These coaches teach at top ranked spots and have great lesson fulfillment & student reviews.



Michael-Ray Pallares, the Director of Coach Training and Education for the UPT, is a former professional tennis player from the Dominican Republic. As a player, he was a two-time USTA national champion as a junior, received a full scholarship to play at the University of Alabama, ranked Top 10 in NCAA Division 1 tennis and held an ATP ranking for more than ten years while representing his country in the Davis Cup and the Central American and Caribbean Games. Michael-Ray has traveled extensively as a professional tour coach and/or sparring partner for several ATP and WTA players ranked top 10 in the world. He also served as Technical Director of the Panamanian Tennis Federation, Turkmenistan Tennis Federation and the Guam National Tennis Federation as an Expert Coach for the International Tennis Federation undertaking the Development of National Sport Structure, creating an action plan to strengthen the tennis program approved by the International Olympic Committee and Olympic Solidarity. He is now promoting the game of tennis worldwide through his foundation, One Love Tennis and the UPT coach education platform.
"Michael-Ray has really helped with my footwork, conditioning and overall movement on the court, which has improved my game so many levels!


Gabriel Ariza – Independent Soccer Coach & Player Development Mentor I focus on unlocking the potential of aspiring athletes by combining elite-level playing experience with personalized mentorship. With over 17 years dedicating myself to the sport, I bring a broad background that includes local training in the Tampa Bay area—such as Tampa Bay United, MLS Next, and SIMA Montverde Academy—and international experience in professional youth academies in Spain and Colombia. My playing career has mainly centered on defensive midfield, but my versatility across all midfield roles and center back gives me valuable insights into many areas of the game. Currently, I play for the University of Tampa and offer relevant insights into the college recruiting process and the transition from youth to college soccer. My coaching approach combines technical skill development with mental toughness. Having been trained by former professional players, I incorporate proven, high-level techniques into every session. Outside of coaching, I serve as a dedicated mentor, helping players navigate recruitment, manage the pressures of balancing academics and athletics, and overcome the unique challenges faced by international students. I am well-equipped to connect with today’s players, providing experienced and relatable guidance to help them succeed both on and off the field.