MEET THE PROs
Get ready for another great day of tennis! You will find that the team at Island Slice Tennis is always happy and eager to help you. The professional instructors are available each day for clinics and lessons, and can engage additional local instructors for larger groups/events.
Meet Rudy Embernate!
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Rudy is a USPTA-certified tennis professional and he loves to teach. Tennis has always a big part of Rudy's life. He has many years of active tennis play and tournaments, great experience directing very large tennis programs and facilities, a fun list of international tennis travels/adventures, and a really long list of appreciative tennis players who benefit from his teaching and coaching.
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Rudy was born and raised on the big island. He went to college (California) to play baseball and his journey led him back to Hawaii where he served as a police detective for over 20 years. Rudy has been the director of tennis at Fairmont for over a decade. He was previously the tennis director at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. On and off the court, Rudy is invested in tennis and the tennis community, and appreciates the many friendships he's developed along the way.
Meet Gannon Nicoll !
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Gannon is a USPTA-certified and USPTR-certified tennis professional and he loves to create great energy on the courts. Gannon has served as a tennis pro for over a decade and at some of the most renowned clubs on the mainland and the Big Island. Gannon was a tournament player in SoCal for many years and he is a former hitting partner with well-known pros like Mark Philippoussis, Michael Russel & Michael Chang.
Gannon's true calling is in mentoring the next generation of tennis players and serving his community, both on and off the courts. When he is not teaching, Gannon enjoys fishing, hiking, and spending time with his family.
Meet Ron Seno!
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Ron is a long-time USPTA tennis teaching pro and he is a certified Pickleball International Instructor ('PCI'). Ron brings the Aloha spirit to every clinic and lesson. Ron's professional background started at the Royal Lahina Tennis Ranch and he has since worked for many top tennis clubs in Hawaii and on the mainland. Ron has worked with many professionals tennis players in his career.
Ron was born and raised on the island of Maui in Hawaii. He has been ranked #1 doubles and singles champion Big Island many times in his successful tennis career. When Ron is not teaching tennis or pickleball on the courts, you may see him working his other passion. Ron is a bit of a local musical celebrity: he plays the ukulele and sings at many local events/venues and he teaches ukulele too.