STAFF
GARY NEEDELMAN
Tennis Director /
Head Professional
email Gary

MARK KARLE
BENN MARLER
Staff Professionals
email Mark
email Benn

RICHARD CULLEN
Tennis Maintenance
email Richard

TJ MATOS
BRIAN PEREZ
Operations Assistants
email TJ
email Brian
With more than a decade of service to the resort, including the
past 7 years as the Director of Tennis, Gary is one of Emerald
Greens' senior managers. Under Gary's leadership, the Emerald
Greens tennis program has been recognized time and again as one
of the best private tennis facilities in the Tampa Bay area. Holding
the highest level of certification from the Professional Tennis
Registry, Gary has worked with players of all ages and all abilities,
from youthful beginners to seasoned tour professionals.

Gary received his training both as a player and instructor from the
renowned Tennissmith School, mastering the curriculum of
legendary coaches Steve Smith and Vic Braden. Success in USTA Open tournaments led to a short
stint playing USTA Professional Circuit events. Gary's focus shifted to providing instruction and he
spent three years as the head teaching professional at Tennissmith. There, he trained high-level
juniors, collegiate and professional players. Holding the highest level of certification from the
Professional Tennis Registry, Gary today runs a recreational program designed with the tennis
enthusiast and resort vacationer in mind. Adult and junior programs seek to develop an
appreciation of the game as well as solid fundamentals.

Originally from Miami Beach and a graduate of Florida State University, Gary's background in
sports includes eight years as a sportswriter, two years of television sportscasting and a season as
Publicity Director for a Major League Soccer franchise.
Benn coached in the Emerald Greens junior tennis program for a
year before earning a promotion to staff professional. A native of
Australia, Benn instructs weekly clinics, juniors and resort guests. He
is certified by the United States Professtional Tennis Association. A
former collegiate player at Eastern Illinois University, Benn regularly
competes on the USTA Open Circuit.
Mark has been on staff for the past 6 years and in that time has
worked with players of all ages. Specializing in teaching very young
children and beginners, Mark is our head junior development coach
and also takes a leadership role during Summer Camp sessions.
Certified by the Professionoual Tennis Registry, Mark also competes
as a player and has represented Tampa in USTA Regional Events.