OUR TEAM of Professional Coaches
Richard Hernandez
Academy Director
Richard has over 40 years of coaching experience in the sports of tennis, golf and soccer. He is an accomplished coach and former director of tennis where he coached athletes primarily at their development phase - many of whom have gone on to provincial, national and international competitive levels.
Richard aspires to lead and inspire youth in a fun, enthusiastic and meaningful way. In his school days and as a youth in Hampshire, England, Richard enjoyed playing first team rugby, soccer and tennis. As a scholarship athlete Richard played competitive NCAA tennis, which directly led to becoming a career-coach, committing his experience, insight and knowledge to encourage and grow youth development through sport.
Claire Hernandez
Academy Assistant Director
Claire was a four-year letter winner at Western Michigan University in the Division I Women's Golf Program.
In addition to her playing experience, Claire brings her academic accolades to Palgrave Sports Academy having completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business. Having both developmental and collegiate coaching experience she offers a unique perspective to our athletes. Her main objective as a coach is to empower athletes to become leaders in their community. Claire's positive and ambitious approach to development is what makes her such a successful coach.
Alex Terzic
Camp Coach
Alex has been playing tennis over 25 years, with 10 years of coaching experience with both junior and adult tennis players. He has a strong technical and tactical knowledge at all levels and he brings his passion and his drive to the forefront.
He is ready to recruit young tennis minds, promote existing talent, and discover future stars of tomorrow.
Karl Hale
Academy Advisory Staff
Karl has an accomplished tennis history. He played competitive tennis internationally, participating as a player and a coach in the Davis Cup for Jamaica and as a Fed Cup Coach for Canada.
In 2006, Karl was named PTR Professional of the Year. As a player, Karl was the World #1 in over 40 in 2007 and was awarded PTR Player of the Year in 2010. Today, Karl serves as the Tournament Director for the
National Bank Open, formerly Rogers Cup, which is the largest one-week tournament in the world with past champions, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Simona Halep, and Serena Williams.