The KEW team, which includes the GM, the Head Pro, Tennis Pros, Coaches, and Court Monitors, are all dedicated to serving our members and enhancing your experience at Kew Gardens Tennis Club. We encourage you to introduce yourself to the staff on duty!
We are thrilled to welcome back Lucas Valenzano as our General Manager and Ira Sherman as our Head Tennis Professional for the 2025 season. Ira will be leading, organizing, and managing all adult and junior programming. Lucas will be managing the club which includes Socials, Events, Tournaments, Ladders and all other Club Operations.
Lucas and Ira are committed to delivering exceptional service across all areas, ensuring the highest level of satisfaction for our Kew Gardens Tennis Club members.
LUCAS VALENZANO - General Manager
Lucas Valenzano's journey in tennis began at the age of 10, igniting a passion that would shape his career. His early experiences as a junior teaching assistant and camp counselor at Viewmount Park Tennis Club laid the foundation for his future in the sport.
After graduating from Western University with a degree in Kinesiology in 2014, Lucas pursued further education in Sport Management, earning an Advanced Diploma from Humber College. Armed with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, he ventured into the professional realm of tennis administration.
In 2017, Lucas assumed the role of Assistant Program Administrator at Mayfair Lakeshore Tennis Club, where he gained invaluable insights into club operations. Subsequently, he served as the Sports Coordinator at Unionville Athletic Club, showcasing his organizational prowess and dedication to enhancing the athletic experience.
Lucas's managerial talents came to the fore when he took on the position of Club Manager at Markham Tennis Club in 2018.
From 2019 to 2023, Lucas was the Club Manager at Veneto Tennis Club. Here, he demonstrated his ability to oversee various aspects of club management while fostering a thriving tennis community.
Lucas looks forward to meeting and getting to know all the current members and providing the best service he possibly can.
Email - lucas.valenzano@kewgardenstennis.ca
IRA SHERMAN - Head Tennis Professional
Ira Sherman brings over 20 years of international coaching experience to his role as Head Tennis Professional at Kew Gardens Tennis Club. A Toronto native, Ira honed his skills as a junior player at the All Canadian Tennis Academy before embarking on a dynamic teaching career that has taken him to premier clubs and resorts in California, Australia, Mexico, Thailand, and the Caribbean. He holds Tennis Canada’s highest certification in the club professional stream, Club Pro 3.
Ira’s method of teaching incorporates a game-based approach that blends technical, tactical, psychological, and physical elements, ensuring a holistic and engaging learning experience tailored to players of all levels. Ira brings unparalleled enthusiasm and a commitment to helping each player achieve their goals and potential.
For the 2025 season, Ira is excited to share his knowledge and expertise with KGTC members. He will provide a comprehensive range of programming for juniors and adults at all skill levels.
Contact Information:
Email: ira.sherman@kewgardenstennis.ca
Phone: (647) 700-8306
MIKE KOSOWSKI - Tennis Professional
Mike Kosowski is thrilled to be returning to Kew for his fourth season. A certified Tennis Canada Club Pro 2, Mike specializes in both competitive coaching and player development, bolstering technique, tactics, physicality and mental toughness. Known for a humorous, empathetic and humanistic approach, he has helped countless individuals improve their game, from juniors aiming for collegiate scholarships to adult players refining their skills. Mike develops personalized training plans and curricula tailored to an individual player’s goals, ensuring both progress and enjoyment in every session.
When not on the court, Mike enjoys spending time with his dog, cycling, and travel.
Contact Information:
Email - mike.kosowski@kewgardenstennis.ca
Phone - (416) 876-3449
COURTNEY WINTER - Tennis Professional
Courtney is passionate about building a love of tennis and supporting tennis as a sport for life. She is experienced in teaching juniors of all levels and abilities. She is excited to instruct a breadth of beginner to advanced intermediate adult members looking to build upon fundamentals, grow your game play and improve your serve.
If you would like to book a lesson with Courtney, feel free to contact her:
LORENZO GRECCHI - Tennis Professional
I'm back for my 10th season at Kew. I'm grateful to past and present staff, Board members and of course Kew tennis members. You've all made my job fun and easy for the past decade. I've seen many young players grow up and I consider all members my friends. Like always it's my pleasure to help you with your tennis needs. Reach out anytime.
Contact Information:
Email - lorenzo.grecchi@kewgardenstennis.ca
Phone- (647) 868 5309
ILIAN DOVER - Tennis Professional
Ilian Dover is a former national junior tennis player with a strong foundation in high-performance athletics. As a junior, he competed in provincial and national tournaments, achieving a career-high ranking in Canada’s Top 30 for Boys U14 in 2016. This competitive experience, paired with his career as a personal trainer, has given him a profound understanding of the commitment and perseverance needed to excel.
Ilian is a TPA-certified coach currently working toward his CP1 certification to further enhance his coaching skills. Over the past three years, he has honed his expertise at Kew Gardens Tennis Club, earning recognition as one of the top junior coaches. He recently joined Mayfair Lakeshore, where he works with players of all levels, from juniors to adults, helping them refine their techniques and reach their goals.
Beyond tennis coaching, Ilian is also a personal trainer at Mayfair Lakeshore, offering a well-rounded approach to athletic development. At just 22 years old, he embodies the "coach lifestyle," driven by a passion for personal growth and a dedication to excellence. Ilian’s ability to inspire, educate, and motivate makes him an invaluable asset to any team or organization.
Contact Information:
Email – ilian.dover@kewgardenstennis.ca
Phone – (437) 425-0142
Club Monitors
ESSAYAS DEBESSAY
Mary has lived in the Beaches neighbourhood for more than 25 years. She was thrilled when she was able to join the club last year which conveniently coincided with her decision to semi-retire as an educator. She is enjoying having more time to spend with family and friends over a meal with good music and wine, reading, and watching movies. She is looking forward to developing her skills on the court as well as joining the wonderful staff to serve the members of KGTC.