The Youth Sports Parenting Tribe

Ivan Puchkarov, born on July 26, 1985, is a distinguished professional tennis coach and former player hailing from Ukraine. Currently serving as a Professional Tennis Coach at Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, FL since 2012, Ivan has made significant contributions to the sport. His coaching career includes a tenure at Tucker Tennis Academy Grand Health & Racquet Club in Tulsa, OK. As a player, Ivan boasts an impressive history, having been a member of the Davis Cup Team in 2001 and achieving remarkable success during his collegiate career at Oklahoma State University. Notably, he held the No. 3 national preseason ranking, won the Big 12 Championship at No. 3 Singles, and earned accolades such as the 2006 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. Ivan's dedication and talent are further exemplified by his triumphs in the Central Region and participation in prestigious tournaments, making him a respected figure in both the playing and coaching realms of tennis. In addition to his impactful coaching career, Ivan is also the founder of WHITE LION TENNIS SCHOOL, a family-oriented tennis program dedicated to providing high-quality training. Recognizing the value of sports in character development, White Lion emphasizes instilling traits such as discipline, courage, focus, work ethic, respect, teamwork, and honesty in young athletes. Ivan's coaching philosophy ensures that participants grow not only in their technical and strategic abilities but also develop physically and mentally. The commitment to a holistic approach makes White Lion Tennis School a standout initiative in fostering well-rounded individuals through the sport of tennis.Connect with Ivan on Instagram.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Anja Vreg is a seasoned professional in the world of tennis, boasting a multifaceted career that spans over 25 years. Originating from Slovenia and Croatia, Anja commenced her tennis journey as a talented player before an injury redirected her path at the age of 14. Undeterred, she transitioned into officiating, accumulating a remarkable 14-year career that took her to over 60 countries and earned her a prestigious Silver Badge. Having officiated at 20 Grand Slams, the 2012 London Olympics, and the 2016 Paralympics in Rio, Anja officiated over 500 matches on the ATP and WTA tours, showcasing her expertise with top-tier players like Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic, and Simona Halep. Notably, she managed the Show Court at the 2018 ATP Nitto London Finals before joining APG in 2020 as the Tournament Director of the Tianjin Open, where she also serves as the Coordinator for Marketing and Communications. Anja's academic achievements include a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, complemented by Masters degrees in Tourism Management and Sports Management. Fluent in six languages, including Croatian, Slovenian, English, German, Spanish, and Italian, Anja Vreg continues to leave an indelible mark on the international tennis landscape.Connect with Anja on LinkedIn.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Nicola Vitali is a dynamic sports management professional with a diverse international background and a strong affinity for sports strategy, marketing, and innovation. With an MBA in Sports Management and a foundation in advertising, Nicola's journey has taken him through various cultural landscapes, including Milan, Madrid, Vienna, Linz, and Florence, where he has honed his skills and knowledge in the sports industry over the past decade.His expertise encompasses a range of vital areas in the field, from Blockchain and Big Data to Sales Metrics and emerging technologies. Nicola's career has been centered on crafting and executing sports marketing and sales strategies, encompassing pricing analysis, ticketing, sponsorship, CRM, international tours, friendlies, and stadium events. He has lent his talents to esteemed organizations such as Real Madrid CF, ACF Fiorentina, and Under Armour, while continuing to collaborate with numerous sports entities, startups, and agencies as a dedicated consultant.Beyond his professional commitments, Nicola is an Ambassador for the European University of Madrid in Italy and Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid CF, showcasing his commitment to fostering sports education and development. He is also the Founder and Managing Partner of The Step Over, a prominent Sports Consulting Firm headquartered in Milan, specializing in Football Clubs M&A, Sports Marketing, Stadium Project Management, and Business Development.Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Andrés Alarcón, born on May 22, 1970, is a prominent Ecuadorian former professional tennis player hailing from Quito. His career highlights include representing the Ecuador Davis Cup team in 1989 and 1990, achieving a career-best singles ranking of 351 in the professional tennis circuit, and competing in the 1994 Wimbledon Championships' qualifying rounds. In addition to his playing career, Andrés has made significant contributions as a coach at the IMG Bollettieri Academy in Florida, where he has mentored notable players such as Austin Krajicek. With a rich background as a top junior tennis player and his invaluable experience as a professional, Andrés has cemented his legacy in the world of tennis. Apart from his passion for tennis, he holds a degree in international business and has a deep love for golf. Connect with Andrés on Instagram.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Patrick Oudejans is an accomplished sports coach and educator, launching his career in 2005 with a focus on working with children aged 6-12. He graduated with an Honors Bachelor's degree in Sports Management and Business in 2014, notably conducting his thesis at the prestigious AFC Ajax youth academy. Patrick's journey led him to Ajax in 2013 as a Data Analyst, where he contributed to the implementation of Plan Cruyff and ventured internationally to explore football environments. Transitioning to Cruyff Football in 2015, he expanded his influence globally, ultimately moving to Beijing in 2017 to successfully pilot sports integration into Montessori environments. This accomplishment led to the establishment of two fully operational CASA programs. Co-founding Montessori Sports in 2018, Patrick's passion for enhancing education through sports continued, and in response to the pandemic, he created an AMI-accredited program in 2020 for seamlessly integrating sports into children's daily activities, further solidifying his commitment to educational improvement through sports.Connect with Patrick on Instagram.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Katarina Sokac is an international personal trainer and advanced yoga teacher who specializes in helping busy professionals become strong, flexible, and resilient. With a background in architecture and experience as a former vegan bikini bodybuilding athlete, she is passionate about guiding individuals to achieve their fitness goals through structured and systematic training. Katarina offers personal training, yoga, mobility coaching, and corporate fitness solutions, tailoring her programs to meet individual needs and health concerns, making her a dedicated partner in her clients' fitness journeys.Connect with Katarina on LinkedIn.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Gonzalo López-Fabero is a former professional tennis player and a tennis coach hailing from Spain. He reached a career-best ranking of 169 in the world as a right-handed player and notably competed in Wimbledon qualifiers twice. His only appearance in the ATP Tour main draw occurred in the doubles event at the 1994 Croatia Open, where he partnered with Juan Albert Viloca. Since 1998, Gonzalo has transitioned into coaching, working with various players such as Julián Alonso, Teymuraz Gabashvili, Evgeny Donskoy, and Jesse Levine. With more than two decades of experience in the tennis world, including 14 years as an independent coach, he has developed a deep understanding of the sport's competitive dynamics. Additionally, he has shown a keen interest in the future of coaching, communication, and the digitalization of tennis, leading to his involvement in a "personal branding" project aimed at shaping the future of coaching in the sport.Connect with Gonzalo on Facebook.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Andrés Gómez, the renowned Ecuadorian tennis player, etched his name in tennis history as the 1990 Roland Garros champion. He displayed exceptional skill and determination, defeating top competitors like Thomas Muster and Andre Agassi en route to victory. Known for his wicked left-handed forehand and delicate touch, Andrés achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in singles and No. 1 in doubles, securing 21 singles titles and 33 doubles trophies. His remarkable achievements also include two Grand Slam doubles titles and consistent year-end Top 20 singles rankings over nearly a decade. Beyond the tennis court, Andrés had a passion for marine biology and enjoyed surfing and golf. He is a devoted husband to Anna Maria and a proud father of two sons, Juan Andres Jr. and Emilio.Connect with Andrés on Twitter.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Michelle Sigmann is a dedicated educator, wellness advocate, and principal with a remarkable journey of personal transformation. Overcoming the challenges of balancing motherhood, professional responsibilities, and self-care, Michelle embarked on a life-changing path seven years ago. Through relentless determination, she cultivated habits to strengthen both her mind and body, gradually piecing her life back together. Today, as a school principal, Michelle not only champions mental strength but leads by example, sharing her wellness curriculum with fellow administrators. She's a passionate wellness coach, particularly working with elite athletes using her innovative "Athlete Workbook" to nurture strong mindset skills. Michelle conducts workshops and speaks about habit formation, cultivating resilience, and staying present in the face of life's imperfections. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is a dedicated mother to two high-achieving boys and a loving wife, continually striving to find balance amidst life's demands. Her guiding belief that our perceptions shape our choices, which in turn determine our actions, results, and future, remains at the core of her inspiring journey.Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Billy Pate, a veteran of college coaching with 29 seasons under his belt, recently wrapped up his 11th year as head coach for the Princeton men's tennis team in the 2022-23 season. Revered as a leading figure in college tennis, Billy is celebrated for his emphasis on character-based values in his coaching approach. Across his tenure, he steered Princeton to 162 dual-match wins and 98 matches against ITA-ranked opponents, propelling the program to its highest ranking of No. 18 in March 2020. Billy's leadership extended to securing impressive victories, coaching players to All-Ivy League honors, and guiding the Tigers to the NCAA Championships, demonstrating his deep impact on the collegiate tennis scene.Connect with Billy on Twitter.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Agustin Moreno, appointed as head coach of the women's tennis program on June 28, 2015, assumed the role as only the second coach in the program's history, marking his fourth season at LMU by 2018-19. Transitioning from his impressive nine-plus seasons leading South Florida's tennis program, Agustin directed them to two conference championships and six appearances in the NCAA tournament. With notable achievements during his tenure at LMU, including a 17-6 record and a share of second place in the WCC for the 2017-18 season, Agustin's coaching journey is enriched by his prior experience as a professional tennis player and his contributions to international and domestic coaching programsConnect with Agustin on Instagram.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Puneet Bhandal, an accomplished author, delights in the global availability of her Bollywood Academy fiction series, with "Starlet Rivals" and "Melody Queen" now accessible in the UK, USA, and Canada. With a background as a former Bollywood film journalist and an ardent admirer of Indian cinema, Bhandal's debut novel, "Starlet Rivals," and its sequel, "Melody Queen," showcase her passion for storytelling. Beyond her writing prowess, Bhandal also owns an occasion wear boutique where she showcases her talent in designing red-carpet dresses, some of which have been worn by real-life stars, including Miss World contestants.Connect with Puneet on Twitter.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Rick Macci, born on December 7, 1954, is an accomplished American tennis coach and former player. Renowned as a United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Master Professional, he has been honored as the USPTA national coach of the year seven times, boasting an impressive coaching record that includes guiding five tennis luminaries to the number one ranking: Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams. Rick's outstanding contributions to tennis were recognized in 2010 when he was inducted into the USPTA Florida Hall of Fame and again in 2017 when he became the youngest inductee into the USPTA Hall of Fame. Hailing from Greenville, Ohio, Rick's journey from his early years at Wright State University to his transformative impact on the sport has solidified his legacy as a tennis coaching legend.Connect with Rick on Twitter.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Martin Stringari, a former Argentine professional tennis player, achieved recognition early in his career by winning the Orange Bowl "16 and under" category alongside Patricio Arnold in 1987. His impressive junior Grand Slam record includes doubles quarter-finals at the French Open and the US Open in 1988, and he reached the singles semi-finals at the Orange Bowl by defeating top seed Nicklas Kulti. Having transitioned from his ATP playing days, Martin Stringari is now a dedicated and accomplished tennis coach at all levels, renowned for his unique coaching abilities and also excelling as a fitness coach. Guillermo Vilas, a former world number one, has highlighted Stringari's exceptional coaching talent, placing him among the highest echelons of expert coaches.Connect with Martin on his website.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 14, 1975, Diego Moyano transitioned from a professional tennis player who achieved top ATP rankings in both singles and doubles to a skilled coach. Following his retirement in 2005 due to a back injury, he guided several players within the top 100 ATP ranking until 2010. He then joined the USTA, earning recognition as a Lead National Coach and the developmental coach of the year in the US in 2015. In 2020, Moyano established DM High Performance Tennis (DMHPT) and later trained Kevin Anderson before commencing collaboration with promising American talent, Coco Gauff, in early 2022.Connect with Diego on Instagram.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Dr. Christopher Stankovich is a nationally sought-after professional speaker whose expertise encompasses various areas such as athletic performance enhancement, American sports culture, contemporary coaching concerns, life wellness, success strategies, and human motivation. He has left an indelible mark as a media personality, previously known as "The Sports Doc" on Ohio News Network and now hosting "The Sports Doc Minute" on NBC4 Columbus, in addition to regular appearances on 95.5 The Game's "The Stiller Project." Stankovich, a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) in Ohio, offers clinical counseling services tailored to athletes, addressing academic, social, and life-related challenges. He excels as an Education & Performance Consultant, aiding organizations in cultivating positive culture, effective leadership, enhanced performance systems, and crisis management. As an accomplished author and columnist, he has authored notable works like "Sport Success 360," "The Parents Playbook," and "Positive Transitions for Student Athletes," while contributing to esteemed magazines and journals. Drawing from his extensive educational background, Stankovich has taught at numerous colleges and universities, spanning graduate and undergraduate psychology and business courses. Moreover, he has made a mark in the realm of technology by developing the pioneering sport psychology mental toughness assessment app, "SPA," for the iPhone.Connect with Dr. Stankovich on his website. You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Kathy Feinstein is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sport Performance Consultant (CMPC). Since 1998 her unique practice has empowered adolescents, adults, couples, families and teams to achieve greater satisfaction in sport, health and life. Kathy’s practice focuses on the 3 key areas: counseling, sport performance psychology and education through seminars and workshops. Kathy works with youth, high school, collegiate, adult amateur and professional athletes in such sports as golf, tennis, hockey, volleyball, basketball, figure skating, cheerleading, track and field, swimming and cycling. In addition to sport and exercise psychology consulting, she also offers team and coach consulting. Kathy has a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, grief and loss, relationship issues, parenting, medical/health issues and pediatric obesity. She is certified by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Kathy is also an accomplished speaker and offers specialized and interactive workshops and seminars regularly.Connect with Kathy on Instagram.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Kirsten Jones is a former Division I volleyball player and esteemed member of The College of William and Mary's Hall of Fame, recognized for her outstanding athletic achievements. With a remarkable career at NIKE spanning over fourteen years, she served as a footwear executive across Europe and at the company's headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Currently, Kirsten has embarked on a new path as a motivational speaker, writer, and Peak Performance Coach, specializing in guiding and inspiring teen and professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. As a co-host of the #RaisingAthletes Podcast and a contributing author to "Winning Mindset: Elite Strategies for Peak Performance," she shares her expertise in youth sports and peak performance. Kirsten's forthcoming book, "Raising Empowered Athletes," is set to be published in August 2023 by Triumph Books. Passionate about empowering young athletes, she contributes her insights as a guest expert to various websites, including GrownandFlown.com and ILOVETOWATCHYOUPLAY.com. Kirsten and her husband, Evan, are nurturing three teenage/young adult athletes in Los Angeles, where she continues to make a significant impact on the world of sports and personal development.Connect with Kirsten on Instagram.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Meet Lisa Stone, the trailblazing founder of ParentingAces, a priceless hub aiding parents and their children in navigating the intricate world of junior tennis in the US. A passionate advocate for the sport, Lisa's heart lies on the tennis court, where she shines as a player, an ardent fan, and an astute organizer. Lisa Stone is not only an information powerhouse but also a sought-after speaker for engagements, a trusted consultant for tournaments, and a guiding light in the college recruiting process. Her dedication and expertise continue to empower countless parents and coaches seeking to make informed decisions and foster success in the world of tennis.Connect with Lisa on ParentingAces.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Magnus Nils Gustafsson is a former Swedish professional tennis player and current tennis coach, renowned for his impressive career achievements. Throughout his tenure, he claimed 14 tour singles titles and maintained a remarkable streak of 15 consecutive seasons in the world's top 100, peaking at an impressive world No. 10 ranking in 1991. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Sweden's Davis Cup victory in 1998, securing victory in both his singles matches during the final. Gustafsson's Grand Slam success includes a memorable quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open in 1994, and his career boasts victories against esteemed players such as Ivan Lendl, Michael Stich, Goran Ivanisevic, Andre Agassi, and Michael Chang.Connect with Magnus on Team Klein.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Jennifer Migan is a bilingual (FR/EN) public speaking and leadership coach, as well as a media strategist with a journalism background. Formerly a professional tennis player at the WTA, she leverages her sports career and professional experiences to excel in areas such as public speaking and media training, pitching in front of investors, leadership training, digital media strategy, and speechwriting. Jennifer's diverse skill set and athletic background contribute to her ability to empower individuals and organizations in their communication and strategic endeavors.Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected].

Pablo Arraya is a former professional tennis player from Peru who was active in the 1980s and early 1990s. Born on October 21, 1961, he turned pro in 1980 and achieved a career-high singles ranking of 29 in 1984. Throughout his career, Arraya won one singles title on the ATP tour and represented Peru in the Davis Cup numerous times, earning notable victories and contributing significantly to Peru's tennis history.Connect with Pablo on Instagram.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected]

Linda Flanagan is a freelance journalist, researcher, and former cross-country and track coach. A graduate of Lehigh University, Flanagan holds master’s degrees from Oxford University and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and was an analyst for the National Security Program at Harvard University. She is a founding board member of the New York City chapter of the Positive Coaching Alliance and a 2020–21 advisory group member for the Aspen Institute’s Reimagining School Sports initiative, and her writing on sports has appeared in The Atlantic, Runner’s World, and on NPR’s education site MindShift, where she is a regular contributor. A mother of three and a lifelong athlete, Flanagan lives in New Jersey.Visit Linda at https://lindaflanaganauthor.com/.You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/The music enriching our show is the creative work of Sebastian Klauer. You can reach him at [email protected]