Andy Farmer
As a junior, Andy trained at the very prestigious Harry Hopman's International Tennis Academy in Florida. While at the academy, he practiced and trained alongside some of the greatest tennis players to ever play the game. What an experience!
While at the academy he received extensive training by world-renowned coaches Tommy Thompson, Bob Butterfield, Alvaro Betancur, Colon Nunez, and the great Harry Hopman. He played the professional tennis circuit for nearly two-and-a-half years. His professional tennis career was short-lived due to a bad Achilles injury, and he began teaching as a way to stay involved in the sport that he loved and the rest is history!
Since his playing days, Andy has run his own academy. Currently the West Coast Tennis Academy is operating out of Bobby Riggs Tennis Club, Rancho Valencia Spa and Resort, and Woodland Park. Andy has earned an impressive following since he began coaching 25 years ago. He has earned the reputation for taking students as beginners and advancing their abilities through national and collegiate levels. He continues this work with many aspiring tennis juniors today. A consistent goal is to help cultivate the talent of committed students and take them to the next level, whatever that may be. Waht Andy brings to the court is the instilled sense of discipline, energy, and love of tennis. His love of the game definitely shows when he is in his element.
Paige Farmer
Paige Patridge Farmer started playing tennis as a junior, later played collegiately for San Diego State University, and is a USPTA certified professional. Her family is rich in tennis tradition and her siblings played competitively and professionally. She has been teaching tennis and developing innovative youth programs for more than 15 years. She currently is the WCTA Program Coordinator.
Paige is always looking for innovative ways to develop a love for the sport in young players through fun social events, well-run tournaments, and strong workouts. She has created fun programs for children such as Racket Rascals, Racketeers and more. She is most proud that the West Coast Tennis Academy can and does train players from as young as 4 years old all the way to the professional level and do it so well that players have come from countries outside the United States to train there.
Gary C. Young
Gary began playing tennis at the age of 4 at the Los Angeles Tennis Club were he was mentored by the pioneers of the sports including Pancho Gonzales, Jack Kramer, Bobby Riggs, and Pancho Segura. After a successful junior tennis career he began teaching tennis fulltime in 1974 at the La Costa Hotel & Spa alongside tennis legend Pancho Segura were he remained until 1991. After a successful business career Gary returned to the sport he loves to devote himself fulltime to teens & young adults serious about learning the fundamentals of the game and those wishing to become accomplished tennis players.
Shelley Susman
Shelley Susman is new to the West Coast Tennis Academy but she is not new to tennis. Her parents, Rod and Karen Susman are renown tennis players. Her father Rod Susman was at one time ranked in the top 20 in the world and her mom, Karen Hantze Susman won 3 Wimbledon titles, one a Doubles Championship with Bilie Jean King in 1962. Shelley grew up in La Jolla and had many junior accomplishments including a number one junior ranking in San Diego, CIF Champion, and collegiate tennis at San Diego State Univerisity. Shelley has spent the last 4 years in the United Kingdom directing, teaching and developing grassroots tennis. Recently she was the recipient of the USPTA National Star Award for indelible contributions to tennis, quite an honor. We are happy to welcome her to the West Coast Tennis Academy family.
