Meet the Pros
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Mani Barajas-Alexander, USPTA, USPTR

Founder & Director of TopNotch Tennis Mani is a native of Arlington, Virginia, and has been coaching for 15 years at some of the area’s premiere tennis clubs. He was a top-ranked junior player in the USTA Mid-Atlantic section and was nationally ranked. Mani played Division 1 collegiate tennis at Longwood University in Virginia where he was a 4-year starter, singles and doubles MVP and team captain. In 2012, he helped coach the McLean Boys Varsity team to an undefeated season and earned a District Championship. He is currently the Boys Varsity Assistant Coach at The Potomac School. In 2014, he helped lead the Potomac Boys Varsity team to a State Championship. Mani is also a certified professional with USPTA & USPTR.
Philosophy: Mani’s coaching philosophy in tennis is a mixture of learning and fun. He strives to help develop a player’s stroke production, technique, mental and physical toughness, and court strategy. He is very passionate about tennis and enjoys teaching people of all ages and skill levels. Mani believes that personal goals can be achieved with the combination of hard work, focus, commitment, and self-discipline. He creates a learning environment that is educational, fun, and high-energy and works to build relationships through a communication style that is positive, clear, and respectful. Mani believes tennis offers many skills that support the development and reinforcement of valuable life skills.
Have a question for Mani? Email him at [email protected]
James Kneussl, USPTA
Head Tennis Professional at Chesterbrook.
Originally from Kingsville, Maryland, James has been a USPTA certified Elite Tennis Professional for the past 15 years. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 2003 with degrees in Foreign Languages, Business, and General Studies. After graduating, he started his career at River Falls Swim and Tennis Club in in Potomac, Maryland in 2002, and served as Assistant Director of Tennis for almost 10 years. In 2012, James and his wife moved to San Diego. There, he worked at some of the country’s most premier and exclusive tennis clubs. From 2012-2015, James worked as Assistant Director of Junior Programming with West Coast Tennis Academy at Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, a Five-Star, Triple Diamond hotel and the nation’s #1 rated tennis resort. In 2015, James was offered the Director of Tennis position at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, one of the country’s most exclusive country clubs.
Have a question for James? Email him at [email protected]
Philosophy: James, a.k.a. Juice, is passionate about trying to bring out the best in his clients. His goal is to use tennis as a means to help his clients achieve their goals whatever they may be. He excels at creating a fun, high-energy, positive atmosphere on the courts. Experienced in teaching players of all ages and abilities, he is skilled at adapting his teaching techniques to meet his clients’ individual needs. When you walk off his court, you will be a better tennis player and a better person.

Nima Golshan, USPTA

Head Tennis Professional at The Langley Club.
Nima has 6 years of teaching experience in developing players of all ages and skill levels. He has trained and worked at other top tennis clubs in the including 4 Star Tennis Academy at Four Seasons and IMG Tennis Academy in Bradenton, FL. He played 4 years of varsity tennis leading his team to district, regional, and state championships. He is currently a USPTA certified instructor.
Philosophy: Nima’s coaching philosophy is to create a fun, positive, high-energy learning environment that encourages the player to develop both on and off the courts. His passion and love for the game is evident in his coaching style. Have a question for Nima? Email him at [email protected].

 

Questions? Please email [email protected] and/or [email protected].