Book Lessons with Coach Kaya

Hi! I’m Kaya, and tennis has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing when I was 3 years old with the dream of becoming a professional tennis player, and that passion eventually led me to compete internationally, play professional ITF tournaments, and spend five years competing in NCAA Division I tennis at DePaul University and Duquesne University. I also recently finished working as a volunteer assistant coach for Duquesne University's D1 tennis program.

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced both the highs and lows of competitive tennis, which is a huge reason why I love coaching. I understand the pressure players can feel, the work it takes to improve, and how important it is to still enjoy the game while chasing big goals.

I can help players improve technically, mentally, and strategically by sharing the experience I gained competing at a high level of tennis. Whether you want to improve consistency, movement, match confidence, shot selection, doubles play, or mental toughness under pressure, I tailor lessons to each player’s goals and level. I also love helping competitive juniors and college-bound players understand what it takes to succeed in high-level match situations.

- Warm up

- Rallying through the middle, then going cross-court and down the lines

- Consistency

- Points

- Drills

- Serves/returns

It all depends, really, on the individual and what they need to work on the most!

• Former NCAA Division I tennis player at DePaul University and Duquesne University with 5 years of collegiate playing experience

• Achieved a career-high UTR of 9.3 in singles and around a 9 UTR / 16 WTN in doubles

• Team captain during senior season at Duquesne University (2024–2025)

• Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team selection (2025)

• Competed primarily at the #2 singles and #1 doubles positions at Duquesne University

• Finished senior season with a 17–8 singles record

• Semifinalist at the A10 Conference Masters doubles tournament

• Helped lead Duquesne to an A10 Conference Tournament quarterfinal appearance for the first time since 2021 by clinching the deciding match against George Mason

• Earned notable wins over players from Buffalo, Toledo, Georgetown, Army, West Virginia University, Louisville, and UMass, while also competing closely against top-ranked opponents (ex. UVA, Middle Tennessee, etc.)

• Competed professionally in ITF tournaments and internationally on the ITF Junior Tour

• Former Volunteer Assistant Coach and Team Manager for the Duquesne University Women’s Tennis Team, assisting with practices, match preparation, drills, and on-court coaching

• 5+ years of coaching experience through private lessons, group clinics, junior development, and tournament operations at College Park Athletic Club

The best coach I ever had was Rob Budacsek. When I first started training with him, I had athletic ability and passion for the game, but my technique and overall game were not complete. He completely reinvented my game by rebuilding my technique, improving my movement and shot selection, and helping me develop into an all-court player.

More importantly, he helped me believe that my goals were possible. He played a huge role in helping me achieve my goal of playing Division 1 collegiate tennis and always encouraged me to keep pushing myself to higher levels. Beyond the technical and competitive side of tennis, he taught me the importance of discipline, confidence, and enjoying the process of improvement. Honestly, a lot of what I know about coaching and how to connect with players comes from what I learned from him and the environment he created around the sport.

I care a lot about the players I work with, not just as athletes, but as people too. I’m a very empathetic coach, and because I competed at high levels myself, I understand that competitive sports can be difficult not only physically, but mentally as well. I know what pressure, nerves, setbacks, and self-doubt can feel like, and I want players to feel supported while still being challenged to improve.

My coaching style is positive, energetic, and encouraging, while still focusing on hard work and development. I always try to adapt lessons to each player’s goals, level, and personality.