Alumni Coaches
Nikki’s Tennis Crew after the closure of the beloved Weddington Tennis has relocated to a private residence in the Studio City area. We are currently offering group and private lessons for all levels. You can join a group or create your own. Nikki’s Tennis Crew wants to thank all the coaches who have assisted over the years. Many of the coaches started as kids in program to amazing players and people. I know we are missing a couple so thank you to all who have had some part of making Nikki’s Tennis Crew great!!
In Memoriam: Aimee Oki
Aimee was a much beloved coach for Nikki’s Tennis Crew for many years. She played for and graduated from Northern Arizona University. She studied exercise science in college and planned to go into sports training after graduating. Aimee started competing in tennis at age 8 and trained under many spectacular coaches along with her parents Mindy and Rick Oki. Aimee was ranked No. 1 in the nation in Mother-Daughter doubles in 2006. She specialized in doubles play but continually improved overall singles play as well. Aimee loved reading, hiking, singing, dancing, and family bonding. Sadly, Aimee left us way to early due to her challenges with mental illness. One in five people that bipolar affects succeed in taking their own life. Aimee Oki Foundation was established to support young adults suffering with bipolar illness. We miss Aimee’s contagious laugh, her love of teaching and the care she gave every student she taught.
Madison S. has been a part of Nikki’s Tennis Crew for many years now. She is a varsity player at Campbell Hall High School. She loves seeing the kids have fun playing tennis. She has really been enjoying her time coaching. She will be available most weekends to coach.
Mindy Oki comes to Nikki’s Tennis Crew with over 35 years of teaching experience. She was mentored by the late Paul Xanthos, world renowned tennis clinician and coach at Pierce College. Mindy has been a member of the United Stated Professional Tennis Association since 1980, and has held vice-president position of the Southern California section. Mindy has participated in every aspect of the tennis industry, from teaching pro to director of tennis. Mindy was married to the late Rick Oki and daughters, Erynne and Aimee, both ve played Division 1 college tennis. Mindy still enjoys competing and has several national doubles titles. She has been ranked number 2 in the nation in women’s 40’s with her partner Nancy Garrison and number 1 in the nation in Mother-Daughter with both Erynne and Aimee. Mindy loves sharing her competitive passion with her students in Nikki’s Tennis Crew.
Natalie Grigoryan grew up in Nikki’s Tennis crew. Natalie started in our teacher in training program. She played for Burbank High school and then College of the Canyons. Natalie is very passionate and loves watching the kids progress. She enjoys playing for fun and you can usually find her hitting with other coaches after work. She is currently in college studying to fulfill her dream of becoming a veterinarian to exotic animals. She is an amazingly talented artist too.
Harrison G is a wonderful product of our teacher in training program. Harrison started in Nikki’s Tennis Crew when he was about eight and now is an assistant. He played for the varsity Campbell Hall High School team. Harrison was a leader for our junior teams and a great role model for the younger students. Harrison is now attending Santa Clara college and coaches when he is in town. Harrison is a multi-talented musician as well.
Will J started playing tennis at the age of five in Nikki’s junior class, and he has been a part of her program ever since. He has been with Nikki as a teacher in training for four years. He is starting his third year as an assistant. He is a junior at Harvard-Westlake School and a doubles player for his school’s varsity team. What he loves most about teaching is to see a kid light up with a smile, having made a shot for the first time. Will has transformed from the little kid seeing how far over the back fence he could hit the tennis balls into a leader and a wonderful role model and leader for the juniors. (Makes Nikki happy when he has to deal with little boys trying to hit balls over the fence!!) He plays in many junior So Cal tournaments. He is academically driven and does well in school. Like most coaches he speaks several languages.
Growing up in Sweden, Shara Surabi started playing tennis at the age of 6. He was a top junior in Sweden and moved to California as a junior in High School. He played #1 singles for Burbank High School. He went to Glendale Community Collage as their number on player and went undefeated in league his last year there. He earned the sportsmanship award for the whole school. He transferred to Cal Lutheran University playing top singles. After graduation he became the coordinator/head coach for Cabrini Villas. Shara has participated in playing tournaments in SoCal. Shara’s passion and kindness make him such a great coach!Shara has a great way of explaining technique and making the students work hard as well. Students adore him. NTC is so blessed to have another wonderful coach. Shara is available for privates
Additional Alumni: Adrien Detchmendy, Amanda Sweetman, Bailee Rad,
Ben Brunkow, Brad Carter, Edie Creasy, Jason Goldstein, Katie Lager,
Madeline Creasy, Michael Jedrzejewski, Michael Rosett, Mirna Benitez, Nancy Prell, Olivia Sweetman, Rebeca Benitez