The namesake of Tompkins Tennis, Richard has over 30 years of experience developing high-level competitive juniors. In the past 15 years, he's produced over 30 local juniors who have achieved a top ten national ranking.  Richard has also coached several players at the junior and adult grand slams!

There are few coaches who can match Richard’s energy or intensity levels on the court, and he has a gift for transferring those same traits to the students who work with him.

Gabriel Ionita was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania. Growing up he played tennis, basketball and handball in addition to studying martial arts. As a teenager Ionita decided to
pursue a competitive career in martial arts and obtained his 1 st degree black belt in Shotokan, Canada in 2003. Coach Ionita is passionate about coaching all levels of tennis including his daughter who is a competitive ranked junior in California. He is USPTA and Level 2 RSPA (professional) certified.

Dhyan Patel was born and raised in India. Patel started playing tennis at the age of six and became one of India's top ranked junior players. Dhyan moved to Spain at the age of 15 where he trained at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Tennis Academy. He learned great techniques and strategies under Juan Carlos Ferrero and had a great experience playing with Carlos Alcaraz. Patel achieved a high men's ranking in Spain and played for Kings College. Following college Patel moved to the United States where he has coached players of all levels including the ATP. Patel offers a combination of high level tennis coaching and playing experience.

Sandy Tompkins is responsible for the academy's fitness and strength programs. She is a certified Personal Trainer, Sports Nutrition Certified, as well as TRX-certified. Sandy works one-on-one with juniors and adults in developing their off-court fitness programs. 

Specializing in tennis specific conditioning, Sandy has also worked as a fitness trainer with both junior and professional tennis players competing in college and grand slams.

Luke Andrews was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado where he was top-10 ranked in the Intermountain Section (Boy’s 18’s). Andrews competed at Cerritos College where he
discovered a love of coaching. Coach Andrews started coaching tennis when he was 18 years-old. Andrews works with juniors and adults of all ages and skill levels. Andrews is also currently competing at the Open Level. He is passionate about spreading his knowledge and love of the game to anyone interested in learning the life-long sport of tennis.

Darius Mason was born and raised in Oakland, California where he developed a love for sports at a young age. Mason participated in a variety of sports growing up which helped shape his competitive spirit and teamwork skills. Beyond his own involvement in sports, Mason also found great satisfaction mentoring kids throughout his high school years with his goal being to inspire and guide them. Darius is currently pursuing his passion for sports by competing as the Center for the College of Alameda Basketball team while also coaching for Tompkins Tennis. This role allows Mason to continue challenging himself athletically and be part of a team striving for success. 

DIRECTOR OF TENNIS

Michael Sperry was born and raised in Sacramento, California. Sperry competed in junior tennis and was a scholarship athlete at Division 1 Eastern Illinois University where he led the
team as both its #1 singles and doubles player. Sperry graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Upon graduation, Sperry’s love of sport led him to coaching tennis. His ethos of hard work, passion, grit, focus and appreciation for technique have defined his teaching. Coach Sperry has taught predominantly in California for more than a decade at the esteemed Tompkins Tennis Academy where he is honored to work with Richard and Sandy Tompkins. In addition to many other top junior players, Coach Sperry was also involved with the training of pros with Richard and Sandy. Some notables include India Houghton (Stanford), Katie Volynets (WTA #62), Giuliana Olmos (Finalist Wimbledon and U.S. Open in Doubles),and Rachel Eason (#1 Harvard). Coach Sperry is passionate about working with kids of all levels.

Olive Maunupau grew up In San Francisco, California where she played tennis with her sister starting at the age of four in Golden Gate Park. Maunupau's dad was her coach and also trained her how to coach other players as well. Olive loved playing doubles with her sister and they became three time USTA NorCal Women's Doubles Team of the Year before both committed to compete for the University of California at Davis. Maunupau received a Big West Player of the Week Award and multiple ITA Scholar Athlete awards. Olive's motto is to learn something new and have fun while doing it!