Craig Johnson
Owner and Director
Craig Johnson founded Grip n Rip Junior Tennis at the Newport Beach Tennis Club in 2006. With an impressive career as both a player and coach, he was an All-American at Pepperdine University and competed on the ATP Tour. He achieved a career high singles ranking of 318 in the world and a doubles ranking of 281. Following his professional career, Craig coached for World Team Tennis before settling back into Southern California to open Grip n Rip Junior Tennis. Outside of tennis, Craig enjoys golf and spending time with his wife Michelle and their two boys, both of whom are exceptional athletes.
For any questions, inquiries, or collaboration opportunities, please feel free to contact Craig directly at [email protected].
John Michael Cham-A-Koon
General Manager & Staff Pro
John-Michael has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis since its inception in 2006. Beyond his prowess as both a tennis player and coach, John-Michael assumes a multifaceted role, overseeing administrative tasks and implementing efficient systems and processes. His dedication ensures that the entire Grip n Rip program operates seamlessly, catering to the needs of staff, students, and parents alike. He is a vital part of Grip n Rip, and his contributions are deeply appreciated
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $120 for members
- $130 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with John, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
John Michael Cham-A-Koon
General Manager & Staff Pro
John-Michael has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis since its inception in 2006. Beyond his prowess as both a tennis player and coach, John-Michael assumes a multifaceted role, overseeing administrative tasks and implementing efficient systems and processes. His dedication ensures that the entire Grip n Rip program operates seamlessly, catering to the needs of staff, students, and parents alike. He is a vital part of Grip n Rip, and his contributions are deeply appreciated.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour) :
- $120 for members
- $130 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with John, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
John Craig
Programming Director &
Staff Pro
Works with All Ages and Levels
John boasts an impressive 40-year tenure in the tennis industry, having served in various roles such as college player, instructor, presenter, and tennis director. He is a former Division 1 player and has been a UPSTA Elite Professional since 1987. John has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis since 2015. With his extensive experience, he has owned and operated numerous junior programs, utilizing his expertise to enhance the skills of Grip n Rip players as they progress towards tennis excellence. Grip n Rip Tennis sincerely appreciates John’s invaluable contributions to the program.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $120 for members
- $130 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with John, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
Lucas Monterroso
Programming Director &
Staff Pro
Suited for More Experienced Players
Hailing from Uruguay, Lucas Monterroso has been a valued member of the GNR family since June 2020. With a background as a standout tennis junior and college player, Lucas brings a self-motivated coaching style to the court. He instills his passion and drive in all players, irrespective of their level or experience. Lucas is the visionary behind the creation of the High Performance program at Grip N Rip Junior Tennis, focusing on guiding players along the competitive track and paving their paths toward collegiate or professional tennis careers. Grip N Rip Junior Tennis greatly appreciates his significant contributions to the program.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $120 for members
- $130 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Lucas or inquire about the High Performance Program, please don’t hesitate to contact him directly via email at [email protected].
Lucas Monterroso
Suited for More Experienced Players
Programming Director &
Staff Pro
Suited for More Experienced Players
Hailing from Uruguay, Lucas Monterroso has been a valued member of the GNR family since June 2020. With a background as a standout tennis junior and college player, Lucas brings a self-motivated coaching style to the court. He instills his passion and drive in all players, irrespective of their level or experience. Lucas is the visionary behind the creation of the High Performance program at Grip N Rip Junior Tennis, focusing on guiding players along the competitive track and paving their paths toward collegiate or professional tennis careers. Grip N Rip Junior Tennis greatly appreciates his significant contributions to the program.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $120 for members
- $130 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Lucas or inquire about the High Performance Program, please don’t hesitate to contact him directly via email at [email protected].
Scott VanSon
Programming Director &
Staff Pro
Works with All Ages and Levels
In 1990, Scott began his coaching career in Newport Beach and has been an integral part of Grip n Rip since 2006. Coach Scott picked up tennis later than most, but his passion for learning, hard work & determination gave him the opportunity to play college tennis and he is currently a certified USPTA Elite Teaching Pro. Scott has experience working with all levels, from beginner to the highly competitive player and his coaching vision is to help every player reach their competitive potential. With 30+ years of coaching experience, Coach Scott understands that, while having fun, a player’s development is best achieved when built on sound technical, athletic and mental fundamentals. He is often heard saying, let’s get it right, because “Practice Makes Permanent”. When Coach Scott is not on the courts, he spends any free time he has teaching dance, playing competitive volleyball or racing motocross.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $110 for members
- $120 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Scott, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
Anastasiia Kuprina
Marketing Director
Anastasiia has served as the Marketing Director of Grip n Rip Tennis since last year, overseeing all marketing initiatives for the organization. With a remarkable background in marketing, she has worked across various regions worldwide. One of her notable achievements includes leading a marketing department at one of the prestigious marketplaces in South America. Holding Bachelor’s and MBA degrees in Marketing, Anastasiia has played a pivotal role in expanding Grip n Rip Tennis’s community reach.
Furthermore, Anastasiia boasts an impressive tennis background. She competed on the professional tour for several years and also represented her college tennis team, achieving the prestigious rank of number 7 in the nation for Division II. She has also contributed to the sport as an Assistant Coach for Division I Mount St. Mary’s University.
For any questions, inquiries, or collaboration opportunities, please feel free to contact Anastasiia directly at [email protected].
Anastasiia Kuprina
Marketing Director
Anastasiia has served as the Marketing Director of Grip n Rip Tennis since last year, overseeing all marketing initiatives for the organization. With a remarkable background in marketing, she has worked across various regions worldwide. One of her notable achievements includes leading a marketing department at one of the prestigious marketplaces in South America. Holding Bachelor’s and MBA degrees in Marketing, Anastasiia has played a pivotal role in expanding Grip n Rip Tennis’s community reach.
Furthermore, Anastasiia boasts an impressive tennis background. She competed on the professional tour for several years and also represented her college tennis team, achieving the prestigious rank of number 7 in the nation for Division II. She has also contributed to the sport as an Assistant Coach for Division I Mount St. Mary’s University.
For any questions, inquiries, or collaboration opportunities, please feel free to contact Anastasiia directly at [email protected].
Sunil Sipaeya
Staff Pro
Suited for More Experienced Players
Sunil has been an integral part of Grip N Rip Junior Tennis since 2011. Passionate about coaching and deeply committed to our tennis community, Sunil brings his wealth of experience to every lesson. With a diverse coaching approach, he thrives on working with players of all levels and ages. However, his extensive playing background makes him a standout choice for competitive athletes.
Sunil’s tennis journey is nothing short of remarkable. He proudly represented the Indian Davis Cup team in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2007, showcasing his talent and dedication on an international stage. Holding the prestigious title of Indian No. 1, Sunil’s ATP rankings of 340 in singles and 296 in doubles speak volumes about his skill and expertise on the court
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $110 for members
- $120 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Sunil, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected]
Randy Estrad
Staff Pro
Works with All Ages and Levels
Randy has been an integral part of Grip N Rip Junior Tennis since late 2019. With a background in competitive junior tournaments and club tennis experience at Cal State Fullerton, Randy brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to his coaching role. He specializes in imparting the essential tennis foundation to yellow ball players aspiring to compete in tournaments and reach higher levels of tennis proficiency.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $110 for members
- $120 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Randy, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
Randy Estrad
Staff Pro Works with All Ages and Levels
Randy has been an integral part of Grip N Rip Junior Tennis since late 2019. With a background in competitive junior tournaments and club tennis experience at Cal State Fullerton, Randy brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to his coaching role. He specializes in imparting the essential tennis foundation to yellow ball players aspiring to compete in tournaments and reach higher levels of tennis proficiency.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour) :
- $110 for members
- $120 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Randy, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
Andrea Gonzalez
Staff Pro
Specializes in Younger Players/Beginners
Andrea Gonzalez has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis for many years, drawing inspiration from her family’s deep roots in the sport. Her father, the legendary Pancho Gonzalez, once held the prestigious title of the #1 player on the tour for many years. With over 35 years of experience in teaching and playing competitive tennis, Andrea brings a wealth of expertise to the program, specializing in working with young players. She fosters their love for the game while instilling values of sportsmanship and dedication.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $100 for members
- $110 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Andrea, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
Bay Taylor
Staff Pro
Specializes in Orange Ball (Ages 6-10)
Bay has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis since 2017. With a remarkable playing background, Bay brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her coaching role. As a former tennis scholar-athlete at Azusa Pacific University, she excelled on the court, earning top rankings in both singles and doubles within the NAIA division. Bay’s consistent performance also earned her the prestigious title of All-American throughout her collegiate career.
Driven by her passion for teaching and mentoring, Bay finds joy in working with motivated junior players, particularly those in the 6-10-year-old range. With her unique blend of skill, knowledge, and enthusiasm, Bay is dedicated to nurturing young talent and instilling a love for the game in her students.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $110 for members
- $120 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Bay, please reach out to her directly via email at [email protected]
Bay Taylor
Staff Pro
Specializes in Orange Ball (Ages 6-10)
Bay has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis since 2017. With a remarkable playing background, Bay brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her coaching role. As a former tennis scholar-athlete at Azusa Pacific University, she excelled on the court, earning top rankings in both singles and doubles within the NAIA division. Bay’s consistent performance also earned her the prestigious title of All-American throughout her collegiate career.
Driven by her passion for teaching and mentoring, Bay finds joy in working with motivated junior players, particularly those in the 6-10-year-old range. With her unique blend of skill, knowledge, and enthusiasm, Bay is dedicated to nurturing young talent and instilling a love for the game in her students
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour) :
- $110 for members
- $120 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Bay, please reach out to her directly via email at [email protected].
Joe DiGiulio
Staff Pro
Suited for More Experienced Players
Joe has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Tennis since last year, bringing with him a wealth of experience and achievements in the world of tennis. Starting his tennis journey at the tender age of 3, he is the eldest of three brothers, all of whom have excelled as Division 1 tennis players. Joe’s remarkable accomplishments include attaining the prestigious #1 ranking in the nation across all junior divisions, clinching the title of 16s Easter Bowl Champion, and proudly representing UCLA Men’s Tennis. Passionate about nurturing young talents, Joe finds joy in collaborating with driven junior tennis players, sharing his expertise, and inspiring them to reach new heights in the sport.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $110 for members
- $120 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Joe, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
Blake Barber
Staff Pro
Specializes in Younger Players/Beginners
Blake Barber has been an integral part of Grip N Rip Tennis since 2010, specializing in coaching junior players and fostering their passion for the sport. With a focus on fundamental skill development, he guides young talents towards success on the court. Blake provides steadfast support to players of all levels, offering both technical instruction and motivational encouragement as they pursue their tennis goals.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
- $100 for members
- $110 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Blake, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
Blake Barber
Staff Pro
Specializes in Younger Players/Beginners
Blake Barber has been an integral part of Grip N Rip Tennis since 2010, specializing in coaching junior players and fostering their passion for the sport. With a focus on fundamental skill development, he guides young talents towards success on the court. Blake provides steadfast support to players of all levels, offering both technical instruction and motivational encouragement as they pursue their tennis goals.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour) :
- $100 for members
- $110 for non-members
To schedule a lesson with Blake, please reach out to him directly via email at [email protected].
Jann Dunlap
Staff Pro
Jann is dedicated to assisting with our programs, finding joy in interacting with children. Grip n Rip Tennis is immensely grateful for her valuable contribution to the program.