-Tennis Staff

USTPA Pro Darin Pleasant was nationally ranked in the juniors prior to playing Division I tennis for UCLA, where he went undefeated his senior year. Darin began coaching after competing on the Men's Professional ATP Tour and achieving world ranking in both singles and doubles. His tournament training methods are recognized as highly effective, resulting in nationally ranked juniors in California, Arizona and Texas. Because of Darin's playing and coaching experience he brings a high level of expertise to the Grey Rock Tennis Club for players of all ages and abilities.

PTR Pro Danny Rodriguez grew up in Brownsville, TX, where he worked at the Brownsville Tennis Center assisting Junior and Adult Drill Groups. He was also Assistant Tennis Pro at the Briar Crest Country Club in Bryan, TX, along with being an Instructor for the City of College Station. Danny works with the Pee-Wee and Grand Prix Programs and with all levels of PATP. He is available to give private and group lessons.

PTR Pro Gus A. Manzur Sr. is a retired Colombian Diplomat who moved from Washington D.C. to Austin, Texas in 2003. Gus has also obtained a Recreational Quickstart Tennis Training Program Certification from the USTA. He is currently assisting the Pee-Wee, Grand Prix and Summer Camp Programs.

With an accomplished competitive background in junior national and collegiate tennis, Joanna has enjoyed transitioning her skill sets into one of a “teacher". As a teen, she trained at the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy (on full scholarship). At The University of Texas she was part of an NCAA Final Four Team, a two time All- American and held the #1 doubles NCAA ranking. She’s most proud that she was known as being the “consummate team player”. In her 4 years as a GR Director, she has grown the Ladies Team Program significantly, and has helped spread the joy and the challenge of the game of tennis. Joanna plays USTA Senior National tennis, as well as Rec Team Tennis (WTTA), and in doing so, she can actively relate to the challenges our ladies face on the court. She can be a fierce competitor and yet is also known for her kindness and compassion to others. She loves connecting with people to help them achieve “their desired experience” on the courts - be it fun, continuous learning, or new skill acquisition. Also of note, Joanna has lived in Circle C for 21 years with her husband and 3 boys, and holds an MBA and degrees in Psychology and Communications, all from UT.

Paula has over 20 years experience playing tennis. She grew up as a ranked Texas Junior player who attended and played for Texas Tech University. While on scholarship there, she achieved a National Ranking. Paula has a growth mindst and specializes in equipping and encouraging players of all different levels to become more fundamentally strong and reach their personal goals with the great sport of tennis.

Chirs is a retired professional tennis player from South Africa. After finishing runner-up in the NAIA national men's tennis championship singles draw in 1991 while playing for Auburn University-Montgomery, Chris turned pro in 1993. He has won six ATP Tour doubles titles and finished runner-up a further 12 times. He reached his career high doubles ranking of No. 19 on 9/8/2003 Chris played Team Tennis for the Delaware Smash until January 2009.