Rio del Oro

Casey Harris,  Tennis Professional

I have been teaching tennis at Rio del Oro Racquet Club since 1998. During the first four years I served as the junior tennis coordinator and grew the program from 60 to 350 kids. Prior to coming to Rio del Oro Racquet Club, I was the junior and assistant pro at the Auburn Racquet Club for 4 years.

Greco de Valencia, Tennis Professionl

I am entering my second year as an assistant tennis pro at Rio del Oro Racquet Club. I’ve been teaching tennis for 4 years and enjoy the sport very much. My greatest challenge is still to find time to play now that I have started teaching. I work with many adults and competitive juniors along with players just being introduced to the game. I’m also the head tennis coach at Jesuit High School. Rio, to me, is the perfect tennis environment and I look forward each day to seeing my students, members, and fellow tennis staff members on the court.

Gabo Loredo, Junior Tennis Coordinator

Hello, my name is Gabriel Loredo and I am 23 years old. I was born in Mexico City. I have been planning tennis since I was 6 years old. Throughout my tennis career, I practiced with well known tennis coaches such as Jose Higueras in Palm springs, CA and Raul Ramirez in Mexico City. I ranked as high as number one in the nation (Mexico) singles and doubles; represented the Mexican National Team in the Nec World Youth Cup in 200 in Perth, Australia and 2001 in Hiroshima, Japan; and participated in many ITF level “A” and I tournaments, and played in the Orange Bowl many times and won 4 ITF group 3 and 4 tournaments. After I was done with my Junior tennis career, I was awarded a tennis scholarship to Wichita State University (2003-2005) and California State University-Sacramento (2005-2007) where I am about to obtain a degree in Organizational Communications. In my college tennis career, I was ranked #34 in the nation in doubles and played as high as number 1, 2 and 3 in singles while playing Division I college tennis.

I have worked with the Mexican Tennis Association (ATEM) located in Mexico City coaching junior tennis players from different age groups and levels. I have also provided instruction to elite junior tennis players from Mexico and the Caribbean. I am very passionate about pursuing a career as a tennis instructor and looking forward to work with elite junior tennis players. I am very excited about soon being the nuew junior tennis coordinator at the Rio del Oro Racquet Club and I plan to make the junior tennis program as big and structured as it can be.

Kevin Kurtz

Tennis Professional

I can’t believe it has already been three years since I came to Rio del Oro Racquet Club. I was previously the director the junior tennis program at Arden Hills Country Club for 10 years. In addition, I have coached both the Jesuit and Loretto high school tennis teams. Currently, I’m the assistant head coach of the CSUS Men’s tennis team.

As an undergraduate, I played collegiate tennis for American River College and played on the local men’s open circuit. I graduated from CSUS and have completed training in tennis technology.

Chris Podesta, Tennis Professional

I have been an assistant tennis pro at Rio del Oro Racquet Club since 1999. As an undergraduate, I played tennis for both Sacramento State and University of California Davis. Currently I teach many fun clinics and private lessons for juniors, adults, and seniors. You can spot me on the court in my straw hat or behind the bar-be-cue at may of the club’s functions. I think I love tennis so much because of the great members and staff at Rio. Hope to meet you soon.

Joseph Gilbert,  Head Tennis Professional

I played Division I college tennis at Boise State, Fresno State, and Sacramento State University and coached for 5 years before being named head tennis professional at Rio del Oro in 2004. I was assistant coach of the CSUS women’s tennis team for two years.

There’s a place in our program for every person who wants to pursue the sport of a lifetime and my goals are to help new players learn the game, to get new members involved, and keep veteran players active. We currently have eight full time teaching pros on staff to sharpen your game from age 4 on up.