Ricky Sanford is the Director of Tennis at Westport Tennis Club. Originally from Stratford, Connecticut, Ricky joined the Westport Tennis Club staff in 2003. He is also the Director of our summer program. Ricky played college tennis at Franklin Pierce College, graduating in 2003. He led FPC to their first two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2002 and 2003. He also received the Richard Burns Award in 2003, given to the College’s Student-Athlete of the year. In addition to his time at Westport Tennis, Ricky has also spent time teaching at Sportime in Mamaroneck, NY, and Grand Slam in Banksville, NY. His experience, energy, and enthusiasm are infectious to both the adults and the juniors that play with him.

Beth Norton joins our staff on a full time basis, and comes to us from the Trumbull Tennis Club where she taught for the past 17 years. She is known for the Point Play program which she brings to Westport Tennis Club. Beth is an accomplished tennis player, as she was ranked 20th in the world during her career. She was No. 1 in the country and No. 5 in the world in the 18-and-under division. She also played doubles with Steffi Graf at Wimbledon. Beth has been inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame for all of her tennis accomplishments. She is USPTR certified.

Richard Wright was born in New York City, but grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil where he played number one for Chapel High. As one of the top juniors in the country he played on the ITF Junior Tour. Rich began coaching in 1987 and coached in two of the top academies in Sao Paulo before returning in 1994 to the United States. Rich has been a pro at WTC since 1999.

David Mwanza was born in Zambia in Sub Saharan continent of Africa. David has developed tennis talent from beginners to elite players. A PTR certified professional at Midtown Tennis in Chicago and Billie Jean Tennis Center in NY, David has maintained industry experience and coaching development for over a decade. Twice Ohio State Championship high school coach, his experienced has evolved around numerous players and clubs. David has been at westport for the last three years and taught in Fairfield County for the last 7 years.He holds a bachelors degree in Business Admin and Accounting specialty. David has 3 children Benjamin, Zachary and Naomi, all tennis players. David spends his summers in the Brookfield/Litchfield area directing tennis programs. David's mission is to grow the game and teach players enjoy the game and the competition.

Vanessa Costeines is a former professional tour player. Originally from France, she was in the top 5 in the Juniors and participated in professional ITF and WTA tournaments with wins in the top #100 and under and won two National Championships. Vanessa played #1 Singles and both #1 & 2 Doubles for Virginia Tech. She helped her team to win the Atlantic Championship for four consecutive years. She was the first women’s tennis player in Atlantic 10 history to earn Most Outstanding Performer and Most Outstanding Rookie Performer honors in the same season 1996. Vanessa’s teaching philosophy integrates mental and physical conditioning with tennis fundamentals. She is a member and certified as Mental Toughness Coach, ITPA Tennis Performance Trainer, USPTR, Women’s Tennis Coaching Association. USTA CT Board of Directors (2018-2020)

Will Mercorella has spent many years in and around the game of tennis. He joins WTC from Bedford Golf and Tennis, where he was an Assistant Director. A competitive USTA junior, Will was ranked in the top ten in both 16s and 18s in New England before playing Division 1 tennis at Lafayette College. He played both singles and doubles and was the captain of the Men's tennis team. Will has worked at clubs across Fairfield and Westchester County over the years. He has taught and coached juniors, adults and aspiring college players. His passion for the game and energy on court makes for great instructional experience for all levels.

Jackie Bailey grew up in a tennis-playing family. As a USTA junior tournament player, she trained under top teaching professionals in Kansas, North Carolina and New Jersey. Jackie went on to play tennis at Curry College, NCAA Division III school. She graduated with her BA in Communications and a double major in Criminal Justice. During college she began coaching in Cape Cod, MA, working with both juniors and adults. After graduating in 2008 she became certified as a USPTA Teaching Professional, and 10 and Under certified Professional. She began teaching full time in Arlington, VA and then moved to the CT region and taught in Bedford, NY and Stamford CT. Jackie joined Westport Tennis Club in 2021. Jackie coaches junior/adult clinics and provides private lessons. Her love, energy and passion for the sport has always been apparent in her style of teaching/coaching.