SFTA Coaches and Staff
in no particular order
Coach JT
Head Coach, Certified Tennis Pro
Coach JT serves as Head Coach of this prestigious Academy and is a Certified Tennis Pro. Originally hailing from Denmark, Coach JT has found a new home in San Francisco, where he channels his infectious enthusiasm for coaching and his upbeat demeanor to motivate his players and coaches to always give their best while having fun. JT himself continues to play and improve his USTA ranking.
While tennis is a big part of his life, Jesper also has a tremendous passion for yoga, meditation and plant medicines. He knows that maintaining balance in life is essential to excelling in any endeavor, and his dedication to these practices is a testament to his commitment to living a healthy life. Coach Jesper is also a dedicated father to two girls, and enjoys traveling to new places with his family. He regularly visits Denmark to reconnect with his roots and enjoy his heritage.
In addition to his love of tennis and yoga, Coach JT is also an avid snowboarder and kitesurfer, always up for a last-minute trip to Tahoe or Hawaii to catch some powder or waves. His adventurous spirit and commitment to living life to the fullest is evident in everything he does, and he continually inspires his surroundings to share in his love of the game and appreciate all the joys that life has to offer.
Sam Morrison
Senior Coach
Coach Sam is a seasoned tennis coach with over 35 years of experience teaching in Rockland, Orange, and Sullivan Counties in NY and Bergen County NJ. He has worked with beginners to top-ranked juniors, as well as adults through private and group lessons. Coach Sam has served as Head Pro and assistant at various country clubs, hotels, and prestigious tennis facilities.
Coach Sam is all about technique and form. He places a strong emphasis on stroke production with as much detail as the student can handle and thinks is necessary. In addition to honing players' skills, Coach Sam also knows how to keep tennis fun by incorporating some entertaining games into his teaching style. He has an admirable reputation for making his lessons thoroughly enjoyable for both his students and himself.
One of Coach Sam’s fondest tennis memories is his time spent at Concord Hotel - a top 50 USA tennis resort - where he worked and gave clinics alongside the likes of Billie Jean King, Virginia Wade, Gene Mayer, and other legendary pros.
Henry Shea
Coach
Henry has been playing tennis competitively since he was 10 years old. As a Junior, he competed in USTA tournaments. During high school, he trained at a tennis academy in Bangkok, Thailand alongside professional tennis players. He has been coaching tennis for 3 years and outside of tennis, he is a student at USF studying biotechnology. He thinks the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing students reach their goals on and off the court.
Amy Iverson
Director
Amy Iverson is a passionate and experienced tennis coach, dedicated to shaping the future of tennis talent. Her commitment and enthusiasm have led her to become the Director of the San Francisco Tennis Academy, a leading tennis institution in the Bay Area.
Amy has over 20 years of experience in coaching and mentoring young athletes. Her experience ranges from beginner-level players to advanced level competitive players. As a former player herself, she understands the challenges faced by young tennis players and is committed to helping them overcome them.
Amy's unique approach to coaching is centered around customized training programs and individualized instruction. She is committed to creating an environment that fosters learning, confidence, and discipline. Through her guidance and expertise, Amy's players have gone on to achieve great success on and off the court.
In addition to her coaching, Amy is also actively involved in the local tennis community. She organizes various tournaments and events to promote tennis and engage young players. Her commitment to developing the sport and the players is evident in the growth of the San Francisco Tennis Academy.
Overall, Amy Iverson is a dedicated, passionate, and experienced coach who is shaping the next generation of young tennis players. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond the court, impacting and inspiring students' lives both professionally and personally. The San Francisco Tennis Academy is fortunate to have her as their Director.
Olivia Sasse
Coach
Olivia Sasse lives in Berkeley, California and has played tennis for most of her life. She was Captain of Varsity Tennis at Brentwood College School where she led the team to many victories including becoming British Columbia’s Junior Provincials Champions, Senior Provincials bronze medalists, ISA’s Champions (Independent Sports Association), and Vancouver Island Champions. Olivia’s passion for working with kids and teens and teaching tennis make her a dedicated and fun coach!
