Book Lessons with Coach ilian
Former D1 & D2 national champ tennis coach helping players improve fast
I am a competitive tennis player and coach with high-level playing and coaching experience. I am a 12.3 UTR player, I played D1 tennis, and I was part of the Flagler men’s tennis team that won a D2 national championship. I have around 2 years of coaching experience at Nease High School, and I also coached at country clubs in Belgium, working with players of all levels from mini tennis and beginners to more advanced and competitive players. My coaching style focuses on building a strong foundation in technique and strategy, but I also believe tennis should be fun and enjoyable first. I like to create a positive environment where players can improve, build confidence, and develop a strong work ethic. I am passionate about helping players grow their game and reach their goals, no matter their level.
Trains in St. Augustine & virtually
Works with all age groups
Tennis
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Get to know Coach ilian
About Me:
I am a competitive tennis player and coach with high-level college experience. I played Division I tennis and later competed at Flagler College, where I was part of the men’s team that won a Division II national championship. I was also an All-American and served as a team captain.
I am someone who has always worked extremely hard for my game. Tennis has been a big part of my life for many years, and I have spent countless hours training, competing, and pushing myself to improve both physically and mentally. I understand what it takes to compete at a high level, and I bring that same mindset into my coaching.
As a coach, I am very passionate about helping players improve while also making sure they enjoy the process. I am positive on court, easy to work with, and focused on giving clear and simple feedback that players can actually use in matches.
How I can help you improve your game:
I help players improve by keeping things simple, clear, and structured. I focus on building strong fundamentals first, then helping players develop the tools to compete with confidence. My coaching philosophy is based on improvement, enjoyment, and discipline. I believe players develop best when they enjoy the process, understand what they are working on, and are pushed in the right way. I focus on technique, strategy, and mindset, while always keeping the environment positive and motivating.
What a typical training session looks like with me:
A typical session with me starts with a dynamic warm-up to get the body ready and prevent injuries. After that, I spend around 10 minutes focusing on one key technical point depending on the player’s needs, such as forehand mechanics, footwork, or consistency.
From there, we build the entire lesson around that focus. I use repetition, live-ball drills, and point-based situations to make sure the player can apply the skill in real match conditions. I like to finish sessions with competitive drills or points so the player learns how to perform and have fun.
Career summary and accomplishments:
I played Division I tennis before continuing my college career at Flagler College, where I was part of the men’s tennis team that won a Division II national championship.
During my college career, I earned All-American honors in both singles and doubles, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 11 in the country in singles and No. 4 in doubles. I also served as a team captain, which helped me develop leadership skills and a strong understanding of team culture, discipline, and responsibility.
Alongside my playing career, I have always taken tennis very seriously and worked extremely hard on and off the court to improve my game. Competing at a high level taught me consistency, mental toughness, and what it takes to perform under pressure, which I now bring into my coaching.
Best coach I ever had:
The best coach I ever had was Olivier Rochus from Belgium, a former ATP Top 20 player. Learning from him gave me a deep understanding of the game at the highest level, especially in terms of discipline, details, and match intelligence.
What athletes and parents should know about me:
I am fully committed to helping players improve and reach their goals.
I understand what it takes to compete at a high level because I lived it every day. I know the discipline, consistency, and mindset required to improve. I bring that same standard into my coaching while still keeping lessons fun, engaging, and adapted to each player.
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