Island Slice Tennis Camp
Mental Game | Tactics | Winning Strategy
MEET SOME OF YOUR PROS!
Dedication | Expertise | Passion
Each of our tennis professionals are widely considered to be among the top coaches in Hawaii. All are deeply passionate about tennis and come to the court with proven experience working with all levels of players.
RUDY EMBERNATE is the Big Kahuna. Born and raised on the Big Island, Rudy has been the director of the tennis program at the Fairmont hotel for 12 years, where he has helped hundreds of players improve their game. Rudy is a USPTA-Certified Tennis Professional and, while he is an accomplished athlete skilled in several sports, tennis is his true passion. He has played tennis internationally and has directed various tennis programs across the Big Island. Rudy is uniquely talented at identifying the small changes that have a profound impact on a player’s game. Rudy loves to teach and help players reach their highest potential on the court.
GANNON NICOLL is a USPTA and USPTR-Certified Teaching Professional. Gannon has served as a tennis pro for over a decade and at some of the most renowned clubs on the mainland and the Big Island. Gannon was a tournament player in SoCal for many years and he is a former hitting partner with well-known pros like Mark Philippoussis, Michael Russel & Michael Chang. Gannon's true calling is in mentoring the next generation of tennis players and serving his community, both on and off the courts. When he is not teaching, Gannon enjoys fishing, hiking, and spending time with his family.
ANDRE LUPIAN was born with ‘tennis in his blood’ and comes from a long line of exceptional tennis players and coaches. Andre is USPTR-Certified and played junior college tennis. He has been a tennis pro at many of the top tennis facilities on the Big Island. Andre is originally from San Diego (his brother is Brandon Lupain, for you San diegans). Andre has called Hawaii home for almost a decade now and he enjoys all that the island has to offer. When he is not teaching, Andre enjoys cooking, music, and spending time with his family.
RON SENO is a USPTA-Certified Tennis Professional and he brings an Aloha spirit to every teaching opportunity. Ron has worked at many renowned resorts, including the Royal Lahina Tennis Ranch and the Kona Hilton Beach and Tennis Club. Ron was born and raised on the island of Maui. He was ranked #1 doubles and singles champion on the Big Island many times in his successful tennis career. In his spare time, Ron is known as our local musical celebrity, playing the ukulele and singing at local events/venues.
ROD SABAG is a USPTA-Certified Tennis Professional with over a decade of experience teaching players of all ages and levels all across the United States. Rod started playing as a child in Mexico and he made tennis his life when he moved to the US. Rod has experience teaching at exclusive tennis clubs in New York, Vermont and California. Rod strives for three objectives in every lesson: a good workout, a game-changing lesson, and a fun experience.
MARITA REDONDO will round out the team with her exceptional history and experience. Marita reached the 4th round in the US Open and the 3rd round in both the French Open & Wimbledon. Her highest US ranking was 5 and her career-best world ranking was 9 (!!) After her many years on tour, Marita worked as tennis director and head professional at renowned locations, including the Kukio Sports Complex in Kona.
Marita is thrilled to be a part of the Island Slice Tennis Camp! She has worked with these coaches for decades and will fit right in with this great team. When she’s not on the tennis courts, Marita is spending time with her family, touring art galleries, and enjoying a great cup of (Kona) coffee.