The Team | Intense Tennis

Meet The Intense Team

Ian Paterson

Ian’s love for the game developed at a young age and it wasn’t long before he was playing in the top junior section for the local association. Ian continued to develop his game and as a senior, played at a very high level of Victorian Pennant.

Beginning a coaching career as a young 17-year-old, Ian developed and refined his skills to become a certified Level 2 Advanced Tennis Australia Coach.

Ian’s experience both as a player and professional coach for over 30 years, has seen him work with many top junior players to improve and develop an elite game and implement programs to improve grassroots club players.

Ian brings his passion and expertise to the court for every lesson, his jovial, humorous personality creates a fun and friendly environment giving all his students the best chance to experience tennis whilst growing and developing the sport.

Ian’s motto is ‘be the best you can be’ he believes in improving the abilities of all his clients to help them succeed at tennis and succeed in life.

James Kirkham

James comes from a long line of tennis players and began his tennis journey as a 4-year-old. James began his coaching career at age 16 in Australia, working and gaining experience with different coaches and players who all displayed distinctly different styles.

After completing VCE James earned a College Tennis Scholarship to the United States where he spent 5 years, studying, competing and developing his own game and coaching style. Based in North Carolina James was part of a previously unranked college team who went on to finish the year ranked in the top 10.

James coached at the exclusive Beech Mountain Club coaching members to develop their skills, running clinics, tournaments and inter club competitions.

After finishing college James held the position as Director of Racquet Sports (Head Tennis Pro) at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Asheville North Carolina, where he grew the coaching programs, ran clinics, tournaments and competition for the members.

Through all these experiences James has developed his own style of coaching, to create some high level tennis players whilst having fun along the way.

Jordan Paterson

Born into tennis, Jordan has well-equipped himself with the necessary skills to play at a very competitive level. His love for sports, in general, is infectious and the rapport he has with young students makes him a great teacher and role model for aspiring players.

With a degree in Sports Business Management this makes him a great asset to the Intense Tennis Team.

Miah Beardshaw

Miah has been a student herself with Intense Tennis since the age of 7 and since that time with a lot of hard work and determination, she has elevated her game to become one of the States top junior players.

Miah's love and passion for the game is always evident and coaching was definitely a natural progression for her. Her zest for the game is infectious among other young players which is great to see.

Miah's encouragement to all students helps them to strive to succeed at their own game.