Meet the Pros

Mike - Head Tennis Pro

Mike Sanchez, Head Tennis Professional

Place of Birth: Howard Beach, NY

Tennis Background: Mike started playing tennis at the age of four at St. Charles Park. An FAU alumni and former Tennis Director at PGA National Resort and Spa, Mike has been a USPTA Elite Member for over 20 years.

Fun Fact: Off the court, Mike is a professional musician and has toured with multi-platinum band Daughtry, opening 85 dates on the band's 2012 “Break The Spell” Tour. In addition, Mike has released over 50 songs on CD, Spotify, and Amazon music.

Quote: “Over the net you will have no regret. Cross court and deep you will not face defeat. Keep it in the lines and you will be just fine."

Marco - Tennis Pro

Marco Castaneda, Tennis Instructor

Place of Birth: Lima, Peru

Tennis Background: Marco started playing tennis at the age of 8. He has played at Northwood University and was the former Coach at Van Der Meer Academy in Hilton Head, SC, as well as the Evert Academy in Boca Raton, FL.

Fun Fact: Marco maintains that he is always on a "See-Food Diet."

Quote: “Don’t coach the drill, coach the skill.”

Fernando Ochoa

Fernando Ochoa, Tennis Instructor

Place of Birth: Ayacucho, Peru 

Tennis Background: Fernando has been playing and teaching tennis for over 30 years. With over 17 years as a PTR certified tennis professional, he has taught at several local clubs and has developed several high school and college level players.  He is passionate about developing proper tennis technique and footwork.   

Fun Fact: Fernando runs 22 miles every week!  

Quote: “Hard work beats talent.” 

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Chris Pressley, Tennis Instructor 

Place of Birth: Caracas, Venezuela   

Tennis Background: A Florida native, Chris has earned significant recognition as a top ranked Florida and National 18 and under junior player, Multiple Junior National Sportsmanship Award Winner, Full Tennis Scholarahip to Duke University, 3 Time All American at Duke University, Multiple ACC Player of the year Awards, Multiple National Collegiate Sportsmanship and Leadership Award Winner, 6 years as an ATP Tour Professional, 20 plus years Tennis teaching Professional. 

Fun Fact: Chris has been married 20 years to his wife, Tara, and they have two kids: Blaire and Blake.

Favorite quote: “Swing away Merrill, swing away” 

Brandon

Brandon Stone, Tennis Instructor

Place of Birth: New York, NY

Tennis Background: Brandon, a PTR certified tennis professional, has been playing tennis since he was 6 years old. Often visiting the NPBCC as a child to play tennis, Brandon offers 15+ years of playing and 10 years of coaching, specializing in junior technique and development. A 5.5 USTA singles and doubles player, Brandon played for North Carolina State University and finished 8th in the nation. Additionally, Brandon coached Strong Kirchheimer in the Cary Challenger 2022 (current 450 in the World.) 

Fun Fact: When Brandon is off the court, he enjoys traveling and boating.