Meet the Coaches

Kareem Gobran began training at age 12 at Saddlebrook Academy, where he was inspired by world-class players like Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick. His early exposure to elite athletes shaped his tennis IQ and coaching philosophy. Mentored by renowned coach Alvaro Betancourt, Kareem learned the value of discipline and detailed work. A top junior in Florida, Kareem represented Egypt in major events like the Orange Bowl and Eddie Herr before an accident ended his competitive career. He later earned a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering and multiple business certifications from UC Irvine, where he also launched his coaching career. Kareem has over 20 years of coaching experience, developing 56 Division 1 athletes, 5 top-5 nationally ranked juniors, and 8 ATP/WTA players. He founded Tennis Newport Beach (TNB), a full-time development program, and is now the Tennis Director at The Tennis Club at Newport Beach. He also leads All4Tennis, a nonprofit making tennis accessible worldwide. Recent standout players include: -Alec Adamson – Top 400 ATP, Corona Del Mar HS record holder -Kelly Keller – UTR 10.24, Top 50 D1, plays for Arkansas -Dania Deaifi – UTR 9, full D1 scholarship to Grand Canyon University

John-Douglas Owens, Head Coach, is originally from Adelaide, Australia, where he was ranked in the Top 5 in the state and Top 20 nationally as a junior. He earned a tennis scholarship to Hope International University, where he played #1 singles and doubles all four years and graduated with a degree in Business and Sport Management. After college, Owens began his coaching career at Grand Slam Tennis, working under Sean Bollettieri Abdali and learning from legendary coach Nick Bollettieri. He has coached several top-level players, including: -Ashley Kratzer – Former Top 200 WTA, US Open & Indian Wells participant -Maegan Manasse – Former Top 300 WTA, #1 NCAA player -William Griffith – Former Top 600 ATP, #2 NCAA men’s player -Jwany Shrief – WTA player, SoCal top-ranked, blue chip junior -Numerous juniors ranked in the Top 5 nationally in various age groups Collegiate athletes playing at Princeton, Brown, UCI, and more

Lucas Lesoeur, originally from Paris, France, was a top-ranked junior trained by the French Federation of Tennis and won the U14 Nike Junior Tour at the Mouratoglou Academy in 2010.He played NCAA Division 1 tennis at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo while studying business administration, then continued his education and coaching career at William Carey University, serving as assistant head coach at the Racquet Club of Hattiesburg. During summers, Lucas returned to Paris to coach and work as a hitting partner at Mouratoglou Academy and Roland Garros. After graduating in 2020, he moved to California, coaching at the Racquet Club of Irvine before joining Tennis Newport Beach in 2021. At TNB, he supports tennis and fitness programs, college placement, and program development.

Coach Scott was born in Newport Beach and raised in Southern California most of his life. While playing college tennis locally in 1990, Scott began his coaching career here in Newport Beach at the Balboa Bay Club Racquet Club with the Sam Olson Tennis Academy, and later at the Sunny Hills Racquet Club. After 4 years of coaching, Scott left his teaching position to pursue an education at BYU, earning a Bachelor’s in Marriage & Family. Returning to California, Scott used his drive & determination to become a certified USPTA Elite Teaching Pro and went on to coach for 21 years at the Newport Beach Tennis Club. Over those years, Coach Scott has had a tremendous impact and positive influence in the lives of many of his players. Many of those who Scott has worked with have gone on to make their High School Varsity teams, while a select few went on to play Division 1 College tennis. Fueled by patience and persistence, Coach Scott has a very clear coaching vision: to help every player become the best version of themselves; to reach their competitive potential. With over 30+ years of teaching experience, Scott understands that player development is best achieved when built upon the following five foundational areas: 1.Sound Technical Mechanics 2.Tactical Awareness & Ability 3.Movement & Athletic Foundation 4.Mental & Emotional Toughness 5.Having Fun in the Process He is often heard saying, “Let's get it right, because Practice Makes Permanent!” or “What you aren’t Changing, You’re Choosing.” In 2024, Scott recently joined the Team at Tennis Newport Beach. When not on the court, he spends his free time teaching dance, playing competitive volleyball or racing motocross.