Meet the Coaches
Dennis Van der Meer
Dennis Van der Meer is the Founder and President of Van Der Meer TennisUniversity and the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR). Dennis, one of the first registered coaches of both the ATP and WTA, is recognized worldwide for his innovative teaching techniques, and has received numerous awards for teaching and coaching, including being named "Olympic Developmental Coach of the Year" in 1997. Dennis was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Greenwich, England. Dennis has coached hundreds of nationally and internationally ranked junior and professional players throughout his career, including such champions as Billie Jean King and Margaret Court, and has an uncanny knack for finding the best, most efficient way to help players reach their maximum potential.
Pat Van der Meer
Pat Van der Meer is the Co-Director of Van Der Meer Tennis Academy and the Director of the Van Der Meer Summer Circuit Program. As one of the first registered WTA coaches, Pat has extensive coaching experience at all levels. With her husband Dennis, Pat has coached players to the finals of Grand Slam Junior and Professional Events. She has been an Area Training Center Head Coach and was named South Carolina Pro of the Year in 1991. In 1993 Pat earned the PTR's Coach Jim Verdieck Award and received the International Tennis Hall of Fame's Tennis and Education Merit Award in 2002
Vince Bilotta
Vince Bilotta is the General Manager and a Head Professional for Van Der Meer Tennis. As Director of product testing for Head Sports since 1993, he oversees the U.S. testing site based at Van Der Meer Tennis Academy. Vince also served as a USTA area training center coach for North Carolina where he coached many top juniors. He continues to work on court with many top players.
Justyn Schelver
Justyn Schelver is the Co-Director and a Head Professional of Van Der Meer Tennis Academy, and has directed spring and summer Junior Programs at Van Der Meer's Hilton Head location since 2005. Originally from Madison, MS, he graduated with honors from Mississippi State University. Justyn has served as an Area Training Center coach for the Southern Section and is a USTA High Performance coach. Since joining the VDM staff in 2004, he has developed numerous nationally and internationally ranked players.
Brian Parkkonen
Brian Parkkonen is a Head Professional working with the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy. He is VDM Academy's Director of College Placement and Fitness. Originally from Michigan, Brian graduated from Ferris State with a degree in Professional Tennis Management with a minor in Athletic Training. Brian is a USTA High Performance coach as well as an Etcheberry Certified Strength coach.
Tommy Shimada
Tommy Shimada is a former ATP tour player currently working with the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy. He has been working with the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy since 2008, and he previously trained here as a player for nearly ten years. Tom reached a career high ATP world ranking of #40 in doubles, represented Japan in Davis Cup competition for over ten years, won 3 career ATP doubles titles, recorded doubles wins over the Bryan brothers, Roger Federer, and Andy Roddick, and was a 2000 Sydney Olympic participant. After his playing career, he graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Finance and Real Estate.
