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SPORTIME SYOSSET, JMTA LONG ISLAND
75 Hasket Drive, Syosset, NY 11791
516-364-2727

Staff


Chelsea Riccio
Managing Director of Central Long Island Clubs

516/364-2727 x 5920

Jared El Gayeh
General Manager
Michael Kossoff
Director of Tennis, SPORTIME Syosset, and Regional Director, JMTA Long Island
Alison Corcoran
Adult Program Director
Jerilyn Jud
League Director
Samantha Siegel
Regional Tennis Coordinator
John McEnroe
John McEnroe
Founder and Director, JMTA

John McEnroe is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He held the #1 world ranking in singles for 170 weeks between 1980 and 1985 and was the #1 doubles player in the world for a record 257 weeks. He is the winner of 7 Grand Slam singles titles, including 4 US Open titles and 3 Wimbledon titles. He is also widely considered to be the greatest doubles player ever, having won 10 Grand Slam doubles titles. He is the greatest Davis Cup player in history, and he also captained the US Davis Cup Team. He is an Emmy-nominated commentator for CBS, NBC, BBC, ESPN and USA. John grew up in New York City, where he graduated from the Trinity School. He attended Stanford University, winning an NCAA team and singles title his freshman year. He continues to live in New York City, where he has raised his 6 children. John partnered with SPORTIME to open the John McEnroe Tennis Academy in September 2010.

Lawrence Kleger
Lawrence Kleger
JMTA Director Emeritus

Lawrence, a native New Yorker, is recognized as one of the top developmental coaches in the USA. He was named the USTA/Eastern Section Tennis Professional of the Year in 2013 and the USTA/Long Island Region Tennis Professional of the Year in 2006. Lawrence has trained more ranked juniors than anyone in the history of the USTA/Eastern Section. His students have won numerous USTA National Junior Championships, won more than 20 USTA Eastern Year-End Sportsmanship Awards, and have received countless full tennis scholarships to play at Top Division I colleges and universities. Lawrence was also the personal coach of Noah Rubin, who was his student at SPORTIME and JMTA from the age of 7 until he launched his professional tennis career in the summer of 2015. Noah has achieved an ATP ranking as high as 161 and, under Lawrence's guidance, Noah won countless tournaments as a junior, including the 2014 Boys' Wimbledon Championship and the 2014 USTA National Championship in singles and doubles. Lawrence joined SPORTIME in 1998 and became the Director of JMTA in 2012.

Patrick McEnroe
Patrick McEnroe
Executive Director, JMTA

Patrick grew up in Douglaston, NY and trained in the New York area. As a junior, he reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and the US Open boys' singles in 1983. Patrick then partnered Luke Jensen to win the French Junior doubles and the USTA Boys' 18 National and Clay Court titles in 1984. He made his first impact on the professional tour that same year, teaming up with brother John to win the doubles title at Richmond, Virginia. Patrick won the Men's Doubles Gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games with Jensen, and helped Stanford University, as team captain, win the NCAA team championship in 1986 and 1988. He graduated from Stanford in 1988 with a degree in political science, and then joined the professional tennis tour. On the tour, Patrick won one singles title and 16 doubles titles, including the 1989 French Open Men's Doubles title, during his 10‐year professional career, and achieved career‐high rankings of World No. 28 in singles and World No. 3 in doubles. After retiring from the tour in 1998, Patrick had a successful run as U.S. Davis Cup captain, the longest tenured captain in U.S. history, winning the cup in 2007. After leaving his Davis Cup role in 2010, McEnroe focused on his television commentary work, and also served as the General Manager of Player Development for the USTA until mid-2015. Patrick joined SPORTIME and JMTA in 2017.

Bennett Schlansky
Bennett Schlansky
Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer, SPORTIME Clubs, Sr. Managing Director, SPORTIME RI, Westchester, Capital Region & JMTA

Ben was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where he first started playing tennis. He is a graduate of Brooklyn Friends School and of Vassar College, where he received his BA in 1992, and where he played four years of college tennis and was team captain his senior year. Ben received his JD from Fordham University School of Law in 1999, and was admitted to the NYS and Washington DC Bars in 2000. During the summers of 1989 through 1992, Ben was a tennis director and coach at the Amagansett EastSide Tennis Club in Amagansett, NY (now SPORTIME Amagansett), the first club owned and operated by SPORTIME founder and Chief Executive Officer, Claude Okin. Between college and law school, Ben spent four years as an advocate and federal lobbyist for the Eastern Paralyzed Veteran Association. After law school, he was an associate at Seward & Kissel, LLP before rejoining the SPORTIME team in 2001.

Michael Kossoff
Michael Kossoff
Director of Tennis, SPORTIME Syosset, and Regional Director, JMTA Long Island

Mike, a native of Long Island, was one of the top ranked juniors in the country prior to attending Bowling Green State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. At Bowling Green, Mike led the men’s tennis team to two Mid-American Conference Championships and became the most successful player in the history of the program. After graduating, Mike quickly became one of the top junior coaches in the east, developing numerous nationally ranked players, while earning a Master’s Degree in Physical Education. He has competed and coached extensively in ITF tournaments around the world. Mike joined SPORTIME in 2000, became Director of the JMTA's first Long Island site, at SPORTIME Syosset, in 2012, and, as of the launch of JMTA's newest location at SPORTIME Port Washington in 2023, the Regional Director of JMTA Long Island.

Mike Barrell
Mike Barrell
Executive Director of Tennis, SPORTIME Clubs

Mike hails from the United Kingdom and has been a coach for more than 30 years. As a coach and tennis consultant worldwide, he has worked and delivered training in over 80 countries, supporting the development of tennis on five continents. Mike has been a keynote speaker at three ITF Worldwide Conferences and has presented at multiple USPTA World Conferences, PTR International Symposia, and National Conferences, and is a regular contributor to the ATP/WTA Pro Course. Mike was the author of the ITF Tennis10s manual, the Official U10 Program of many nations across the globe. His previous roles include Director of Tennis at MatchPoint in Southampton, England, and Director of Junior Tennis at the West Hants Club in Bournemouth, England. A Level Five LTA Coach, PTR Professional, and USPTA P1, Mike was also an LTA Master Tutor, ITF Expert, and PTR World Professional of the Year in 2007. In 2022 he was recognized as a PTR International Master Professional. He joined the SPORTIME/JMTA team in 2022, bringing his coaching and coach education background to the key role of developing our coaching staff and enhancing our programs across the Company.

Jared ElGayeh
Jared ElGayeh
General Manager

Has been with SPORTIME for over 10 years, serving in a variety of teaching and management capacities. He holds a degree from Marywood University, where he was also the star goaltender on the soccer team for four years. His infectious energy and ability to motivate children on the court make him the perfect director of our under 10 tennis program at SPORTIME.

Aaron Lopez
Aaron Lopez
Fitness Director

Aaron Lopez, a New York native, attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where he studied International Marketing. He is an ISSA certified Personal Trainer with over 15 years of experience. He also holds certificates in Corrective Exercise, Group Fitness, Sports Nutrition and Kettle Bell Concepts. Aaron is skilled at creating both group and individualized programs that incorporate proper nutrition and athletic training designed to meet the needs of JMTA students.

Matt Taurisani
Matt Taurisani
Assistant General Manager, Multi-Sport and Membership Director

Matt Taurisani, a proud Syosset native whose journey with Sportime began in 2015. He started
his Sportime career at the front desk and quickly ascended the ranks, demonstrating his
dedication and commitment to the organization's growth. Over the years, he earned successive
promotions, serving as Membership Director and Multi-Sport Director, ultimately reaching his
current role as the Assistant General Manager of the facility.

Matt's passion for sports was ignited during his collegiate baseball career, initially at American
International College and later at SUNY Old Westbury. His time as a team captain at SUNY Old
Westbury was marked by remarkable achievements, including securing victory in the Skyline
Conference Championship—an accomplishment that reflects his leadership and athletic prowess.
 
Matt's influence extends beyond his managerial role at Sportime, as he actively contributes to the
training regimen of numerous athletes associated with the organization. His passion for sports,
dedication to personal growth, and commitment to the success of others make him a standout
leader within the Sportime community.

Matt Orobona
Matt Orobona
U10 Director

Matt Orobona is a Long Island native from Plainview, NY and has been with SPORTIME since 2014. Matt has been involved in many areas across the company from back office club operations to Multi-Sport Director, Assistant Manager and Camp Director. Matt has a keen gift of connecting with our younger players and has become one of our most popular U10 coaches having studied extensively with our Under 10 Curriculum Guru Mike Barrell and JMTA U10 Mac Director Jared El Gayeh. Matt keeps up with current U10 innovative teaching philosophies and is always eager to continuing his coaching education and experience.

Richard-John Mensing Jr. - MS-PES, CSCS, CHN
Richard-John Mensing Jr. - MS-PES, CSCS, CHN
Director of Performance and Junior Athletic Development, SPORTIME RI & JMTA

Richard hails from Richmond, Virginia, and has over 20 years of professional experience as an elite athlete, performance coach, and athletic-wellness educator, working in numerous sports with athletes of all ages and levels. A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, Richard spent six years as a writer/producer for the CBS Television Network before moving to Barcelona to train and compete on the European triathlon circuit. In Spain, he received a Masters in D'Eesport I D'atletisme iNutricio at Universal Atlético Institut and went on to build his own successful health and fitness business, boasting clients from the worlds of sports, TV and film. From numerous ATP and WTA players to top ITF juniors, Olympic, Junior Olympic, collegiate, and amateur athletes from around the globe, Richard provides a uniform, yet holistic and individualized approach to the vital role that strength and conditioning training, flexibility, injury prevention and nutrition play in creating a successful athlete, regardless of age or sport. Richard joined the SPORTIME/JMTA team in 2014.

Dr. Dejan Stankovic, Ed.D, BCB
Dr. Dejan Stankovic, Ed.D, BCB
Director of Mental Performance & Wellness, SPORTIME RI & JMTA

Dr. Stankovic was born in Serbia and raised in Niagara Falls, Canada, and later moved to Wakefield, Massachusetts. Dejan joins the SPORTIME/JMTA team as a sports psychologist with expertise in mindfulness, meditation and biofeedback. He is Board Certified in Biofeedback and is a member of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (aapb.org), the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (bcia.org), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (aasp.org). His publications include “Mindfulness Meditation Training for Tennis Players” and “Mindfulness Meditation Training as a Sports Psychology Technique”. In addition, Dr. Stankovic has presented his work at numerous national sports psychology conferences and national biofeedback conferences, and has taught sports psychology at high schools and to sports teams, including various women’s and men’s tennis teams, throughout the greater Boston area. Dr. Stankovic graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from St. Bonaventure University in 2007, a Master's Degree in Education, Counseling Psychology Specialization in Sports Psychology from Boston University in 2008, and received an Ed.D. from Boston University in 2015. He was an NCAA DI tennis player himself, and served as the Head Coach of the DI Boston University men’s tennis team. Dr. Stankovic joined the SPORTIME/JMTA team in 2022.

Airam Castellano Hernandez
Airam Castellano Hernandez
Coach

Airam Castellano Hernández was born in Gran Canaria, Spain. He was nationally ranked top 200 in Spain when he was 16 years old and he was champion in all junior categories in Gran Canaria. Airam earned a full athletic scholarship to play for the University of Missouri-Kansas City, NCAA D1, in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) in 2014. In 2017 he achieved a nationally ranking of #115 in singles after making the Elite 8 in the ITA Central Regional, and in 2018 he was nationally ranked #72 in doubles. Between 2014-2018 he was named ITA Scholar-Athlete and All WAC Academics, All WAC first team in singles and doubles, 2 times All WAC player of the month and 16 times all WAC player of the week. He won the 2016 WAC Player of the Year and helped his teammates to achieve the 2017 WAC Championship. Airam holds his school's all-time record with most wins in singles and doubles. Airam graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management.

Simon Campos
Simon Campos
Coach

Simon I. Campos Perez was born in the Canary Islands, Spain. Simon was a top ranked junior player, where he was ranked in his section number one in every age group. Simon also was ranked top 20 in the country during his junior career. Simon earned a full athletic scholarship to play in Union College Kentucky where the team reached an all time best national ranking of six in the country. Simon received numerous awards during his college year including rookie of the year for his region, he was selected “All-Freshman team”, All conference twice, All American Honorable mentions two times and he was NAIA player of the week. Simon earned a collegiate national ranking of 26 in the country in singles and 11 in doubles. Simon graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelors of Science. He joins our Sportime/JMTA team fall of 2022.

Lucas Demuth
Lucas Demuth
Coach

Lucas Demuth, a tennis standout from Buenos Aires, Argentina, achieved top 20 national rankings in every junior age group, captivating the attention of Queens College. At Queens, he secured three conference titles and reached the top 50 NCAA singles ranking in Division II. With a double major in corporate finance and economics, Lucas graduates poised for success. In fall 2023, he joins Sportime after gaining experience at multiple country clubs.

Mario Leguizamon
Mario Leguizamon
Coach

Mario, a native of New York, has been a traveling coach for players competing on the ITF Junior Circuit, as well as coaching professionals and amateurs at the Futures and US Nationals levels. He has also coached All-American collegiate players and touring pros at both the US Open and Wimbledon. Mario has held national rankings in both Men's 30s and 35s. Mario previously was the Associate Director of JMTA at our Lake Isle location. Mario has over 20 years of teaching and coaching experience and joined SPORTIME/JMTA in 2011.

Eric Meditz
Eric Meditz
Coach

Eric, hailing from Long Island, was one of the top junior players in the country, ranking in the top 50 nationally. He attended Penn State University where he majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management and captained the tennis team in his junior and senior years. Post college, Eric turned pro and competed against the likes of Justin Gimelstob, James Blake and Max Mirnyi. In his teaching career, Eric has produced numerous Division I collegiate players. Eric joined Sportime in 2005, and has been with JMTA since 2012.

Thais Mendez
Thais Mendez
Coach

Originally from Vina del Mar, Chile, Thais (Tati) was a top junior competitor where she competed in ITF events earning a career high ranking of #439. Tati originally committed to play tennis for West Liberty University, but then she transferred to finish her studies at Indiana University East. She received various awards such as the Venus Williams Scholarship, Newcomer of the Year, Player of the Year, Champion of Character, and All-Conference First Team. Tati was ranked in the top 10 NAIA singles in the country. After earning her degree in Business with a minor in Finance, Tati pursued her Master of Business Administration at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she continued playing tennis. She was an NAIA All-American her senior year.

David Moral Tebar
David Moral Tebar
Coach

David who was born and raised in Lar Roda, Albacete Spain was one of the top nationally ranked juniors in his country. He reached a career high national ranking of 200 in Spain at the age of 17 when he decided to pursue his tennis career playing college tennis for NAIA powerhouse Southwestern College. David was first singles and doubles throughout his career and let his team to the first conference title in his schools history. David was awarded MVP while he had an undefeated record in his conference as well as being selected to NAIA All-American Status in 2022. David joins the Sportime/JMTA family fall of 2022.

Macandy Olivares
Macandy Olivares
Coach

Originally from Santiago, Chile, Macandy (Maca) was ranked #1 in the nation for her entire junior career and earned a career high ITF ranking of #64 in the world for juniors. Maca competed professionally and earned a ranking as high as #578 on the WTA tour. Maca played college tennis at Division I powerhouse Texas A&M University receiving numerous awards such as SEC player of the Week and SEC All-Second team. Maca earned a Bachelor's degree in leadership studies with two minors in Business and Economics and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Southern Arkansas University, where she was also the assistant Coach for Men’s and Women’s tennis program.

Mariona Perez
Mariona Perez
Coach

Mariona Perez, originally from Tarragona, Spain, made a name for herself as a top-ranked junior tennis player in her home country. Her talent and dedication led her to the United States, where she initially played for the University of Pittsburgh in the ACC conference, making an impressive rookie debut. Following her program getting cut, Mariona transferred to Division I powerhouse Saint Louis University, excelling as second singles and first doubles player. Determined to balance her athletic and academic pursuits, Mariona pursued her Master’s Degree at the University of Toledo during her fifth year of eligibility. Her presence and skill contributed to the team's rise to a national ranking of #58 in Division 1, culminating in the program's first-ever conference title win.

Federico Rebecchini
Federico Rebecchini
Coach

Federico, originally from Verona, Italy, achieved national and international success as a junior player with top rankings in his home country, Tennis Europe, and ITF Junior. He played Division I tennis at Old Dominion University and later transferred to Norfolk State University, where he excelled as a position one player in singles and doubles. Federico was named MVP player in 2022 and 2023. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in business information systems, he also gained coaching experience during his college years. Federico joined the SPORTIME/JMTA team in 2023.

Jordan Richman
Jordan Richman
Coach

Jordan, a life-long New Yorker, is both a seasoned tennis professional and NYS licensed School Psychologist. As a junior, he was an ETA standout, ranked nationally in every age group, competed in the US Open Junior Doubles Championships (1989), and even defeated Greg Rusedski (world ranked #4) as a teen. At Benjamin Cardozo HS, Jordan led the Judges to multiple NYC championships and Mayors Cup victories, playing #1 singles for most of his career while serving as team Captain. In 2016, he was inducted to the Cardozo Hall of Fame for his achievements. Jordan received a full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he was a scholar-athlete recipient during his 4-year career, ultimately playing #2 singles and #1 doubles. As a coach, Jordan previously served as Director of Junior Summer Tennis Program at the historic Piping Rock Country Club on Long Island, and is currently Tennis Director at Camp Equinunk/Blue Ridge in Pennsylvania, one of the premier sleepaway camps. For two decades, Jordan has worked as a high school psychologist, counseling students and families to help improve school performance and overall mental health. On court, Jordan employs both physical and psychological strategies to improve the tennis performance of his players.

Samantha Siegel
Samantha Siegel
Tennis Coordinator/Coach

Samantha, originally from Houston, Texas, was a top junior player, ranked as high as #200 nationally. Samantha attended McKendree University, where she played #1 singles and doubles and was the team captain as a senior. She graduated from MU with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness. Samantha coached at the IMG Academy and the Naval Academy before joining SPORTIME and JMTA in 2015.

Anna Valiaeva
Anna Valiaeva
Coach

Anna, originally from Yaroslavl, Russia, joined the University of Indianapolis in 2018 and made a significant impact on the tennis team. With a remarkable 14-3 record in singles and 17-4 record in doubles during her first year, Anna contributed to the team's success, including their participation in the NCAA D2 Semi-Finals. She received multiple accolades, including being named a 3-time ITA scholar-athlete and a 3-time Academic All GLVC awardee. In 2021, Anna transferred to Mississippi College, where she continued to shine academically and athletically. She earned recognition as the GSC Tennis Player of the Week and received the distinguished David M. Halbrook award for her outstanding academic achievements as an athlete. Anna completed her studies at Mississippi College, graduating with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Business Administration. Her academic excellence also led to her membership in the Alpha Mu Gamma Honors Society and the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. Anna Joined SPORTIME/JMTA in 2023.

Zhe Zhou
Zhe Zhou
Coach

Zhe Zhou, a native of Tianjin, China, excelled in tennis as a junior player, achieving top rankings in China Boys 16s and 18s. He represented China in the Junior Davis Cup before earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master's in Sports Hospitality. Zhe's collegiate tennis career saw him lead the men's team to NCAA Sweet 16 and four NCAA appearances. Individually, he was ranked No. 56 in ITA singles and received the 2020 ITA Southern Region Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award. After graduation, Zhe became an assistant coach at Wake Forest University men's tennis, helping develop nationally ranked players and guiding three athletes to All-American honors. He then joined Providence Plantation Racquet and Swim Club in Charlotte, NC, where he promoted tennis for all ages. Zhe also served as tournament director for a $15k USTA Pro Circuit event and three UTR events. Zhe joined SPORTIME/JMTA summer of 2023.

Jill Spangenberg
Jill Spangenberg
Global Director of Retail, SPORTIME Clubs

Jill has led teams and built the business for a variety of specialty retailers throughout her career. From a strong apparel background, including Kenneth Cole, Jacadi, and Hot Topic, she moved into hard lines with Yankee Candle. After 10 years of moving the business forward at Yankee and Newell Brands, it was time for a new challenge. Jill is looking forward to building teams in our Pro Shops that serve as ambassadors for the SPORTIME and JMTA brands. Jill lives in Oyster Bay, NY and will be ensuring we exceed our players and members needs in all of our locations. She is also very much looking forward to tuning up her tennis game in the fall, and seeing what the sport of pickleball has to offer!

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