(November 13, 2012) -- The Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy (Ivan Lendl IJTA), led by the former No.1 player in the world and coach to Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Murray, has named Rob Castorri Executive Director.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Castorri has been involved in tennis for over 30 years as a professional player, coach, club manager and event promoter. He turned pro in 1978 and won 18 national team and doubles championships, and achieved a No.1 ranking in Florida’s Men’s Open Division. Castorri has notable victories over players such as Boris Becker, Pat Dupre, and Harold Solomon.
“It is an honor to be selected for this position and I look forward to using my industry experiences to help juniors fulfill their dream of playing at the next level,” says Castorri. “Ivan Lendl IJTA has global reach and incredible growth potential with enrollment quadrupling after one year.”
As Executive Director, Castorri will oversee program development, instruction and operations for Ivan Lendl IJTA. He previously served as President of the Georgia Professional Tennis Association and has managed tennis clubs across the U.S. At the Wimbledon Championships, Castorri has organized the annual media tennis event for the last 16 years.
“Rob’s knowledge and contacts in the industry will have an immediate impact on cultivating a challenging but enjoyable training environment for players of all abilities,” says Peter Orrell, President and CEO of Junior Sports Corporation, owner and operator of Ivan Lendl IJTA. “After a national search, it was evident Rob embraced the Academy’s mission to train juniors for competition and life.”
Ivan Lendl IJTA is based on philosophies Lendl followed to become one of the greatest players in tennis history, a career highlighted by eight Grand Slams. The Academy focuses daily instruction on classic fundamentals, leading-edge biomechanics, strength training / fitness and mental preparation.
Lendl and his staff subscribe to a hands-on approach with juniors, instilling dedication, focus, hard work, motivation and overall preparation.
Students attend Heritage Academy, a progressive and diverse academic institution for adolescents pursuing extra-curricular passions. Classes average eight students -- with a maximum of 15 -- to promote individual attention. Optional English as a Second Language, College Preparatory and Honors courses are also available.
For more information about Ivan Lendl IJTA: www.LendlTennis.com, 888-963-6647 (888-9-TENNIS), 843-686-1500.
(image via Ivan Lendl IJTA)