MEET OUR HEAD COACHES
Sammy Giammalva
Sammy Giammalva Jr. is one of Houston’s most accomplished tennis professionals and a respected figure in American tennis. He competed on the ATP Tour for 10 years, making history as the first amateur to win a professional tennis tournament and is the youngest American male to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
During his professional career, he achieved a career-high singles ranking inside the world’s top 30 and captured multiple ATP titles. He earned notable victories over legends including Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, and Mats Wilander, showcasing his ability to compete with the very best in the world.
Following his time on tour, Giammalva owned and operated Giammalva Racquet Club for 21 years, building one of Texas’ premier training environments and mentoring generations of competitive players.
John Kudrick
John Kudrick has been a respected leader in the Houston tennis community for decades. As a former owner and operator of Copperfield Racquet Club, he built a strong foundation for junior development, adult league play, and high-quality instruction, helping players of all levels grow their skills and love for the game.
He also served as Director of Tennis at Hearthstone Country Club and Kingwood Country Club, where he oversaw comprehensive tennis operations, coached competitive juniors, developed adult programs, and managed professional staff. His leadership helped elevate program standards, increase member engagement, and create a culture centered on professionalism, development, and competitive excellence.
Throughout his career, Kudrick has been known for his strong organizational leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to mentoring both players and fellow teaching professionals. His impact extends beyond wins and rankings — he has shaped club programs and influenced generations of players across the Houston area.
David Subirats
David Subirats is a highly respected tennis coach and leader in junior player development. Before beginning his coaching career, Subirats competed at the NCAA Division I level as a student-athlete at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned All-Southland Conference first-team honors in both singles and doubles and was named Southland Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
After graduating, he took on coaching roles internationally, including at the Sánchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona, before returning to the U.S. and eventually serving as Director of the Giammalva Tennis Academy. In that role, Subirats led one of the region’s premier junior development programs, coaching numerous nationally and world-ranked juniors and helping athletes progress from regional competition to national and international tournaments.
His training philosophy blends technical precision, tactical intelligence, and mental toughness to prepare players for high-level competition. Subirats is known for his ability to build individualized development plans, foster competitive confidence, and create an environment that supports both athletic and personal growth.
MEET OUR COACHES