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
Walker Sahag
Walker Sahag is the Co-Director of the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy for high-level tournament caliber juniors and pros on the ATP and WTA tours. A native of Oxford, Mississippi, she is a long-time PTR Professional who worked extensively for pioneering Sports Psychologist Dr. James Loehr assisting in both research and instruction of Dr. Loehr's Mental Toughness. She is also renowned for her work as a coach of both ATP and WTA pros, most notably with former World #1 Monica Seles and ATP #1 doubles player Kelly Jones. In addition, Walker has coached numerous #1 ranked U.S. juniors and ITF juniors.
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 several sessions per week on many top elite player development programs.
Justyn Schelver
Justyn Schelver is a Head Professional for 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 with a degree in Business Administration. Jusytn also serves as Director of Events, organizing and directing tournaments including: Kaelin/Diadora USTA Women's 10K, the Van Der Meer Junior Championships, the Vacation Company Adult Championships, and the Van Der Meer Southern Designated BullFrog event. Since joining the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy staff in early 2004, Justyn has developed and coached numerous nationally and internationally ranked junior players.
Jolene Watanabe
Jolene Watanabe currently resides in Bluffton, SC. She attended the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Jolene had a career-high ranking of #71 on the WTA and was the winner of 6 ITF circuit singles titles and 3 doubles titles. She is the winner of 11 USTA National titles including the 2004 USTA 35 hardcourts (singles). She has career wins over Jennifer Capriati, Amy Frazier, Chanda Rubin, Mariaan de Swardt, and Brenda Schultz-McCarthy. In 2004, Jolene was named Adult Female Player of the year for USTA-South Carolina. She is currently the coach for the WTT New York Buzz located in Schenectady, NY.
