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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. |