Get started in Tennis!
Las Cruces Tennis Players Association does not offer on-going tennis lessons. We do sponsor a summer camp in July for junior players at beginning through high school levels, and a middle school program that runs August-September.
The best way for kids or adults to get started is with private lessons.
Below are the names of several people in the Las Cruces area who offer tennis lessons to beginning or intermediate juniors and adults. Typically, the teachers will begin with private lessons. Once the basic skills are in place, students may be grouped together with others of similar age and level.
Please note that LCTPA offers this information as a courtesy only. Tennis instruction from these teachers is not affiliated with LCTPA, and LCTPA is not responsible for the actions of the teachers listed or the content of their lessons.
Strahinja Trecakov
A native of Serbia where he was ranked in the top 3 junior players in the country. He graduated from NMSU with a Computer Science degree. During his collegiate career, Trecakov played at the top singles and doubles positions for NM State. He led NM State to its first Western Athletic Conference Championship in 2015 and led the Aggies to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2000 as well. The following year he led the Aggies to back-to-back WAC Championships and NCAA appearance. After exhausting his eligibility as a player, he joined the coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach of the men’s team and later in 2019 of the women’s team. He has helped juniors win district and state championships, and join college teams. Adults that he teaches saw success at sectional, regional and national championships.
Strahinja always welcomes new students and hopes to share his tennis knowledge and skills with others. Feel free to reach out to him at trecakov@nmsu.edu.
Judy Harlas
I am a 4.5 player, PTR certified Instructor for Adult Development -10 and Under and 11 to 17- and am currently head coach of Mayfield High School Tennis. I've coached HS players from 2008 to present, and Middle School players from 2005 to present.
I have also captained and coached players on several Junior Team Tennis Teams and have gone to Nationals with one 14 and Under Intermediate Team, and one 18 and Under Intermediate Team. I have twice been a Coach for the South HS All Star Team and was named 2011 Southwest Section Outstanding High School Coach, and 2010 New Mexico High School Tennis Coach of the Year.
Contact: 575-649-9374 or JRHarlas@aol.com
Emily Wang
Head Coach of NMSU Aggie Women’s tennis team. Contact her at ecwang@nmsu.edu; 785-840-4163
Frank Sage
I am an experienced middle school tennis coach and program director. I am focused primarily on junior player development. I am a patient coach who believes hard work and having fun go a long way toward growing lifelong tennis players.
I am open to private lessons, strength and conditioning, and group lessons. I am typically available for weekend or evening bookings.
Contact: fsage00@gmail.com
Lucija Josipovic
I am currently a student at NMSU and have played tennis on a high level for 16 years, competing in Germany and then playing for the d1 women's tennis team at NMSU before I had to end my career due to injury. I have always enjoyed passing on my knowledge to other people just starting off as a fun journey or to improve their game.
For now my schedule is pretty free from Thursday afternoon at 3pm throughout the weekend. I can do a couple of lessons also Monday through Wednesday.
