Our Pros
Aaron Kuzsa - Director of Junior Development
A resident of Wallingford, Aaron graduated from Villanova University after a winning college tennis team career where he finished as the number one singles player. While earning a Master's degree in Theology and Religious Studies, Aaron also put in two years as an assistant coach for the Villanova men's tennis team. For the last several summers Aaron has taught tennis all over southern Connecticut, ranging from beginners to top ranked juniors and college players. Aaron brings a formidable mix of energy, dedication and tennis talent to the TCT tournament training program.
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Brian Barker
Brian Barker , former U.S. Pro Tour Coach of James Blake, returns to TCT after 10 years on the tour. He brings with him numerous international coaching awards and recognition for James' incredible comeback after a slew of unfortunate events to rise to a top 5 world ATP ranking. Brian is leading the charge as part of our Tournament Training program to foster young talent once again.
Beth Norton
A long time pro at TCT since 1996, Beth is a native of Connecticut. Her early years were spent playing junior tennis and she achieved the number five junior world ranking in 1975. Beth went on to become a professional tennis player and enjoyed a stellar career during which she reached the rank of 20th in the world. In 2003 she was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame for her career accomplishments. Beth's many years of training and experience are evident in her ability to teach strategy and hone her student's ground strokes.
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Rome Lillicraf
Rome has been a fixture at TCT since 1985 when he started out as a student in the same class as Brian Barker, James Blake's long time coach. Rome went on to captain his Fairfield University team from 1982-1986 and was all New England Collegiate Division 1 in 1985. Rome's friendly personality and teaching style make him a natural on the court.
Matt Daly
Matt has been a success in the world of tennis ever since he qualified for the junior nationals every year since age twelve. He went on to play number one singles for Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in finance in 2001. Following college, Matt played the pro tour for two and a half years before returning to New England. A favorite with the juniors, Matt's incredible footwork and ground strokes put him in a class of his own.
Zeljko Knezevic
Known affectionately around TCT as "Z", Zeljko was born in Bosnia but spent his junior years in Germany training with Niki Pilic, Germany's former Davis Cup captain. He achieved a top ten ranking in Germany, competing in national and ITF junior tournaments throughout Europe. Zeljko graduated magna cum laude from the University of Vermont with a degree in Political Science while playing first singles and doubles. He was voted America East All-Conference, Most Valuable Player and NCAA Scholar Athlete. Zeljko is a USPTA P1 certified instructor and his experience includes teaching at the Topnotch Resort and Tennis Academy in Stowe, Vermont, the Noroton Yacht Club in Darien, the Shippan Racquet Club in Stamford and the Kings Highway Tennis Club in Darien. Zeljko has excellent ball control which leads to superior drilling techniques. His students love his easy going style and quick smile on and off the court.
