About Us

Staff members

Scott Patrick

GENERAL MANAGER

I got a late start playing tennis at the age of 14. I was offered an opportunity to go to Nick Bollettieri, because my brother was a coach at the academy.

I played college tennis at Eastern Kentucky. Immediately, after I finished playing, I became the Assistant Women’s Coach at University of Kentucky for 5 years.

I went on to become a Tennis Director In Topeka Kansas before settling in at Knoxville Racquet Club for the last 23 years.

I love helping players of all ages and enjoy the game of tennis . Throughout the years, I have really enjoyed getting junior players to the college level. I estimate I have helped over 50 players make it to the college ranks.

Dave Thornton

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

This is David’s eighth year at the Knoxville Racquet Club and his twenty-eighth year coaching tennis.

David coached collegiately for ten years as the Head Women’s Coach at Middle Tennessee State University and as the Assistant Women’s Coach at Vanderbilt University. In 2014 David was the interim Assistant Coach at Vanderbilt.

David worked at Ridgeland Country Club from 2003-2013.

He has coached and developed many top level junior players and has received multiple Collegiate “Coach of the Year” awards.

David played tennis at Middle Tennessee State University and is a native of Galway, Ireland.

Hala Sufi

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Kata Szekely

TENNIS PROFESSIONAL

Kata Szekely was ranked top 2 in Hungary and was part of the national team throughout her junior career.

She played tennis at the University of Tennessee where she received two All-America honors for reaching the semi finals of the NCAA tournament in doubles.

Following her collegiate career she coached at the Depaul University in Chicago for two years.

She has been at the Knoxville Racquet club for seven years. Kata works with juniors and adults as well.