Charles du Toit
Head Tennis Pro/ Head Coach, Founder and Tournament Director
Charles is Head Tennis Pro/Head Coach and Founder of Performance Tennis Academy programs at Great West Fitness & Tennis Club. Born in South Africa, he started playing tennis at the age of 4. He was first introduced to tennis by his father, Andre du Toit, who owned and ran a large and highly successful tennis academy in South Africa for over 25 years.
Charles competed at top provincial and national levels of tennis: Under 8, U10, U12, U14, and U16 levels as a junior tennis player in South Africa. He also competed in competitive rugby and track & field. After moving to Canada, he competed at a top provincial level in BC tennis U16 and U18 and in schools’ provincial track and field. He studied Kinesiology at Trinity Western University, British Columbia. Charles has taught tennis for over 14 years and has worked at respected tennis academies, including Vandermeer Tennis Center in South Carolina (USA), Julian Krinsky School of Tennis in Philadelphia (USA), and Totally Tennis in George, South Africa. He was also Head Coach at Langley Tennis Center for two years.
Charles’s younger siblings, Riaan and Trudie du Toit, also had illustrious junior tennis careers, competing at both national and international levels. His sister, Trudie, received a division one scholarship at the University of Oregon, and his brother, Riaan, is currently competing on the men’s pro circuit. Charles enjoys teaching people of all ages and levels. His philosophy is that a combination of learning and getting students excited about the sport is essential to students developing a long term love for the sport.
Qualifications:
- Instructor (Canada)
- Club Professional 1 coach (Canada)
- Club Professional 2 coach (Canada)
- Professional Tennis Registry (USA)
- Tennis Professionals Association (TPA) member
Andre du Toit
Coach
Andre du Toit is a tennis professional with over 30 years of experience as a director of tennis academies. In addition to having served on the Board of Examiners for tennis coaches in South Africa, Andre holds a level 3 ITF Certification (International Tennis Federation Highest Coaching Qualification).
He lectured on Sports Biomechanics at the University of the Free State, South Africa and then worked as a Project Administrator for the Department of Sport. In South Africa, Andre founded one of the largest and most successful tennis academies during its time, which taught over 1200 students a week. Further, Andre has trained hundreds of tennis coaches throughout his career. Many of his players have played at the top national and international levels.
He has been with Performance Tennis Academy since 2015. Andre has a great passion for tennis and enjoys teaching players of all ages and abilities.
Qualifications:
- Level 3 ITF Certifcation (International Tennis Federation Highest Level: 1978-2000)
Tony Iliesu
Coach
Tony was born in Romania and moved to Alberta, Canada, when he was twelve years old. Tony soon became a top-ranked junior in Alberta and, after graduating high school, played one year as an ATP pro in Australia.
After moving to BC, he competed at a top men’s open level and was ranked 8th. He has been teaching tennis since 2002, and his previous experience includes teaching at the Calgary Winter Club & World Health Club in Calgary.
Tony joined the Performance Tennis Academy team in 2020. He enjoys teaching players of all ages and levels.
Qualifications:
- Tennis Canada Instructor
- Tennis Canada Club Pro 1
- Tennis Professional Association Member (Canada)
- Certified by United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR)
- Certified by the European Registry of Tennis Professionals
Matias Orrego
Coach and Tournament Co-Ordinator
Matias Orrego was born in Chile and moved to Canada in 2012. He previously taught at Langley Tennis Center and has been with Performance Tennis Academy since 2018. Matias teaches players of all ages and levels.
He follows the Tennis Canada Progressive Tennis methodology and the Long-Term Athlete Development program. Matias strives to ensure the development of tennis in the community.
He now lives in Abbotsford with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his 9-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.
Qualifications:
- Tennis Canada Club Pro 1 Certified
- Tennis Professional Association Member (Canada)
- Bachelor in Business Administration (Minor in Commerce)
- Former COSAT tennis player, supported by the ITF.
- Former Top Ranked Junior player in Chile