Tennis
Meet Al Thomas, our Tennis Director!
Al is originally from Severna, Maryland. He began playing tennis at the age of three. As a Nationally ranked junior he was invited to attend the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Out of high school, he was awarded a tennis scholarship from Towson State University(Division I) where he earned a degree in Elementary Education. He served as Captain and earned All-Conference and All-Academic honors during his Junior and Senior years. Out of college, Al began his career as the Head Tennis Professional at Eagle’s Nest Country Club, in Phoenix, Maryland. During his six years at Eagles Nest, Al created one of the strongest junior programs in the area. In addition, Al served as the Head Coach for the Bryn Mawr High School Girls tennis team and led them to a State Championship title. He was also the Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach for Towson State. Al moved to Richmond in 2001 where he took the Director of Tennis position at Briarwood (now ACAC). After four years of service, he took the Head Tennis Professional position at Willow Oaks Country Club in order to return to the country club environment. While there, Al attained his USPTA Certification of Professional 1 (P1). Whether it is juniors or adults, from beginner to advanced, Al enjoys teaching and sharing his enthusiasm and experience with all players. Al continues to play competitively year round in numerous tournaments and USTA league play and is consistently ranked in the top five in Men’s Open Doubles and Mixed Open Doubles for Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Al, along with his wife Traci and sons, Kaden and Ryder, are excited to have the opportunity to be a part of such an established and well respected tennis environment here at Midlothian Athletic Club.
Lynn Bybee
Lynn Bybee brings experience, expertise and excitement to the MAC tennis program. He has been teaching tennis for over 25 years; Lynn is also an accomplished player who has qualified twice for the Senior Tour—along with McEnroe, Connors and Borg. In his age group, Lynn has been ranked as high as fourth in the U.S. and has also won a national doubles title. Lynn looks forward to meeting everyone and continuing to build the tennis program at MAC.
Sam Cohen
Sam is a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and a Richmond native. Sam has four years of tennis teaching experience and enjoys working with players of every age and skill level. Sam was ranked #2 in the Mid-Atlantic Region in doubles and has taught at tennis camps at UVA, worked with Tennis for Life and is currently coaching the St. Bridget’s tennis team. He is currently in the process of being certified by the USPTA as a tennis pro. Sam is excited about the opportunity to work with Al and Lynn to help expand the already excellent tennis program at Midlothian Athletic Club.
STOP BY THE TENNIS DESK TO MEET THE TENNIS STAFF!
Our facility includes two indoor tennis courts featuring:
Decoturf II surface (same as U.S. Open courts)
Direct Lighting
Temperature controlled environment
Nine outdoor courts featuring:
Direct Lighting
Four hard courts and five clay courts
Two practice courts
Two Gazebos for relaxing and observing outdoor matches
Our tennis program includes the following activities:
*Ladies Suburban Leagues
*USTA Leagues- weekday and weekend
*Round Robins
*Richmond Rated Doubles Tournament
*Junior USTA Sanctioned Tennis Tournaments
*Member/Guest Tournaments
*Winter Tennis Leagues
*Tennis Clinics for Adults and Kids
*Private and Group Lessons
*Junior Academy Tennis
*Junior Bantam Leagues
*Tennis Courts may be reserved two days in advance by calling 804.302.5156 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
