Meet the Speakers

Adam Ford: Is certified by both the RSPA & PTR. Adam is the Director of the Hope College Racquet Sports Management (RSM) program.

Prior to his current role, Ford was the head coach for both the men’s and women’s varsity tennis programs at Hope. As women’s head coach (2013–2016), he led the team to multiple Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) titles and NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. In 2015, he was also named head coach of the men’s tennis team, while continuing his women’s coaching duties. Under his leadership, Hope’s tennis teams won three MIAA championships and made four NCAA Division III appearances.

In 2011, he was named Michigan Tennis Professional of the Year by the Professional Tennis Registry. He was also included in Racquet Sports Industry magazine’s inaugural “30 Under 30” list, highlighting him as a rising star in the sport.

Mike Insko: is a RSPA Elite Professional and Tennis Director at the Midtown Athletic Club Chicago in Chicago. Originally established in 1970 as Midtown Tennis Club, is one of the world’s largest indoor tennis facilities and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Providing members with top-notch instruction and exclusive amenities, Midtown Chicago features 18 indoor tennis courts, a 3,200 square foot group fitness studio, dedicated Pilates and cycling studios, exciting social events, and a pro shop. A staff of 36 certified and experienced tennis coaches provide the most sophisticated, leading edge curriculums anywhere. From our patented Junior Development Pathway for 10 and under tennis, our situational training methodologies, our patented Tennis Explorers pre-school program, the most extensive cardio tennis program in the country, and TNT for beginners, we are able to provide the best possible learning environment for players of any age and ability.

Ben Loeb: is not your normal tennis coach. He has gone far beyond what most coaches have done to keep learning and keep striving to get better as a coach and teacher. He has embraced the mantra of being a life-long learner. Coach Loeb continues to work on expanding his Mental Performance Development Plan for psychological improvement. Now he wants to offer his insights to you, the coach or to teams of aspiring student-athletes. He has primarily worked with players on competitive tennis teams, but not exclusively. The mental skills he shares with teams or athletes are transferable beyond just the sport of tennis. Ben’s journey for professional growth includes developing and teaching a course in sport and performance psychology, the writing of four books, and the production of 3 tennis instructional videos on team practices and on enhancing mental performance skills. He has applied his philosophy as a coach at both the college and high school level.

Jorge Capestany: is one of only a few people worldwide who is a RSPA Master Professional and an International Master Professional with the PTR. He is a 6-time Michigan Pro of the Year, a 2-time Midwest Pro of the Year, and was inducted into the RSPA Midwest Hall of Fame in 2012.

Jorge has been named the National Pro of the Year by BOTH the PTR and the RSPA. He has coached hundreds of ranked juniors, including three national champions. He is an internationally recognized speaker and author. He is the founder of the Hope College Racquet Sports Management (RSM) program and works on developing the curriculum for the program.

Jorge may be best known for developing two leading tennis industry websites. One for tennis coaches and one for players. Both websites can be found at… CapestanyTennis.com

Isaac McBroom: Isaac’s work centers on helping coaches become more effective educators by connecting research with practical application to create meaningful learning experiences for coaches and athletes.

Formerly the Director of Education for Professional Tennis Registry (PTR, PPR, PPTR, and PCR), I supported coach development across tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, and padel. My work, spanning 127 countries, included designing education programs, developing certification pathways and continuing education resources, and preparing coach developers to facilitate learning. Through these efforts, I help coaches and organizations translate contemporary research into purposeful, athlete-centered practice.

TENTATIVE Craig O’Shannessy: is an Australian tennis coach, writer, and data analyst widely recognized as a pioneer of modern tennis analytics. After playing college tennis in the United States and earning a journalism degree from Baylor University, he revolutionized tennis strategy by using match-tagging software to uncover winning patterns of play.

Through his platform Brain Game Tennis, he popularized the “First Four Shots” philosophy, proving that roughly 70% of all tennis points end within the first four strokes. His data-driven approach has made him a sought-after strategy analyst for the ATP Tour, Wimbledon, and The New York Times, while helping guide top players like Novak Djokovic, during a stretch that yielded four Grand Slam titles from 2017 to 2019, as well as Matteo Berrettini, Kevin Anderson, and the Italian Tennis Federation.

Brian Parkkonen: is a highly respected tennis industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in coaching, player development, education, and club management. He currently serves as Senior Director of Tennis Industry Outreach & Engagement for USTA Coaching, where he helps strengthen relationships throughout the tennis industry and advance professional development opportunities for coaches. Before joining the USTA in 2025, Brian served as Chief Operating Officer of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), where he played a key role in developing coaching education programs, certification pathways, and innovative learning platforms. A graduate of Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management program, Brian is a PTR Master of Tennis – Performance and a certified USTA High Performance Coach. His extensive background includes coaching nationally ranked juniors and professional players, leading major tennis facilities, and helping develop the next generation of tennis professionals.

Aaron Rusnak: is a RSPA Elite Professional and director coach mentor innovator who’s 30-year career in tennis development has positioned him as one of the sports most respected and influential leaders. Aaron has built a legacy of excellence shaping one of the largest single site tennis programs in the country and then packing thousands of players and coaches at every level of the game. His leadership is rooted in the rare blend of elite playing experience, Forward thinking innovation, and a passion for mentorship that continues to elevate the global tennis landscape.

Currently serving as the director of private instruction at the prestigious Five Star tennis center, Aaron was recognized as a top 25 male professional by both Tennis channel and topspin magazine. In 2024, he broadened his global perspective by joining the Dominic Thiem coaching team in Australia as an apprentice, immersing himself in the inner circle of the ATP tour and contributing to highest levels of the professional tennis

TENTATIVE Mats Wilander – Tennis Legend, 7-Time Grand Slam Champ & Former World #1

Mats is one of the greatest players in tennis history, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, former World No. 1, and member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The Swedish tennis legend captured three French Open titles, three Australian Open titles, and one US Open title, including an extraordinary 1988 season in which he won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments and rose to the top of the world rankings. Known for his exceptional court intelligence, tactical brilliance, mental toughness, and remarkable consistency, Wilander helped define a golden era of tennis. Following his playing career, he has remained a prominent voice in the sport as a coach, television analyst, commentator, and tennis ambassador. His unique ability to break down the game, combined with his passion for teaching and player development, makes him an especially inspiring speaker for tennis coaches at every level.

Dr. Sophie Woorons: is an accomplished tennis coach, former WTA-ranked professional player, and respected leader in tennis education and player development. Originally from France, Sophie was a standout collegiate player at Clemson University, earning All-American honors in singles and doubles and being named the 1996 ACC Player of the Year. She was inducted into the Clemson Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025. Holding a Ph.D. in Sport Pedagogy from the University of Georgia, Sophie combines an exceptional playing background with a deep understanding of coaching, teaching, and athlete development. She is the founder, owner, and director of Brookstone Tennis Club in Anderson, South Carolina, which has earned national recognition as Club of the Year. Sophie has also coached her son, Noah Johnston, to international junior success, including a French Open junior doubles championship. A published researcher, educator, and accomplished coach, Sophie brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge, practical coaching experience, and passion for developing players at every level.