THE LATE NOEL WATKINS
FOUNDER

Originally from Ireland, Noel Watkins moved to the Cayman Islands in 2009 and founded Cayman Tennis Academy the following year. Noel was instrumental in introducing tennis to many of the schools in the Islands and launched the Tennis 10s after-school program for the Tennis Federation in 2012. He continued to promote the Tennis 10s initiative through a number of grassroots programs over the course of the next decade. Noel also opened the first pickleball facility in the country and renamed this company Cayman Pickleball & Tennis Academy in 2022. Noel passed away from cancer at the age of 45 in March 2024. He was a wonderful coach who will forever be fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him.

DANIEL IRIMIA
Coach

Dan Irimia has been teaching and coaching tennis for 15 years. He has multiple certifications from the PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) and ITF (Level 2) Qualifications. Before moving to Cayman Islands, he worked as Director of Tennis – Castlebar Tennis Club Ireland, Manager of Westport Tennis Club Ireland, Performance Director Connacht Province- Ireland, Coach- Meadow Club, Southampton, New York. Dan is great with groups and individuals of all ages from beginner to advanced!

RICARDO SOLON
Coach

Ricardo Solon has worked with Cayman Tennis Academy since 2017. Prior to that he worked as a pro in Turks & Caicos for a number of years. Ricardo specializes in working with children on the Play and Stay programme and assists Noel in running both the after school program and the very popular school holiday tennis camps. Ricardo also coaches children at a number of local primary schools around Grand Cayman.

David Richardson
Coach

David Richardson, a seasoned tennis coach hailing from the UK. With 30 years of on-court experience, including competition at county and national levels, and over 14 years of coaching under his belt, David is an expert in the tennis world.

Armed with numerous qualifications from the British Lawn Tennis Association, David naturally blends years of skill and expertise into his coaching approach. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, David’s coaching style is both fast-paced and relaxed, ensuring a fun and skill-enhancing experience, whether in a group setting or one-on-one.

Elson Solon
Coach

Elson is a tennis coach with a decade of experience in the Philippines. He’s also a certified Pickleball Instructor accredited by the International Foundation of Players Academy. Elson assists Dan in running several programmes like the after school program and the very popular school holiday tennis camps, pickleball open plays, tournaments and corporate pickleball leagues.

Lesley
Admin

Lesly is originally from Honduras but has been a resident of the Cayman Islands for many years. She has been a member of the Cayman Tennis Academy family almost since its inception and is a familiar and welcoming face for all of the children who do camps and after school lessons.