Training

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.

Brandon Frazier

Brandon Frazier was named a Head Professional for Van Der Meer Tennis in July of 2010, and has been working with the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy and summer camps since 2003. He is also VDM Academy's Director of College Placement, and is a USTA High Performance coach. Originally from North Carolina, Brandon graduated from Appalachian State University in 2004 majoring in History and Education, and graduated from East Carolina University in 2007 with a Master's in Military & Maritime History.

Tommy Shimada

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.

Thomas Richter

Thomas Richter

Thomas Richter is a former Top 50 ITA player who has been working with the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy since 2009. He also works directly with our older Academy players preparing them for high-level tournaments, college tennis, and pro circuit events. Originally from Germany, Thomas was an All-Big South Conference athlete at Birmingham-Southern College before transferring to Indiana University, where he was named to the 2008 All-Big Ten team. There, he received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration followed by his Master's Degree in Sports Marketing.