Meet Our Tennis Pros

Our tennis staff is dedicated to enriching the tennis experience of all our members and is committed to the highest level of excellence possible.

Our professional staff offers private and group instruction in addition to a variety of clinics for both juniors and adults.

To schedule a lesson with one of the NBTC’s teaching pros, contact the individual pro. You can find their information by clicking on the names below.

Email: [email protected]
Teaches: All levels and ages – beginners through high level players
Brief Bio: Tony Wright is a USPTA Certified Elite Professional who has been teaching tennis for 10+ years. He has worked with players of all ages and levels. Having grown up in the Orange County tennis community Tony has worked with Division 1 college players to adult beginners to 10 & under Jr tennis. He excels at communicating clearly and keeping things simple on court, he has run our club’s beginner’s clinic for the past 3 years & continues to do so along with the Tennis 101, 201 courses.

Email: g.tate @nbtctennis.com
Teaches: All levels – beginners through high-level players
Brief Bio: Coach George Tate brings decades of experience, dedication, and passion to the courts at Newport Beach Tennis Club. As a Senior Tennis Professional, George is a valued member of our team, known for his deep tennis knowledge and commitment to helping players reach their full potential.
With a long-standing history in Southern California’s tennis community, George has earned the trust and respect of both recreational and competitive players. His patient teaching style, strategic insights, and love for the game shine through every session.

Email: [email protected]
Teaches: All levels and ages – beginners through high level players
Brief Bio: John played and pursued a professional playing career until 2006 when coaching became his full time passion and started his tenure at NBTC and the Grip N’ Rip Junior Tennis Program. Coaching has always been a major part of his life. His mother and father spent more than 40 years of their lives dedicated to sharing the sport of tennis. He continues the tradition and is constantly improving his craft.

Email: [email protected]
Teaches: All levels – beginners through high level players
Brief Bio: 3-Time NCAA All-American, CA State Champion (x2), Ojai Doubles Champion
Hello! I’m Coach Cari, and court 2 here at Newport Beach Tennis Club has been my second home for over 20 years. Every day on court is a joy, especially as I specialize in coaching beginners—young and old alike. No matter your age, it’s never too early or too late to start enjoying this wonderful sport.

I started playing tennis at age 15 and turned professional at 21, competing on the European tour. I had an incredible college tennis career, winning titles such as the State Conference, Southern Cal’s Ojai Tournament, and more. I was recently honored to be inducted into my college’s Tennis Hall of Fame—a moment I’ll always cherish.

Tennis is my passion, and my love for life and people will never fade. Let’s enjoy all that Newport Beach Tennis Club has to offer—great tennis, amazing people, and fantastic food.

Email: [email protected]
Teaching Experience:
- Tennis Instructor for 30 years working with beginners, top juniors, adults and college players
Teaching Strengths:
- Men’s and Women’s Clinics
- Hitting Lessons
- Tournament Warm-Ups
Teaching Specialization:
- Shot Selection and Match Play
Playing Experience:
- All American Long Beach State for 3 years 1987-1989
- Played ATP Tour for 10 years reaching top 200 in singles and top 300 in doubles

Email: [email protected]
Playing Experience:
- Junior Doubles Quarterfinalist in Wimbledon 2001
- Career-best singles ranking of 340, doubles ranking of 296
- 2007 Davis Cup appearance for India

Email: [email protected]
Brief Bio: With over 25 years of international coaching experience, Gilberto Cicero brings world-class expertise to Newport Beach Tennis Club. He has coached ATP pros, top ITF juniors, and beginners across Europe, South America, and the U.S. A former top-500 pro and NCAA player at LSU and Pepperdine, Gilberto leads high-energy clinics focused on cardio, footwork, technique, and match strategy. His passion and global perspective help players of all levels elevate their game.