elliot le petit
HEAD CLUB COACH
Tennis Northern Club Coach of the Year 2022/23
- Former NCAA Division I Collegiate Tennis Player
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration — University of Charleston, West Virginia
- 7 Years' Head Coaching Experience
- 10+ Years Total Coaching Experience across New Zealand, Dubai, the United States and the United Kingdom
- Coaching experience at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai and GEMS Education Schools
- Chelsea Cup and Caro Bowl player enrolled for 2026/2027 season
- Tournament match analysis and player development
- Goal setting, reflection and video analysis
- Current S2 / D2 Graded Player
Elliot competed in NCAA Division I collegiate tennis in the United States for three years while completing his degree at the University of Charleston, West Virginia. Following his collegiate career, he continued to build extensive international coaching experience across New Zealand, Dubai, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
With over 10 years of coaching experience, including 6 years in Head Coach positions, Elliot has worked with players of all ages and levels — from beginner juniors through to tournament and interclub competitors. His recent international experience includes coaching roles at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai and within the GEMS Education school system, while also assisting in the preparation of junior players competing in ITF-level events.
Elliot’s coaching philosophy centres around helping players maximise their potential through structured goal setting, accountability, self-belief and clear developmental standards. His coaching style combines technical development, high energy and strong communication to create an environment where players can improve with confidence while continuing to enjoy the game.
Qualifications:
- ITF Level 1
- NZ-Registered Coach
- NZ High-Performance Workshop 2023
- Current S2/ D2 Level player
- Chelsea Cup and Caro Bowl player enrolled for 2026/2027 season
Specialising in:
- Tournament-level players
- Strong programme development
- Interclub adults
- Green ball tournament players
- Advanced adult coaching
- ITF college-aspiring juniors
Michael Topp
SENIOR COACH
Michael Topp is an Auckland-born racquets professional who recently returned to New Zealand after an accomplished 15-year coaching career in the United States. Alongside his wife Carrie and their two children, Levi and Amelia, Michael brings extensive experience in coaching players of all ages and abilities, racquet sports management, and private club operations.
From 2016–2026, Michael served as Director of Racquet Sports at the prestigious Red Ledges in Utah, where he oversaw all aspects of tennis and pickleball programming, member engagement, tournaments, junior development, staffing, and daily club operations. Prior to that, from 2013–2016, he was the Head Tennis Professional at Omni Amelia Island Resort, with both roles operating under the internationally recognised Cliff Drysdale Tennis management group.
Michael is passionate about creating high-energy programmes, building strong relationships with players of all ages and skill levels, and growing the game through positive coaching, professionalism, and exceptional service. As a junior player, he competed in national and regional tournaments throughout New Zealand and later played at a 5.0 level in the United States, achieving success in multiple leagues and tournaments across Florida and Utah.
His professional achievements and qualifications include:
- PTR Level 1 Certified Professional
- Bachelor of Science majoring in Sports Science from the University of Auckland
- Certificate in Sport & Recreation from Auckland University of Technology
- 2017 Cliff Drysdale Pro of the Year
- 2018 & 2020 Cliff Drysdale Club of the Year
- 2023 United States Tennis Association Club of the Year award recipient
Michael is committed to delivering engaging programmes, fostering community, and helping players develop a lifelong love of racquet sports.
LUKE TAPLIN
CLUB COACH
Luke, a product of Northcote Tennis Club, joins the Tennis Global coaching team bringing over 10 years of coaching experience across New Zealand and the United States. Throughout his coaching career, Luke has held professional coaching roles at leading racquet clubs in both New York and Miami under internationally recognised management company Cliff Drysdale Tennis.
Most recently, Luke served as Director of Southampton Racquet Club, an exclusive private racquets club in Southampton, New York, where he managed a team of seven coaching professionals while overseeing programme delivery, player development and club operations.
As a player, Luke competed in national and ITF junior events before continuing his tennis journey through a successful collegiate tennis career in New York. His experience both as a high-level player and international coach allows him to connect with players of all ages and abilities, bringing a calm, professional and energetic approach to the court.
Luke currently works full-time in a corporate role and will be available with Tennis Global for casual and part-time coaching hours.
Ben archbold
CLUB COACH
Ben is passionate about helping players develop their tennis in a positive and enjoyable environment at Northcote.
As a player, Ben has competed internationally in Fiji, New Caledonia, Cambodia, and the Philippines. His achievements include a runner-up finish at the ITF J30 Noumea tournament and a career-high ITF Under-18 world ranking of #1456.
Ben has proudly represented Northcote in the Chelsea Cup for the past four years and began coaching at the club in 2025.
He enjoys helping players build confidence, improve their skills, and most importantly, enjoy their time on court. Ben’s goal is to create a fun, supportive, and motivating environment where every player can learn, develop, and reach their potential.
JIAYUAN DENG
CLUB COACH
Jiayuan holds a doctoral degree in Sport, Health and Physical Education from the University of Auckland and brings an international coaching background across China, Japan, and New Zealand.
As a player, Jiayuan achieved multiple junior tennis awards in China and currently competes at a top level in New Zealand interclub competitions.
With coaching experience in both China and Japan, Jiayuan has worked with players of different ages and culture backgrounds, focusing on skill development, athletic movement, and player wellbeing. In 2022, Jiayuan moved to New Zealand and joined Northcote Tennis Club in 2025, continuing to support players in building confidence, performance, and enjoyment on court.
Jiayuan is also our Mandarin & Japanese Liason for Tennis Global
ANDRE DUGGAN
CLUB COACH
Friendly, hardworking, determined, and competitive, Andre is passionate about helping players develop their confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy the game of tennis. He takes pride in creating a positive learning environment where players feel supported while being challenged to reach their potential.
Andre has competed at a high level from a young age, representing Tennis New Zealand in the Under 11 and Under 13 age groups, including international events in the Gold Coast and Nouméa. His playing achievements include winning the Under 12 Tennis New Zealand Outdoor and Indoor National Championships in both singles and doubles, as well as the Under 14 Outdoor National doubles title. He has also represented both Auckland and the Northern region, helping his teams win the Under 12, Under 14, and Under 17 National Teams Championships.
A student at Westlake Boys High School, Andre has played Premier Tennis since Year 9 and was part of the team that won the 2023 New Zealand Secondary Schools National Championship. In recognition of his achievements and commitment to the sport, he was named the 2025 Milford Tennis Club Junior Player of the Year. Away from tennis, Andre enjoys playing social basketball and bouldering.
Since beginning his coaching career in 2024, Andre has enjoyed working with players of all ages and abilities. His coaching focuses on building strong technical foundations, including footwork, stroke technique, shot selection, and court awareness, while ensuring every lesson is engaging, enjoyable, and tailored to each player’s development. Andre is committed to continually improving as both a player and coach and is passionate about helping every student build confidence, achieve their goals, and develop a lifelong love for tennis.
luca monteleone
CLUB COACH
Luca is a friendly, enthusiastic, and approachable coach who is passionate about creating a positive environment where every player feels supported, challenged, and inspired to improve. He enjoys helping players of all ages and abilities build confidence, develop their skills, and discover a lifelong enjoyment of tennis.
Currently a student at Westlake Boys High School, Lucas is developing strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills through both his academic studies and sporting involvement. He studies Physical Education, giving him a strong understanding of movement, fitness, and the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing. As part of the school’s Sports Leadership Programme, Lucas has also gained valuable experience in coaching, mentoring, and leading others in a sporting environment.
Alongside his studies, Luca has been actively coaching tennis, working with players across a range of ages and skill levels. His coaching experience has helped him develop patience, clear communication, and the ability to tailor lessons to suit each individual. He focuses on creating engaging sessions that build strong fundamentals while ensuring every player enjoys their time on court.
Luca believes tennis should be a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience where players feel comfortable being themselves. His coaching philosophy centres on making every lesson fun, encouraging, and rewarding, while helping players improve not only their tennis skills but also their confidence, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Luca is committed to continuing his development as both a coach and leader, with the goal of helping every player leave the court feeling happier, more confident, and excited to keep learning and improving.
emily polett
CLUB COACH
Emily is a passionate and encouraging coach who enjoys helping players develop their skills, build confidence, and foster a genuine love for tennis. She believes every lesson should be fun, engaging, and tailored to help each player reach their individual potential.
Emily has been playing tennis since the age of four and has many years of competitive experience. Throughout her junior career, she competed successfully in interclub competitions, with her teams consistently finishing in the top three of their grade, including multiple championship-winning seasons. She has also competed in the Auckland Junior Spring Championships, further developing her competitive experience and understanding of the game.
After completing the CAC Coaching Course, Emily began her coaching career at Browns Bay Racquets Club in 2024. Since then, she has enjoyed working with players of different ages and abilities, helping them improve their technique, confidence, and understanding of the game in a supportive and positive environment.
