High Performance Professional Coaching
We have a highly experienced team of compassionate, Professional Coaches who are:
- familiar with the process of High Performance junior development
- positive role models
- enthusiastic and dedicated motivators
- inspiring to our students
- accomplished players
- personally trained by Mark Dickson
Just as our students are driven to improve their skills, our coaches continually pursue their education through the professional coaching certification process, coaching seminars and under the guidance of Mark Dickson.
Mark Dickson – Academy Director & President
See Mark's Bio Page
Karen Dickson – Academy Manager, QuickStart & School Programs Director
Karen Dickson is a USPTA Recreational Coach, ACE Certified Personal Trainer and the Academy’s Manager and Administrator in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Academy. Karen earned her B.A. degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Clemson University. She is Etcheberry Certified in strength and conditioning and is an American Heart Association CPR/AED Healthcare Provider. Karen also manages our High Performance QuickStart programs. While travelling around the world on the ATP Tour for many years with her husband, Mark, she handled the logistics of their international travel plans and attended all the Grand Slam professional events, providing the support and encouragement that is vital to the success of a professional athlete. Karen is a native of Bluefield, West Virginia.
Alia Shafie – Public & Media Relations, QuickStart Instructor
Through her years of experience working with young children and playing tennis, Alia brings her passion for tennis and teaching to our QuickStart students. Alia is a graduate of Pine View School for the Gifted and just completed her Bachelor’s degree in accounting at The State College of Florida.
Jennifer Fiers – Director of Adult and County Programs
Jen is a USPTA Certified Professional and leads our Adult Academy through her years of experience as an instructor to all levels of play. Jen has coached extensively for many years and keeps her clinics and lessons fun for everyone. She is as former WTA tour player ranked # 612 in singles and # 461 in doubles and played Division I tennis for the University of Florida and University of Virginia. As a junior, she is a 2-time National champion and was formerly ranked # 5 in the United States and # 1 in Florida. Jen has her B.A. in Anthropology and Psychology as well as an M.A. Cultural Anthropology.
Patrick Wrobel – Summer Camp Coach & Mentor
Patrick is a summer coach and counselor for our exciting camp programs and has received extensive training in Mark Dickson’s coaching system. Patrick’s encouraging style, patience, friendliness and enthusiasm make him a coach that students eagerly listen to and respect. He is a graduate of Riverview High School in Sarasota where he played singles and doubles for their state ranked team. A full-time student at Florida Gulf Coast University, Patrick competes on their college club tennis team as their #1 player. As a Bright Futures scholarship recipient, disciplined college student, competitive player and patient coach, Patrick is an extremely positive role model for our students.
Christian Grisanti – Summer Camp Coach & Mentor
Christian serves as a summer coach and counselor for our exciting camp programs where he brings his knowledge, enthusiasm and love of the game to the courts each day. He played competitively for the USTA’s USA Team Tennis during his junior career and represented Riverview High School for three years on its state ranked tennis team. During the school year, Christian is a full-time student at the University of Central Florida where he plays on their college club tennis team. As a Riverview High School graduate, Bright Futures Scholarship recipient at the University of Central Florida, competitive player and positive coach, Christian is a terrific role model for our students.
Camp Team Photo
Patrick Wrobel, Alia Shafie and Christian Grisanti
