FLINT CANYON - Key Persons
Alfonso is responsible for the meticulous up-keeping of the grounds. He is the man behind the scenes here at FCTC.
John Lee was born and raised in the La Canada area. Many of our own members have seen John grow up as he has been a part of FCTC since 2005. In fact his coach of 7 years was our very own, Martin Escos! John attended Flintridge Preparatory High School in La Canada where as varsity team captain he led his teammates to their first league title and CIF playoffs in seventy years. While expecting to play for the Occidental College men's tennis team, John unfortunately suffered a collegiate career-ending injury. After graduating with a degree in Kinesiology and finding his passion for coaching, John returned to his former high school and coached the varsity boys' tennis team to another CIF playoff.
John's passion for the sport is apparent through his teaching - the care and attention he pays to each of his students are shown by the interactions he has both on and off the court. John is excited to share his knowledge, experiences, and enthusiasm as a former junior member and now teaching pro here at Flint Canyon Tennis Club - teaching both private and semi-private lessons as well as heading up the Summer Camp program as of the summer of 2016.
Jong-Min Lee joined the FCTC family in the Fall of 2014. Jong was born in Korea and moved to Australia at the age of 11 in order to train at an Academy in Melbourne. Jong-Min went on to be ranked #1 in Australia from 1989-1995 in each division he played. In 1995, at the age of 18, he was not only the #1 ranked JR in Australia, but also in the world in both singles and doubles (ITF Juniors). Jong-Min not only has a very impressive Junior career, but also went on to play #1 for UCSB (where he was a two-time Big West Conference ) and then for UCLA where he was a 2 time All-American and two-time 1st team Pac 10 conference player. Jong-Min's professional career was cut short after college due to an elbow and back injury.
Jong-Min has been teaching professionally for the past 7 years. He enjoys developing his student's game, working well with both juniors and adults. His knowledge and experience is apparent to all those who work with him.
Opportunity to compete and practice with greats like Pete Sampras, Patrick Rafter, Sergi Bruguera, Monica Seles, and many others have helped him to realize the amount of hard work and dedication required to be a successful professional athlete both on and off the court. Jong-Min is now married and a father of two young boys. Being a father of two has given Jong-Min a different perspective, responsibility, and joy of life; as well as a greater ability to appreciate each and every day.
Martin is the father of fraternal twins and claims it has helped him to better understand children. He says that he hopes to continue to help people with their tennis game as well as continue to make longstanding friendship in this fun work environment.
Martin has been at FCTC since 2001. His excellent work ethic and enthusiasm has made him a staple here at the club where he not only teaches private and semi-private lessons, but also heads the Junior Academy. We are extremely grateful for Martin's daily positive energy and love of the sport.