Meet the pros
At Knowlwood the Pros are dedicated to providing a diverse and robust collection of tennis programs for every skill and activity level desired. Learn more about each tennis pro and their backgrounds by clicking their names below.
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I am fortunate to be a native of beautiful Santa Barbara. I played as a Junior tennis player at Knowlwood Tennis Club when it originated. I played years of sanctioned junior tennis tournaments as well as playing tennis for Santa Barbara High school, U.C. Irvine and U.C. Santa Barbara. Followed by playing satellite tennis circuits in various countries around the world for about a year. I was Tennis Director at Birnam Wood for 3 years, then Tennis Director at Cathedral Oaks Tennis Club for 8 years. I then came to Knowlwood Tennis Club and was a Head Pro for over 30 years. In 2017 I became Tennis Director at Knowlwood Tennis Club. Knowlwood is a very special place. The founders created an amazing family environment for Knowlwood that is in place presently and hopefully will continue to be a model going forward. I have much gratitude for being able to be part of Knowlwood Tennis Club. I am also very blessed to have such talented Head Pros as part of our teaching program. It is truly a one of a kind family tennis club.
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Men’s Beg./Int./Adv. Tennis Clinic
Currently building Women’s Beginning and Intermediate clinics.
Private and Small Group Lessons also offered.
Offered to all levels by appointment. Please contact me at (805) 259-5582 text or call, or by email at: crandall.knowlwood@gmail.com
*Crandall is an independent contractor and not an employee of Knowlwood Tennis Club.
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I am currently a Head Pro at Knowlwood Tennis Club. I have coached here since 1984, but I fell in love with tennis when I was a kid taking the KW junior clinics run by former Tennis Director Jerry Hatchett.
For 30 years I had the privilege of running the Grass Root 12-Under Junior Tennis clinics with the great teaching staff.
Currently, I enjoy teaching private lessons and the adult and junior clinics at Knowlwood!
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Men’s Beg./Int./Adv. Tennis Clinic
*Tom is an independent contractor and not an employee of Knowlwood Tennis Club.
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📞 - (805) 729-0528
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I was born and raised in Santa Barbara. I learned to love tennis starting at the age of 10, right here at Knowlwood. My first teaching experiences came from working for Gary Bellomy and Tom Horton, teaching in their programs at Knowlwood while attending Santa Barbara High School. I played four years of varsity tennis for the Dons, coming one win short of the CIF D1 title my senior year. I received my bachelor’s degree in Theater from Cal State University Northridge. It was a long way from my start in the Electrical Engineering department at Cal Poly SLO in 2003. After graduating I pursued a brief career as an actor/comedian in Hollywood. I had a life-changing epiphany that I should become a Tennis teacher instead. I moved back up to my hometown of Santa Barbara, and immediately met with Jerry Hatchet (Tennis Director then), to ask for a job teaching at Knowlwood. I was welcomed back by the Knowlwood team, who supported and helped define my teaching style. In fact, I attribute the success I’ve had as a pro from the influences of the amazing and supportive people around me at Knowlwood Tennis Club. I have been working alongside the legendary Tom Horton in his junior program for seven years. In the beginning of 2021, I took the reins and now head up the junior tennis program for ages 11 and under. I love teaching at the most beautiful place in town. Turns out, making tennis fun for kids is my passion!
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I was a Nationally ranked Junior tennis player from Dallas, Texas I moved to Westlake CA. in 1986, and began teaching tennis at Sherwood Country Club in 1990 In 1994, I relocated to Santa Barbara and started teaching at Knowlwood Tennis Club (27 years) I have coached all age groups. From beginners to Nationally ranked Juniors I run the Good Vibes clinic (Junior High School) and T2 clinic (High School) I love the family feel of Knowlwood Tennis Club, and the connection to my fellow staff members
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*Jeff is an independent contractor and not an employee of Knowlwood Tennis Club.
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📞 - 805-705-9558
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I’m a native of Santa Barbara who grew up playing tennis at Knowlwood Tennis Club. I also played tennis locally at Santa Barbara High School and Westmont College. I have enjoyed playing competitive tennis my whole life.
I have been a U.S.P.T.A. Elite Pro for 25 years as well as a certified trainer for 15 years. I previously taught tennis at the Rogue Valley Swim & Tennis Club for 5 years prior to settling in at Knowlwood Tennis Club for the past 21 years.
I love working at Knowlwood Tennis Club with the amazing teaching staff and wonderful membership. It is pure joy!
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Women’s Beginning Tennis Clinic
I’m available for private lessons and small groups. The clinics I offer are: Men’s cardio tennis Women’s cardio tennis Women’s beginner level Women’s intermediate level. Women’s Advanced level-small groups.
I can be reached at (805) 637-5414 and/or at: kim.knowlwood@gmail.com
*Kim is an independent contractor and not an employee of Knowlwood Tennis Club.
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I’m from Santa Monica, CA. I played competitively all through my junior tennis career. My top sectional rankings were #1 in Southern California boy’s 14 singles and doubles. In the boy’s 16 singles I was ranked in the top 25. In national rankings I was ranked in the top 10 in the boy’s 14 singles and the top 100 in the boy’s 16 singles. I played #1 varsity singles at Santa Monica High School for four years. That was followed by playing tennis for Santa Barbara City College at the #2 singles and #1 doubles position. I made the UCSB men’s team, but decided not to play and focus more on my academics.
From UCSB I became a Head Tennis Pro at Knowlwood Tennis Club in 2012. I run two junior tennis programs at Knowlwood Tennis Club:
The Good Vibes tennis clinic ( Intermediate level-junior high school age) and the Tournament Tough tennis clinic (Advanced-high school age).
After graduating from UCSB I found Knowlwood Tennis Club. It’s been a blessing ever since.
The Knowlwood pros, members and people who are part of the tennis community have been nothing less than great. The vibes and synergy of this club is like nowhere else I’ve ever experienced. I hope we can preserve the Knowlwood Tennis Club’s uniqueness and continue the journey for future generations.
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*Johnny is an independent contractor and not an employee of Knowlwood Tennis Club.
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meet the Club Managers
Dave and Kathy Abby have been the managers at Knowlwood since 2005. Previously they were both educators for 25 years in Bend, Oregon. Dave was a high school teacher and coach. He coached both tennis and basketball. Kathy owned a preschool. She also taught kindergarten and first grade. The Abbys have been married fifty-two years. They have four children, all of whom were collegiate tennis players. Their children are all married now and the Abbys have eleven grandchildren. Dave and Kathy love Knowlwood and say it is the best family club ever!
