Pro info
Welcome to The Club at Sunset Pro Shop. If you are looking to up your game with lessons, clinics or drills, we have something just for you. Maybe you are a social player and just want to play with a group and have fun, we cater to that as well. Check out of calendar of events for a list of our upcoming socials.
Is your equipment older than you? Maybe it time for an upgrade or a tune up. We have a wide selection of racquets from Babolat as well as a top of the line selection of strings that will maybe any racquet feel better.
Come check us out and let us satisfy your cravings for better tennis.
On the tennis calendar:
PRO STAFF BIOS
Brian Smith
Director of Tennis & General Manager
Brian Smith comes to The Club at Sunset with 18 Years of experience in the tennis business. Thirteen of these years have been spent directing clubs across the country from Texas to Wisconsin and now North Carolina.
On the coaching front Brian has developed two large juniors programs which average over 200 players enrolled monthly and a vibrant adult program for players of all levels. His students have gone on to win USTA league Nationals, NCAA titles, as well have well on the professional tours.
As a competitive player Brian played collegiately at University of Utah and currently continues to play league and tournaments on a regular basis. In the recent past he has won two National Doubles title is Men’s 30s doubles.
Brian brings a wealth of Knowledge and experience both on and off the courts to enhance the tennis and club experience at The Club at Sunset.
Robert Gibson
Tennis Professional
Robert Allen Gibson is a USPTA certified professional tennis instructor, USTA PlaySafe certified and a Lifetime member of USTA. He is also trained in Cardio tennis. He would love to work with all the players at Sunset as a Tennis Professional, Tennis instructor, Tennis analyst, or a tennis coach. He has been teaching 45 years, played the open circuit for 5 year and played college and high school tennis. Robert has coached college, high school and club tennis teams. He can work on any style game you would like to develop so give him a call on 919-557-0000 EXT 110, 919-522-9463 or 919-762-3758 and set up an appointment.
Eric Hilpert
Director of Junior Programming
Eric Hilpert is USPTA certified with over 10 years of teaching experience. He is a Minnesota native and attended Stillwater High School, where he was a two-time team captain and all-conference single player. He played collegiate tennis at Wartburg College where he was an all-Iowa Conference selection and is top 10 on the school's all-time doubles wins list. Eric led the team to its best conference finish and the most regular season wins in school history.
Most recently, he was the Head Tennis Professional at Sports Core, a 5-star resort in Kohler, Wisconsin, where he’s worked with some of the top juniors in the state. In addition to club teaching, he has 3 year experience as head coach at Lakeland University with the Men’s and Women’s program. In 2017, he led the women to their most regular season wins and first conference tournament appearance in 5 years.
Hilpert, began where he grew his community tennis programs from one court on a gym floor with a volleyball net to fourteen courts across three locations. He had the opportunity to teach at the Stanford University Nike Tennis Camps where he was mentored by several NCAA Division I coaches. Hilpert also was the co-director of Wartburg College Tennis Camps where he helped create, execute and teach the first camps.
Eric brings energy, experience and the love of tennis to Sunset Tennis players of all ages.
Lessons & Clinics
Tennis Clinics (Fall 2021)
JR. FALL CLASSES
Starting this fall, we are moving to an auto-renewing monthly session program. On the 21st of each month, packages will automatically renew for the next month and any changes or cancellations just need to be done before the 21st of the month. This will eliminate having to fill out a form each session and a shorter commitment will help families plan on the number of classes that they can attend.
Lessons
Private lessons are available for players of all ages and abilities. These sessions are the best way to develop the personal aspects that help YOU develop your best game. We offer 30 minute and 60 minute sessions and you can schedule individually with your professional of choice. Call the pro shop at 919-557-0000 to inquire about and schedule private lessons with any of our three pros.
Clinics
We have a wide variety of group clinics available to fit your needs and schedule. Check out our current selection of clinics:
- Adult Tennis Programs: Download flyer
- Cardio Tennis: Fit Tennis is the fast paced 60 minutes focusing on getting the heart rate up and burn those pesky calories. You are guaranteed to sweat, have fun, and hit a lot of balls. Classes offered: Saturday mornings 9a, Tuesday evenings 7p (starting fall 2021).
- Men’s Drills: Men’s Drills are designed around feeding, live ball and point play based drills. Work on specific aspects of the game and have fun doing it.
Classes Offered: Tuesday Evening 7p-8p & Saturday morning 8a-9a. - Women’s Drills: Develop those skills needed to win that next league match or just beat you spouse or children on the court. Whatever your reason, you need to make time and get out and work on your game. Classes offered: Monday mornings 10a-11:30a & Wednesdays 10a-11:30a & Thursdays 7p-8p & Saturday morning 10a-11a.
- Beginner Tennis: If you are looking to pick up the game for the first time or just getting back into it after a long break. These beginner clinics give you that solid foundation to get playing a short period of time. New session TBA
- Tennis 101: This 6 week course give you the foundation in all the strokes and basic playing abilities. You may attend this program as many times as you wish. New session TBA
- Tennis 201: This class is play based and focuses on the foundational aspects of positioning, doubles & singles tactics, rallying skills, and match play. This is a great program that will lead you right into league or competitive play if you wish. New session TBA.
JUNIOR TENNIS
Rules & Policies
The Club at Sunset Tennis policies are set to insure safety and guarantee a pleasant atmosphere for all members. The tennis rules are to maximize the enjoyment and safe play for all tennis players.
- Priority On Courts: Adults have priority on courts weekdays after 5:00pm, weekends, and holidays. Adult members playing with their children shall be treated as adult play.
- Reserving Courts: Courts may be reserved by any member 24 hours in advance (Wednesday Reservations can be made on Tuesday), unless already reserved for club round robins, special events, clinics, lessons, or an approved USTA match etc. However, the player(s) reserving the courts shall forfeit the reserved court if not present and on the court within 10 minutes of the reserved time. Court 2 will be held open for ball machine use until all other courts are reserved.
- Time Limits for Play: Court time is limited to 1 hour for singles and 1-1/2 hours for doubles. Play may continue beyond these time limits if no one is waiting. However, players may not re-sign for the same court or for any other court without first coming off of the courts to allow waiting player(s) to play. Courts shall be surrendered immediately upon expiration of time.
- Proper Attire and Behavior: Players must wear proper tennis attire, including shirts. Only regulation tennis shoes may be worn on the courts.No profanity, unsportsmanlike conduct, or excessive noise will be allowed on the courts.Leave the court in as good or better condition than it was in when you arrived for play. Please understand and use tennis etiquette at all times.
- Misc: NO glass, bikes, wagons, roller-skates, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, toys or pets of any kind are allowed on the courts.
- Children: No children will be permitted in the court area unless they are playing tennis. Children should be directly supervised at all times while at the tennis facility.
- Guests: A member must accompany all guests. Guest fees should be paid at the Pro Shop prior to play. If the Pro Shop is closed, the fee must be paid the next time the shop is open. Fees for guests who live in Wake County are $3.00 during the week and $5.00 on the weekend. All out-of-town guests are free of charges.
- Problems: Any problem with the courts should be reported to the General Manager.
