Private Lessons & Coaches in Gastonia, NC

My golf journey began at 23 when I shot a 122 in my first round, but I was immediately hooked. Having played three sports in high school and running track in college, I was no stranger to athletic challenges. Determined to be considered a good golfer, I aimed to break 85, and with the help of free lessons from a pro impressed by my driving distance, I achieved that goal within a year. After moving into a new home, my neighbor, a 6 handicap, became my playing partner, and within two years, I was consistently breaking 80. My passion for golf grew as I caddied for a friend on the Orlando Golf Tour and participated in the Charlotte City Amateur and the Charlotte Metro Amateur My lowest career round is 71. These experiences have been crucial to my golf maturation, and I firmly believe that golf is the world's hardest yet most rewarding game.

"James is an extremely patient teacher. If you can’t figure something out, he has multiple avenues of explaining it to you and getting the desired result. Great guy and fun to talk to!

Tennis is more than just a game; it's a journey of skill, strategy, and self-discovery. As a former college player with over decade of competitive playing experience, I'm passionate about guiding players of all levels to reach their full potential. Let's work together to elevate your game in a fun and supportive environment.

"Excellent coach. He focused directly on the areas I needed to improve and gave clear, gradual instruction that was easy to follow. Overall, a great session and very helpful.

Hi, I’m Ava Hrastar—a current professional tennis player and recent Division I college graduate(Auburn University) with about 15 years of experience on the court. Tennis has been a lifelong passion, and through years of training, competing, and growing as an athlete, I’ve developed not only my game but also a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed—both physically and mentally. I’m excited to share that passion and knowledge with others.

"Ava's lesson was quite effective. Her attentiveness stood out, and her instructions felt clear and confident, making me feel optimistic about getting back in the game. Still, I hope we can continue to improve my front, backslice, and serve as we go along. If you're after a coach who really pays attention to the details and keeps lessons engaging, Ava might be worth trying.

I’m a passionate and energetic tennis coach who loves making lessons fun, engaging, and tailored for kids ages 7 –12. Every session is different—filled with creative drills, games, and challenges that keep young players excited while helping them build solid fundamentals and confidence on the court. I’ve been coaching my daughter since she was 5 years old, guiding her through red, orange, and now green ball stages. She currently competes in USTA junior tournaments and has won tournaments and matches against older players. This hands-on experience has given me a deep understanding of how kids develop and stay motivated in tennis. In addition to coaching, I’m an active competitive player myself, participating in USTA tournaments and adult leagues. Last year, I was ranked #1 in Women’s 4.0 in the Southern States, an achievement that reflects my commitment to continuous improvement and love for the game. I’ve worked with kids of different ages and skill levels, and my goal is always to create a positive, supportive environment where every child learns, has fun, and develops a lifelong passion for tennis. I can coach you in my neighborhood (near Stonecrest) or come to you if you are in south Charlotte

"Good

TJ brings over 15 years of experience across high school varsity teams, recreational programs, camps, and clinics in the UK and the US. In the UK, he coached in Cambridge, London, Essex, and Wiltshire, while his US coaching journey spans New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. With a strong foundation in both American and British sports environments, he offers a versatile, adaptive coaching style that supports players' growth at all levels.

"Tj's lesson focused on practicing forehand and backhand, which I appreciated since it helped reinforce my basics. Still, I think doing more of the same could be beneficial, maybe mixing in some variety later. But overall, it was quite helpful, and I’d suggest giving Tj a try if you're looking to refine fundamentals.

Tournament winner that has been competing for years and 4.1 DUPR rating. Retired and playing pickleball almost everyday. My coaching style is suited to those that are either beginners or looking to break into the competitive scene. I take a calm approach to explain the game and the nuances required to be consistent. I have worked with students that are just trying to get started and those that are looking to win their first tournament (I've had former students win tournaments after just a few lessons of working together!) Let's improve your game.

"I took my first lesson with Mr. Aferi! He’s a true gentleman! His teaching method is quite simple and easy to understand, and he covers all aspects of the game throughly. Can’t wait to grow more in this game with his help!

I’ve been playing golf since I was about six years old and had the opportunity to compete in high school for two years. My passion for the game inspires me to help others improve their skills and deepen their appreciation for this beautiful sport. I love sharing my knowledge and creating a supportive environment where players of all levels can thrive. Let’s work together to elevate your game and enjoy every moment on the course!

"Had the best time! Would def book again

I’ve spent over 30 years immersed in the world of tennis, a passion that’s deeply woven into my family’s life. My two sons are also tennis enthusiasts—one plays at the collegiate level while the other is a junior ranked both statewide and nationally. Their dedication has fueled my own love for the game, allowing me to continue playing, teaching, and savoring every moment on the court.

"That lesson focused on drills, which really helped me work on specific skills. Though I still have some areas to improve, I feel more confident about my game now and look forward to practicing what I learned. Victor's approach is quite straightforward but effective, so I’d suggest giving him a try if you want targeted practice with a calm, measured style.

Golf has been a lifelong pursuit of mine, beginning in a country club environment where I started playing as soon as I could walk. I received structured professional instruction from ages 3–18 and competed extensively in junior tournament golf, including AGJA events and high-level regional competition. I was the #1 player in my high school and was on track to compete at the collegiate level before health-related circumstances shifted my path. That experience deepened my understanding of both the physical and mental demands of competitive golf. My background is rooted heavily in tournament preparation—learning how to structure practice, manage scoring expectations, and perform under pressure. After college, I transitioned into coaching and have spent years giving lessons to players of all levels, with a focus on simplifying mechanics, improving consistency, and building repeatable scoring systems. Whether you’re just starting, preparing for competition or just trying to lower your handicap, I specialize in turning technical work into on-course performance.

"Definitely helped out a lot I was a straight up a slice machine and I was able to get em down the fairway today thank you🙏

Volleyball is more than a game; it's a lesson in teamwork, strategy, and perseverance. With 5 years of coaching experience, I'm dedicated to fostering a love for the sport while nurturing each athlete's unique potential. Let's unlock your inner champion together!

"I found the lesson with Jasmine very productive and felt I got a lot out of the session. The focus kept me engaged and helped improve my game. If you’re interested in sharpening your volleyball skills, I’d definitely recommend giving her lessons a try. It’s a great way to build confidence on the court and learn new techniques.