Our Pros
In our opinion we have the best group of teaching pros in the area. Our head pros: Kris Jeffrey, Brian Miska, Rob Olmstead, and Curt Smith bring experience, youth, and joy to our staff. Our head pros are constantly striving to improve your experience at our club with a goal of creating a joy of tennis that lasts a life time. You aren't just their student you become their friend. The TRC Academy offers programs and classes benefiting juniors and adults of any age and ability. Our head pros are joined by a wonderful group of USPTA certified pros to complete the teaching staff.
Head Tennis Pros
Our three Head Tennis Professionals make up the Troy Racquet Club Academy which runs the junior and adult lesson program at TRC.
Rob Olmstead
Head Pro / Director of Tennis
USPTA Certified
Rob is a Troy native and has been teaching for over 20 years. He played varsity college tennis at Murray State University, and teaches tennis players at all levels. Rob’s energy and enthusiasm results in a great workout. He enjoys adding new dimension to every player’s game.
Curt Smith
Head Pro / Community Liaison
USPTA Certified
Curt has taught at Troy Racquet Club for over 30 years as a Head Pro. He is a graduate of MacMurray College, with a Bachelors Degree in Education. Curt wants all of his students to have a great time at each lesson. Curt's philosophy in teaching tennis is "let's have fun". Your game improves with every laugh.
Kris Jeffrey
Head Pro/ Director of Adult Tennis
USPTA Certified
We enthusiastically welcome back Kris Jeffrey to our club as one of our head pros. In the time Kris has been here she has made herself invaluable to our teaching program. Kris' tennis background consists of over 20 years of teaching juniors through adults as well as playing and coaching collegiate tennis at Oakland University. Kris currently plays competitive tennis in USTA tournaments and leagues and has been to USTA league nationals 3 times. Kris specializes in developing high level players and she coaches our 8.0 and 8.5 Ladies Suburban Travel Teams.
Brian Miska
USPTA Certified, Elite Pro
Brian played varsity tennis at Athens High School and continued playing at Oakland University. Brian has been the Troy High School Varsity coach for both boys and girls for many years. He is an outstanding coach who brings his youthfulness and vitality to every lesson. He keenly recognizes the weaknesses in his student's game and focuses on improving them. Brian's expertise will result in developing players with well rounded tennis games.
Associate Tennis Pros
Samit Shah
USPTA Certified
Samit Shah played tennis at Wayne State University. He is currently a 4.5 player and twice went to Nationals as a USTA player. Samit concentrates on precise stoke technique, smooth footwork, mental focus, and strategic shot selection. Samit has a unique ability to simplify the game so that students have a fun and fulfilling experience on the court. He enjoys working with all age groups. During the summer Samit also works as tennis director at Beachwood Swim Club.
Adam Penar
USPTA Certified
Adam's patience and ability to maximize potential with all ages and abilities will take your game to the next level. His philosophy is to make you the best athlete you can be through improved coordination in order to facilitate more advanced stroke production.
Axl Patalinghug
USPTA Certified
Axl played varsity tennis for Rochester High School and is a graduate of Oakland University. Currently, he is the head pro at Wyndgate County Club in the summers. He is also the boys JV coach at Troy Athens, and the girls Varsity assistant coach at Rochester High School. Axl enjoys teaching players of all ages and skills to help them improve their game and get to the next level.