Meet the TennisGear Team
Book your private lessons with our experienced coaches.
Richard Colville
Coaching Manager
About
Richard is the new Head Coach and Centre Manager of the North Shore Tennis Centre. He comes to us with 15years coaching experience from juniors & schools to full-time players & adults. He believes in developing a sound technical base, while nurturing a positive learning environment for all his players. Backed by his range of experiences, qualifications & friendly nature, Richard will always help with any of your tennis goals!
Qualifications
- Current Club Professional Coaching Qualification (Tennis Australia)
- Advanced Level 2 Coach (ATPCA)
- Former coaching qualification course presenter for ATPCA
- Cert 3 & 4 in Fitness (Human Performance Centre)
Alexis Joye
Head Coach
About
A 33-year-old French coach whose philosophy is based on friendship, effort, and player development. Believes success comes through resilience and consistent hard work. Currently Head Coach at Tennis Gear, delivering Hot Shots, squad training, and private coaching.
Experience
International coaching experience across Switzerland, Singapore, and France with players of all levels. Roles include Head Coach at Leysin Tennis (developing state-ranked players, managing programs, and overseeing operations), coaching and program creation at Tennis Escapade, and delivering private/group coaching in resort and academy settings. Also worked in Singapore and held earlier squad coordination and coaching roles from 2010 onwards.
Key Attributes
Energetic and structured coaching style focused on fun, skill development, leadership, and player growth.
Qualifications
Swiss Tennis Federal Certificate (2021)
Padel Coach Bronze (2024)
Diploma of Youth Education and Sport (2010)
Padel Coach Bronze (2024)
Diploma of Youth Education and Sport (2010)
Jacqui Pacholec
Senior Coach
About
Believes tennis develops more than skills, also building mindset, motivation, and confidence. Focuses on strong technical and tactical development while ensuring players enjoy a positive and memorable experience on court.
Experience
16 years of playing experience based in Melbourne, starting junior tournaments at age 12 and representing high school 1st team from Year 7. Part of the first Girls’ APS premiership-winning team in 2015. Moved to Townsville in 2016 for university and began coaching under Wayne Hannah at Tennis Townsville. Has been coaching with TennisGear since late 2018 across Hot Shots, squads, schools, and private lessons.
Key Attributes
Focused and dedicated coaching style with a kind and supportive approach. Passionate about player development, increasing female participation, and encouraging long-term involvement in tennis from junior to adult levels.
Qualifications
Community Coaching Course Certificate
Cian O’Brolchain
Senior Coach
About
A highly experienced tennis coach with over 30 years in the sport, working with players of all ages and levels across Ireland and internationally. Focuses on building strong technical foundations, alongside physical fitness and mental resilience. Believes in identifying player strengths and weaknesses, encouraging challenge, and using match play as a key development tool.
Experience
Extensive coaching experience across Ireland and internationally with players of all ages and standards. Background includes match play development, team management, tournament organisation, competition management, sports administration, and delivering motivational presentations.
Key Attributes
Strong focus on technical development, fitness, and mental resilience. Organised, positive, and motivating approach with a passion for performance, personal growth, and creating a supportive learning environment.
Achievements
Captain of multiple teams, winner of various tennis competitions, and successful summiteer of Mount Everest.
Mathieu Penfornis
Senior Coach
About
Passionate about supporting player development on and off the court. Focuses on creating a fun, positive, and motivating environment where players feel confident to express themselves. Coaching emphasises technique, tactics, mindset, consistency, and enjoyment, with the belief that tennis should always be about progress, passion, and pleasure.
Experience
Joined Tennis Gear in July 2025. Originally from France with 5 years of competitive playing experience (French ranking: 15). Began coaching at clubs in Western France, later becoming Head Coach for tennis and padel at a French academy in Marbella, Spain (2022–2025). Also gained coaching experience in Guadeloupe and South-West France, developing skills across different environments and player levels.
Key Attributes
7 years of coaching experience, including Head Coach role (2022–2025). Strong focus on both performance and enjoyment, creating a positive and motivating learning environment.
Qualifications
Tennis Coach Certificate (DEJEPS – France)
Padel Coach Certificate (TFP – France)
CQP Educator Tennis (France)
Padel Coach Certificate (TFP – France)
CQP Educator Tennis (France)
Phill Byhalove
Senior Coach
Coaching Style
Driven by a genuine passion for tennis and player development, with a focus on building confidence and capability through consistent practice and dedication. Values the “lightbulb moments” in learning and enjoys helping both juniors and adults reconnect with and enjoy the game.
Experience
Tennis Australia Development Accredited Coach and Tournament Supervisor, coaching since 2016. Experience working with players aged 3 to 75 across Red, Orange, and Green ball programs, as well as squad training environments.
Key Attributes
Brings a supportive and positive approach, shaped by personal experience as a parent of two children. Values the strong community at Morningside and contributes to an encouraging environment where players can develop on and off the court.
Clive Martin
Senior Coach
About
A coaching approach focused on strong technique and smart, simple tennis. Believes the game is often overcomplicated and aims to keep it clear, practical, and effective to bring out the best in each player.
Experience
Over 35 years of coaching and playing experience across the UK, Europe, and Australia. Former LTA (UK) representative coach and hitting partner (1985–1989), and head coach at various clubs and tennis centres in the UK and Australia.
Includes 4 years of ATP Tour experience and 10 years representing the Hertfordshire LTA (UK) team. Has coached high-profile clients, including Cliff Richard in London. Career highlight includes competing in the 1984 Wimbledon qualifying singles
Includes 4 years of ATP Tour experience and 10 years representing the Hertfordshire LTA (UK) team. Has coached high-profile clients, including Cliff Richard in London. Career highlight includes competing in the 1984 Wimbledon qualifying singles
Key Attributes
Honest with a strong work ethic and a long-standing commitment to the game.
Qualifications
LTA (UK) Development Coach (1987)
ATPCA (Australia) Level 3 Master Pro (2013)
ATPCA (Australia) Level 3 Master Pro (2013)