Raquets Team

Jack Busby

Rackets Director

Jack has been the Director of Southern Highlands programming since January 2018.

Jack was awarded USTA Nevada Coach of the year in 2019 and PTR Young Professional of the year also in 2019. Facility of the Year in 2022, and USTA Nevada Junior Coaching Excellence Award 2022

Jack oversees and coaches at all levels at the club.
“I just want people to fall in love with this game for life” - Coach Busby

Fun Fact: Coach Busby won the 14U Wimbledon doubles! Also works for the Professional Tennis and Pickleball Registry's as a Coach Developer (Certifying tennis and pickleball professionals)

Check out his website for a more info

www.jackbusby.com

Ishmael Gibson

Tennis & Pickleball Professional

Ishmael joined the coaching staff in 2024. He had a successful junior tennis background and has been ranked number 1 in Nevada and top 50 nationally. Playing professionally for one year before starting a family. He has now been coaching tennis for the past 15+ years and is thrilled to be apart of the Southern Highlands community and team. Ishmael brings a deep knowledge and understanding of the game, and works with all ages and levels of players. He is also certified professional by the Professional Tennis Registry with the highest honors. He is also a certified pickleball professional and teaches lessons and clinics in addition to tennis.
Fun Fact: Coach is our only lefty coach, 5.5+ playing ability, born and raised in Las Vegas!

Sean Pieterse

Pickleball Professional

Sean is a South African native and immigrated to the USA after pursuing a professional dance career with his wifi Zizi, as an acrobatic dance team. Sean has played every racket sport under the sun but over the last few years has found a passion for the game of Pickleball. Sean is certified by the Professional Pickleball Registry and Racket Professional Association. He was awarded his certifications from Colin Johns (world number 1 pickleballer) and has now turned his talents to teaching.

Fut Fact: Sean has now been a US citizen for 19 years, Ran his own limousine company in LA, Is a new grandparent!

Manuel Gomez

Tennis Professional

Manuel joins the team as a current student at UNLV and former Assistant Coach of the Mens Tennis Team. Manuel has been teaching tennis for 10 years and has a passion for managing player development, and excels in getting players from one stage to the next. Manuel was born and raised in Venezuela, he started playing tennis at 8 years old and years later was top 10 in the nation. He was the number one ranked doubles player in Venezuela by the ITF Junior Rankings. Prior to Southern Highlands he was a high performance coach at V&V academy in Laguna Hills. He managed the Nike Tennis Camps for 3 years, considered one of the best camps in the country. Manuel is certified with the Professional Tennis Registry passing with highest

Fun Fact: In 2022 Manuel was part of the coaching staff for Daniel Vallejo (ATP #233), He also won the NAIA West Conference with Westcliff University Mens Team.