MEET THE PROS
OUR PROS
The entire MRC staff has a passion for tennis and commitment to the club and community. We are committed to providing the highest level of instruction and quality programs anywhere else in the area. Our professional and friendly staff is here to provide a safe and encouraging atmosphere!
Interested in lessons or clinics? Our talented staff of pro's are ready to take on anything from the true beginners to most advanced. Call or stop by the front desk to sign up and check availability.
MATT CUSACK
AMY READ
HEAD PRO
JUNIOR TENNIS COORDINATOR
Matt graduated from West Conn where he captained the soccer and tennis teams winning numerous accolades. He has been at MRC since 2008, is certified at the professional level by USPTR and has over 18 years teaching experience. Matt is also the Director of Tennis at Ridgewood country club in Danbury.
Amy has been a USTA captain for 13 years and led MRC's 4.5 team to Nationals in 2009. She was also USTA New England Sportsmanship Award Recipient in 2011. Amy is certified by PTR at the professional level and has 12 years of teaching experience. In her spare time, she is on the New England Senior Tennis Foundation
Board of Directors.
RICHARD MAKEPEACE
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR
Richard has been with MRC since 2001, and has more than 18 years of teaching experience. He is certified by USPTA at Level 1 and by PTR at the professional level. He is an ATP Tournament Qualifier as well as a USTA National High Performance Coach. Richard is the proud father of two sons, Ryan and Eric.
KATE COVIELLO
TEACHING PRO
Kate originally hails from Sheffield, England. She works for MRC part-time but has been a valued member for 10 years. Kate has a degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught pre-school for 19 years. Kate also coached middle school tennis for 3 years and completed the USTA School Tennis Program. She currently plays on four USTA teams.
JOE ALVORD
TEACHING PRO
Joe grew up in Southbury, CT and learned to play at MRC before becoming one of our Teaching Pros. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Finance at Post University where he also captains the tennis team. He is PTR certified at the professional level and has 5 years of teaching experience. In the summer he is the Assistant Pro at Ridgewood Country Club.
JANET DOOLEY
TEACHING PRO
In her early 20’s, Janet immigrated to America from the Republic of Ireland in pursuit of following a tennis career. Since then, she has earned dozens of nationally recognized tennis champion titles. In addition to playing on apersonal level, she has always worked in various settings where she has coached upcoming players. As an American who was once an immigrant, she shares a desire to create opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds.
Throughout her 20 years of tennis coaching, she has specialized in developing the playing abilities of youth girls and boys of all backgrounds. Her goal on the court has always been to create an inclusive culture that embodies respect and team building. Creating a respectful learning environment on the court is just as important as empowering young people off the court by means of encouraging positive social interactions.