High Performance Tennis
High Performance Tennis
RSC is the largest Junior Tennis Development Centre in Ottawa. Each year a number of our high performance tennis athletes compete at the Provincial and National level. RSC prides ourselves on being athlete-centered. This means that every ball hit within the program is structured and planned for the maximum benefit to meet the needs of the individual athlete.
Mission
To provide the best development environment for each individual to grow to their best potential.
Our Vision
To give the athletes the technical, physical and psychological abilities to perform in competition and develop a positive outlook on performing.
Our Values
- Discipline: Our athletes should meet the highest possible standards in all their athletic and social activities
- Desire: Our athletes drive towards continuous improvements through their actions and mentality towards all elements of their training and education
- Diligence: Our athlete’s aptitude to undertake a careful and well-planned approach is the critical ingredient in any successful endeavor
- Development: Our athlete’s development into world class players and versatile human being dictates everything we do within our competitive and high performance program
Being part of the High Performance Team requires an annual commitment, and the training runs from September – June. We limit the number of athletes to ensure we provide a high standard and quality training environment.
Please contact rachel@rideausportscentre.com if you are interested in more information.
Our Coaches
Our experienced coaches have a long coaching history in High Performance and a proven track record of developing young tennis players. The Team is led by Rachel Cruickshank and assisted by Pierre Tafelski who are both Tennis Canada Coach 3 Certified. The Team is completed by other experienced coaches who share a passion for the sport and help each athlete achieve their personal goals.
Rachel Cruickshank
Head of High Performance & Competitive Development
Rachel has competed at the local, provincial, national and international level, winning over 10 Ottawa City Championship titles and competing in several International Tennis Federation (ITF) events. She has over 10 years experience coaching recreational and competitive juniors and adults
Certifications: Tennis Canada Coach 3 Certification, Tennis Canada Course Facilitator
Fun fact: Rachel once met Roger Federer at Wimbledon
Contact: rachel@rideausportscentre.com
Pierre Tafelski
Tennis Director
Pierre has over a decade in high performance as a NCAA Division 1 player, NCAA Division 1 Head Coach and Director of High Performance in Canada. He brings a wealth of experience from all over the world coaching internationally ranked players.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Coach 3
Fun fact: Pierre once swam with sharks in the sea. Loves to spend time playing soccer and traveling.
Contact: pierre@rideausportscentre.com
Sabina Machalova
Tennis Professional
Sabina has a wealth of high performance knowledge from her experiences competing at the National and Collegiate level. From the Czech Republic, she clinched the Under 18 National Champion in Singles and Doubles. Transitioning to the collegiate level, Sabina competed as an NCAA Division 1 player at the University of Mississippi, earning rankings – #16 in Singles and #20 in Doubles. She also spent a number of years coaching at the University of Michigan.
Certifications: Undergoing Club Professional 2
Fun Fact: When not on court, you can find Sabina enjoying books or watching documentaries.
Contact: sabina@rideausportscentre.com
Alex Harea
Head of Junior Tennis Development
Alex grew up playing competitively at a provincial level and developed a passion for teaching early on in his life. With experience building some of the largest junior recreational programs in the National Capital Region, Alex specializes in play-based, student-centered development for children and adults.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Club Pro 3
Fun Fact: When he’s not on the court, you can find him writing and producing original music under the name “Harea Band”.
Contact: alex@rideausportscentre.com
Zhenya
Tennis Professional
Zhenya’s background is in high performance and coaching. He brings over thirty years of experience coaching juniors and adults of all levels, and has worked with many provincial, national and NCAA players. He is also an OTA Regional Coordinator for Ottawa and University of Ottawa Tennis Team Head Coach. Zhenya is always open to learning, finding new ways to coach, share his knowledge, experience, and love of the sport with others.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Certified Coach 2, Club Pro 2, Cardio Tennis Certified
Fun fact: When not on the court, Zhenya enjoys a good book or a film, as well as taking his toy poodle for a nature walk.
Contact: zhenya@rideausportscentre.com
Sacha Krishna
Head Pro & Head of Adult Programs
Sacha has been coaching juniors and adults for over 20 years. Sacha always ensures a positive learning environment for his students, bringing a passion and enthusiasm for the game guaranteed to improve your game and hook you for life.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Club Pro 3
Fun Fact: When he’s not on the court, Sacha spends his time playing hockey, watching MMA, and playing with any dog he meets!
Contact: sacha@rideausportscentre.com
