardo Swim and Tennis Club for the past 20 years. Recently her family moved back to Barrington. Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan, daughter Bailey, son Levi, and dogs
Daisy and Luna. As a family they enjoy being active, spending days at the lake, and adventuring outdoors. Contact Lisa at lpearson@sbpd.net

 

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RANDY PANAGOPOULOS

tennis professional

Randy was a three time State qualifier in High School – top 16 in state in both singles and doubles. He lettered in Tennis at Northern Illinois University from 1984-1989 and played USTA professional satellite circuit summer of 1993. Randy started teaching tennis in 1990 as apprentice Pro under USTA Hall of Fame Coach Jack Sharpe at the Aurora Tennis Club, he also coached Northern Illinois Tennis Association Boy’s Junior Davis Cup Team from 1990-1992.  He was ranked Number 1 in Northern Illinois Tennis Association Men’s Open in 1989, ranked Number 1 in Chicago District Men’s Open 2000, ranked Number 1 in Chicago District Men’s 35 Division 2001. Randy is USPTA certified, and senior staff pro at the South Barrington Club with 25 years of service.  Contact Randy at rpanagopoulos@sbpd.net

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Yohan Jacob

tennis professional

Yohan is USPTR certified and has over 25 years of teaching and playing experience. As one of our part time tennis pros, Yohan teaches both adults and children of all skills and abilities in the evening and on weekends.

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