Club Manager & Tennis Director

Mike Smookler, the dynamic Manager of WOTC, brings a blend of passion and expertise. With years of experience in sports/tennis management, Mike is dedicated to ensuring that WOTC remains at the forefront of tennis excellence. His leadership style emphasizes both the technical and community aspects of the sport, fostering an environment where players of all levels can thrive and achieve their goals. Under Mike's guidance, WOTC continues to be a beacon for tennis enthusiasts, offering top-tier training and fostering a vibrant tennis community.

As a USPTA Elite Certified Coach since 1994, Mike's credentials are a testament to his dedication and prowess in the sport. His accolades include being named the 2005 USPTA New England Facility Manager of the Year, 2006 USPTA New England Pro of the Year, 2017 USPTA Eastern High School Coach of the Year, and the 2019 USPTA Eastern Pro of the Year. Mike also was captain of his tennis team at Lyndon State College of Vermont his senior year, integral to his team making it to the NAIA National Tournament for three years in a row. Currently serving the USPTA Board as past President of the USPTA Eastern Section President.

His rich experience includes training and coaching with tennis legends like Guillermo Villas, Mats Wilander, Stan Smith, Tim Mayotte, Rod Laver, Tom Gullikson, and many more. Hailing from Berkeley Heights, NJ, Mike's journey in tennis is both inspiring and influential, making him a pivotal figure at WOTC and in the broader tennis community.

High Performance Director

Les Smith, the visionary Director of the High-Performance Tennis Program at WOTC, has been molding tennis prodigies since 1994. With his PTR certification and a legacy of coaching champions at state, sectional, and national levels, Les is a beacon for elite juniors transitioning to collegiate play and beyond. Notably, he's the architect behind WOTC's renowned High-Performance Program. This initiative, rooted in Les's philosophy, offers a structured pathway for junior athletes aiming for collegiate tennis. It's not just about physical prowess; Les believes in nurturing players emotionally and psychologically, ensuring they're well-rounded both on and off the court. With a commitment to academics, dedicated weekly play, and active tournament participation, athletes under Les's guidance are primed for success. A former top singles player for Western Michigan University and a native of Flint, Michigan, Les's holistic approach and unmatched expertise make him a cornerstone of WOTC's tennis legacy.

Junior Development Director

Yudy Shivkumar is WOTC’s Head of Junior Development. As a father of two stellar competitive players himself—a daughter on D1 scholarship with a son whose eyes are fixed on a bright future as well. Yudy lives and breathes tennis and his mindset is “family first” in consideration of the well-being and the potential of all his tennis students to thrive and win on the court.

Yudy has competed in the semi-pro circuit himself, and has been an established leader as Director of tennis programs for over 15 years, and he continues to demonstrate his expertise in junior and collegiate player development.

Yudy is a highly sought-after coach by high-performance juniors, adults, and even kids just starting out. Playing with Yudy is an experience that undoubtedly results in improvement—especially for those dedicated to the challenge to increase their winning record.

ROGY Youth Progression Senior Manager

Shihab Faiyaz is a WOTC’s Senior Manager of the ROGY Program. Shihab’s passion is family and tennis—if you know him, you can hear him from few courts over—you know his distinct smile and tenacious belief in the power of positive reinforcement to empower young players to live up to their potential.

Shihab believes in the power of learning the tennis fundamentals right from the start. He advocates for the families he works with to embrace tennis as an iterative learning process that will result in positive outcomes given the player's positive attitude, discipline, hard work, and natural talent.

Shihab has been a highly sought-after tennis coach, specializing in junior development for 15+ years and continues to relish in seeing his students thrive on the court, winning National and global championships.

Lead Operations and Front Desk Associate

Claudia has a deep connection to the club, having grown up coming to WOTC. Originally from West Caldwell, NJ, she excelled academically, earning a degree in Spanish from Montclair State University, followed by a Master’s in Higher Education and an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall University.

Claudia is passionate about the life skills tennis imparts and is a strong advocate for the positive impact of the WOTC community. Known for her approachable and helpful demeanor, she is an excellent guide and leader, ensuring that members always receive top-notch service. Her leadership and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the WOTC team.

Marketing and Admin

A native of San Diego, CA and former New Yorker, Mary has a background in Marketing and the Arts. A tennis mom and recreational player herself, Mary is passionate about ensuring a positive experience for all who visit us at WOTC.

Accounting Operations and Client Liason

Thiago Ferreira, a dedicated member of the WOTC team, seamlessly handles front desk operations while also overseeing accounts. With a meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Thiago ensures both guests and financials are managed with precision and care.

USTA Tournament Director and Client liaison

Dillon Shiwkumar, a pivotal member of the WOTC team, expertly contributes to the front desk while also serving as the USTA In-House Tournament Director. With a keen understanding of both administrative and competitive aspects of tennis, Dillon ensures smooth operations and top-tier tournament experiences at WOTC.

Client Service Front Desk Liaison

For over 10 years, Pat McGinley has been a welcoming face at WOTC, embodying the spirit of our community as the Client Service Front Desk Liaison. Her role extends beyond warm greetings; she expertly leads the administration of our Tennis Team events, bringing her own passion as a tennis player. Integral to WOTC's culture, Pat's presence is a blend of friendliness and professionalism that makes our facility more than just a tennis club – it's a home.

Client Service Front Desk Liasion

Jackie Howard is our morning spark at WOTC, bringing a unique energy that kick-starts our day. Her presence ensures a smooth start to our operations, adding a lively touch to our community. Jackie's distinct style is an essential part of the WOTC family, helping us all begin each day with a fresh and vibrant outlook.