Coaches
DIRECTOR OF TENNIS
Stephen Day
With over 30 years of coaching experience, Steve has worked with tennis players of all levels—from complete beginners to seasoned tournament competitors. His extensive background in the sport allows him to tailor his coaching to suit players of all ages and skill levels, ensuring each individual receives personalised and effective training. Currently, Steve offers a diverse range of coaching sessions including private lessons, advanced squad training, women’s group sessions, and school holiday camps. These programs are conducted primarily at Trumper Park in Paddington and also at Waverley College. Steve is known for his dual focus on technical precision and tactical awareness, helping players not only master the fundamentals but also develop smart, strategic gameplay. His comprehensive coaching approach makes him a valuable mentor for anyone aiming to improve their performance on the court. Beyond tennis, Steve is passionate about touch football and takes great pride in supporting his three children in their various hobbies and sporting pursuits. Academically, Steve is a graduate of Deakin University in Melbourne, Victoria, where he studied Business and Sport Management. He holds professional certifications, including being a Tennis Australia Master Club Professional Coach and is a Tennis Australia Hot Shots and Cardio Tennis Coach. In addition, he is a certified First Aider, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all his students.
SENIOR PROFESSIONAL
CHRIS HODSDEN
Originally hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, Chris brings over 30 years of tennis coaching experience, gained both in the UK and here in Australia. His deep understanding of the game, paired with his energetic and engaging style, has made him a standout coach across generations of players. Chris is not only a seasoned tennis professional but also a qualified personal trainer, with a strong interest in fitness and athletic performance. A passionate kickboxer as well, he brings a unique edge to his coaching—blending discipline, physical conditioning, and mental toughness, which enhances his approach on and off the court. A long-time fixture at Trumper Park, Chris has been an integral part of the coaching team for over two decades. His return to the courts, time and time again, is a testament to his commitment and the strong relationships he’s built within the community. Beloved by both staff and patrons, Chris is known for his positive attitude, sense of humour, and ability to motivate players of all levels. Chris delivers high-quality private lessons five days a week, offering tailored coaching to suit individual goals and playing styles. When it comes to on-court competitiveness, Chris has proven time and again that he’s a force to be reckoned with. Among the coaching team, he’s widely regarded as the “Top Dog,” often coming out on top in friendly matchups—earning both respect and admiration from his peers.
SENIOR PROFESSIONAL
KINGSTON DAY
Kingston brings over a decade of coaching experience, working with both junior and adult players across a wide range of skill levels. His dynamic and approachable style makes him a valued member of the coaching team at Trumper Park, where he plays an important role in delivering high-quality tennis programs. Kingston is actively involved in coaching several key programs, including Hot Shots for young beginners, junior squad training, the popular ladies’ clinics, and the ever-busy school holiday camps. He also provides one-on-one private coaching sessions, tailoring his lessons to meet the individual needs of each player. Working closely alongside the Tennis Director, Kingston contributes to maintaining a consistently high standard of coaching across all sessions. With a background in strength and conditioning as well as personal training, Kingston is passionate about the science of movement and athletic performance. He takes a holistic approach to sport, helping players not only improve their tennis technique but also enhance their overall physical conditioning and injury prevention strategies. His commitment to understanding how to get the most out of the human body sets him apart as a thoughtful and informed coach. A talented all-round athlete, Kingston is as comfortable competing on the field as he is on the court. He has excelled in a variety of sports, including Touch Football, Rugby, Rugby League, and OzTag, in addition to his strong tennis abilities. His diverse sporting background gives him a unique edge in coaching, allowing him to draw on a wide range of skills, training methods, and game strategies.
COACHING MENTOR
LESLEY BOWREY
Lesley is a 13-Time Grand Slam Champion & Tennis Coach. Lesley Bowrey is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the tennis world, with an impressive career that includes 13 Grand Slam titles. Throughout her career, Lesley built a legacy of excellence, combining extraordinary talent with a fierce competitive spirit that earned her recognition on the international stage. As a 13-time Grand Slam champion, Lesley’s vast experience at the highest levels of tennis gives her a unique perspective on the game. Her achievements in both singles and doubles, along with her incredible consistency across multiple surfaces, have made her a respected figure among both players and coaches worldwide. Now, as a coach, Lesley brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the court, working with players at all levels. Whether mentoring aspiring young talents or training advanced competitors, Lesley’s coaching philosophy emphasises not only technical proficiency but also the mental toughness that is essential for success at the highest levels of the game. Her focus on strategic thinking, adaptability, and resilience ensures that her students are equipped to handle the challenges of competitive tennis. Lesley’s coaching approach is rooted in her belief that success in tennis is a combination of hard work, smart play, and mental strength. She is committed to developing well-rounded players who excel both physically and mentally, with an emphasis on creating an environment where athletes feel motivated, supported, and inspired to push their limits. Lesley Bowrey’s extensive experience, both as a player and as a coach, makes her an invaluable asset to any player and our team at Trumper Park. With a history of helping athletes achieve their full potential, she remains a prominent and influential figure in the world of tennis.
RONNIE ROTH
Ronnie is a passionate and energetic coach who plays a key role in delivering a variety of tennis programs at Trumper Park. Working alongside the senior coaching team, he assists in running the Tennis Australia Hot Shots program for younger players, school holiday camps, and private coaching sessions, helping to ensure a fun, safe, and high-quality learning environment for players of all ages. A former First Team tennis player at Waverley College, Ronnie brings firsthand competitive experience and a strong connection to the local tennis community. He continues to support our programs at Waverley College, where his familiarity with the school and its students adds great value to the delivery of coaching services. Ronnie is also an accredited ATCPA (Australian Tennis Coaches and Players Association) qualified coach, bringing both technical knowledge and professionalism to his role. His friendly, approachable nature makes him a favourite with younger players and parents alike, and he’s quickly establishing himself as a promising up-and-coming coach. With a genuine love for the game and a strong commitment to ongoing development, Ronnie is an important part of our team, contributing both on court and behind the scenes to the success of our tennis programs.
BEN KOCHAN
A proud local, Ben grew up in Woollahra and has been a familiar face on the courts since the age of five. Coming from a passionate tennis-playing family, his love for the sport was nurtured from a young age. His talent was quickly recognised when he was scouted at a Tennis Australia Talent ID day, which led to him competing at a high level in junior tournaments throughout his teenage years. Today, Ben has transitioned seamlessly from competitive player to coach, bringing with him a deep understanding of the game and a natural ability to connect with students. He is known for his excellent technical skills, clear communication, and calm, patient approach—qualities that make him a fantastic coach for both beginners and more experienced players. Ben is actively involved in both private coaching and the Hot Shots program, where his enthusiasm and attention to detail help players build strong foundations and a love for the game. He’s particularly skilled at working with younger players, bringing out their potential while keeping lessons engaging and enjoyable. Outside of tennis, Ben is also an aspiring stand-up comedian—a unique talent that adds an extra layer of fun to his coaching sessions. His sense of humour, combined with his professionalism and passion for the sport, creates a positive and relaxed learning environment that students look forward to being a part of. With strong local roots, a competitive background, and a bright, creative personality, Ben is a valued member of the coaching team and a great role model for up-and-coming players.
MAX KEYSER
Max plays an integral role in our coaching team, assisting with both group and squad programs, while also offering a variety of private lessons. His ability to connect with players of all levels—from beginners to advanced athletes—makes him a versatile and valuable coach in our community. A former solid junior player, Max achieved impressive results at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for his deep understanding of the game. His experience as a competitive player gives him a unique perspective and insight into the challenges players face, allowing him to tailor his coaching approach to address specific needs and goals. Max is known for his meticulous attention to detail, whether he’s working on court with a player or focusing on his university studies. This thoroughness and commitment to excellence shine through in his coaching style, ensuring that his students receive clear, structured, and highly focused guidance in every lesson. With five years of coaching experience, Max is well-equipped to work with players at various stages of their development. His passion for helping others improve is evident in his coaching philosophy, and he is highly motivated to share his experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm with every student. Whether he’s helping a beginner build confidence or refining the skills of an advanced player, Max’s dedication to player improvement is unwavering. Max’s combination of experience, discipline, and motivation makes him an outstanding coach who is always striving to get the best out of every player.
ROGER KILINSKY
Originally from Brazil, Roger is a dynamic and multi-faceted coach who brings a wealth of experience to the tennis community. Beyond his tennis expertise, Roger also coaches and referees football, working with both private schools and club teams throughout the eastern suburbs of Sydney. His background in multiple sports adds a unique depth to his coaching, allowing him to integrate valuable cross-training techniques into his tennis sessions. At Trumper Park and Waverley College, Roger plays an important role in delivering high-quality tennis programs. He is actively involved in group lessons, private coaching sessions, and school-based programs, working with players of all ages and abilities. His versatility as a coach ensures that he can adapt his training methods to suit the individual needs of each player, helping them reach their goals on the court. Known for his incredible stamina and ability to rally for extended periods, Roger is a formidable singles player who doesn’t give an inch. His competitive nature and relentless drive make him a challenging opponent, and this determination carries over into his coaching. Roger instills the importance of consistency, resilience, and mental toughness in his students, encouraging them to push through challenges and keep improving, no matter the situation. With a passion for both tennis and football, Roger is not only a coach but also a role model for his students, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and a well-rounded approach to sports and life.
SOFIAN BACHIR
Our newest coach, Sofian, joins us all the way from France, bringing a wealth of international coaching experience and a dedicated, results-driven approach to tennis. Having coached in both France and now Australia, Sofian has a broad understanding of different playing styles and training techniques, which allows him to adapt his coaching to suit a wide range of players. With a strong focus on helping players achieve rapid improvement, Sofian is known for pushing his pupils to maximise their potential. His high-energy, results-oriented coaching style ensures that players stay motivated, focused, and always working towards tangible progress. Whether it's refining technique, boosting fitness, or enhancing match strategies, Sofian's methods are designed to achieve the fastest and most effective improvements in the shortest amount of time. In addition to his coaching, Sofian is also an excellent hitting partner, providing a consistent, high-quality ball for players to train with. His precise and dynamic ball-striking abilities make him an ideal partner for those looking to fine-tune their shots and improve their consistency. A coach who is passionate about player development and always striving for excellence, Sofian is a fantastic addition to our team, and we look forward to the impact he will have on our players as they work toward their goals.
SANTIAGO PRIETO
Originally from Salta, Argentina, Santiago is a highly versatile and experienced coach known for his well-rounded skills both on and off the court. As a superb player himself, he has cultivated a deep understanding of tennis, which allows him to adapt his coaching style to a wide range of programs and player levels. Santiago’s diverse background and expertise make him an invaluable asset to our team. Santiago’s coaching portfolio spans a variety of programs, including private lessons, group sessions, and school teams. He works with players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners looking to develop a strong foundation to advanced players striving to refine their technique and strategy. Additionally, Santiago has also run our popular social tennis sessions every Monday and Wednesday, creating a fun and engaging environment for players of all abilities to enjoy the game and build community. With over 10 years of coaching experience, Santiago has had the opportunity to coach across several continents. He has honed his skills not only in Australia but also in Argentina and during three summer seasons in New York, USA. This international experience has given him a unique perspective on coaching and player development, incorporating a blend of coaching philosophies and techniques from around the world. In addition to his coaching, Santiago is skilled in racquet stringing, offering another valuable service to players. His attention to detail ensures that every racquet is prepared to the highest standard, giving players the best equipment for their game. Santiago’s passion for tennis, combined with his extensive experience and multi-faceted approach, makes him an exceptional coach and mentor. Whether he’s on the court with a player or fine-tuning a racquet, Santiago brings a high level of dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm to everything he does.
SAM VAJA
Sam brings a wealth of experience from both his competitive tennis background and his extensive playing experience across Europe. Having recently returned from Prague, Czech Republic, where he honed his skills, Sam is now back in Sydney, coaching and competing at a high level. His international playing experience adds a unique perspective to his coaching, enabling him to bring a broad and dynamic approach to the court. Sam is known for being a solid hitting partner, offering a consistent and powerful rally that helps players refine their strokes and improve their overall game. Whether he’s assisting in our Hot Shots program for younger players, leading tennis camps, or providing private coaching, Sam’s commitment to excellence is evident in everything he does. He works with players of all standards, ensuring that each individual receives tailored instruction that helps them improve their skills, whether they’re just starting out or aiming to refine advanced techniques. What sets Sam apart is his dedication to the game and to his students. He gives his all on the court, sharing his knowledge, experience, and passion for tennis. His coaching style emphasizes not only technique but also the mental aspects of the game, helping players build confidence and stay motivated. Whether he’s helping a young player develop their first forehand or coaching an advanced competitor through tactical play, Sam’s approach is focused, encouraging, and always results-oriented. With his international experience, passion for tennis, and unwavering commitment to his players, Sam is an invaluable addition to our team, offering expert guidance to all those looking to improve their game.
All of our coaches are cleared to work with children.
