MIKA'S TENNIS ACADEMY · VAN NUYS
Our Coaches
Mika Sakvarelidze
DirectorMika picked up a racket at age 5, and by 10 he knew tennis was more than a hobby. He became a top 20 junior in France, training alongside Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet, Sebastien Grosjean and Arnaud Clement. Today he serves as President of RSPA District 2. As a high performance coach, he works with kids to take their game to the next level, using simple, creative analogies that explain the "how and why" of tennis so players of every level can thrive. For Mika, coaching is not just a responsibility. It's a privilege.
Linda Ohanyan
Head CoachLinda Ohanyan is an RSPA-certified Elite Professional with over 6 years of international coaching experience at every level. A former #1 ranked professional player in Armenia and a member of the national team, she has won multiple titles in Tennis Europe and ITF tournaments. Linda spent four years as head coach at a private high school, leading the team to a CIF championship.
Head CoachPeter Kudyma
Peter Kudyma is a former professional player from Kyiv, Ukraine. He started tennis at age 6 and was representing Ukraine in the European Team Cup by 11. He became national under-16 champion, ranked among the top 100 juniors in the world, and won silver at the Men's Ukrainian Championship at 17. Peter reached rankings of 141 (ITF) and 1315 (ATP), and today he helps players of all levels reach their full potential.
Mark Hammelman
Head CoachMark Hammelman is a certified RSPA Professional from Janesville, Wisconsin. He started playing tennis at age 8, became a top-ranked junior in Wisconsin, and went on to play Division II college tennis at Ferris State University, where he earned All-American honors and finished #3 in the country in doubles. Mark has been coaching for over 20 years at clubs in Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and California.
James Downing
Senior CoachJames Downing is a tennis professional from England with over 20 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East and India. He has built advanced tennis camps, organized tournaments and been a key figure in Lacoste's development program. James loves every side of the game: technical, tactical, physical and mental. He calls Mika's Tennis Academy an "Oasis of Tennis", and he brings that joy to players of every generation.
Senior CoachNorik Otuzbiryran
Norik Otuzbiryran's tennis journey began at 15 at Central Park Tennis Academy, and he went on to compete in junior and college tennis. After a 15-year career in IT procurement, he followed his true passion and now coaches full time. Norik has taught private and group lessons across Los Angeles, and his coaching is influenced by Patrick Mouratoglou. He's known for a friendly learning atmosphere that inspires the next generation of players.
Senior Coach · Tiny Tots SpecialistAnna-Alicia Araujo
Anna-Alicia Araujo introduces young children ages 3–8 to tennis, with a special focus on MTA's Tiny Tots program for ages 3–5. Warm and encouraging, she uses age-appropriate games to build coordination, basic racket skills, confidence and a love for the game. Anna-Alicia also helps run MTA's 6-Week Youth Tennis League, where kids get their first taste of matches, teamwork and sportsmanship. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the Neighborhood Junior Tennis Program (NJTP).
Hana Moss
MTA Pro CoachHana Moss has played competitive tennis for years, from high-level junior tournaments to college tennis and professional competition. Along the way she discovered how much she loves helping other players build their skills and their confidence on the court. Hana's classes are fun, supportive and motivating, so players can improve, compete and enjoy the game.
MTA Pro CoachAlex Gogiberidze
Alex Gogiberidze is a PTR-certified coach who works with players of all ages and skill levels, from young beginners to competitive juniors and adults. His coaching focuses on building strong fundamentals, improving consistency and helping players grow their confidence on the court. Alex brings an energetic, encouraging approach to every lesson while keeping players challenged and progressing. He also helps manage the academy behind the scenes, so everything runs smoothly for players and parents.