11 coaches & instructors for lessons in Santa Barbara, CA

COACH AT MERION CRICKET CLUB Driven by a lifelong love of tennis, I bring 18 years of experience to the court, honed from my time as a college player. I'm passionate about fostering a fun, engaging environment where players of all levels can improve their skills and deepen their love for the game.

"I really enjoyed working with Ilias as he was a great coach who made the lesson engaging and fun. The session helped me focus on improving my technique while keeping things enjoyable. If you’re looking for a friendly and effective tennis lesson, I’d recommend giving Ilias a try! You won’t be disappointed. 🎾🙂

With over a decade on the court, I cultivate skills in players of all levels. My experience as a seasoned player allows me to provide unique insights and personalized coaching strategies. I'm patient and will provide good rallies and strong feedback. Let's elevate your tennis game!

"Hunter is very professional and helpful. On the class he can tell immediately what I need to improve, and he knows what kind of training can solve that problem for me.

I've been on a thrilling pickleball journey, transforming into a formidable 4.5 player. My passion for this exciting sport aligns with my commitment to continuous improvement. Beyond the court, I bring my expertise as a fitness trainer to the game, dedicating 15 hours weekly to playing and drilling. This unique combination allows me to not only master the intricacies of pickleball but also to enhance players' skills through fitness-focused strategies. Whether you're looking to improve your game and fitness or simply enjoy the exhilarating world of pickleball, I'm here to guide you on this exciting journey. Let's hit the court and elevate your pickleball experience together!

"Thanks to Marcus guidance, I’ve experienced remarkable improvement in my pickleball game!”"

Hi Looking forward to teaching anyone to play golf. It’s a fantastic sport that closely aligns with life and its principles. I have 45 years of experience. As a former UCLA golf team member and tour pro, I offer personalized instruction to elevate your game. Let's refine your skills and achieve your golfing aspirations together!

"I can’t say with enough enthusiasm — Renee is an awesome coach and awesome person to hang with. She was so patient and attentive. We were total rookies going into this first lesson and left with the feeling that we can step on the course and just enjoy ourselves. Of course, many many more learnings are needed, but we now feel like a part of the world of golf and are excited to keep learning. We did a couples lesson for our wedding anniversary, and our time with Renee was a perfect way to have some laughs, experience the joy of a new sport, and pick up useful skills from the first minute to the last. Highly recommended! (Also, Soule is a gorgeous course!)

Donatella Biscayart, a passionate tennis player from France, brings over a decade of experience in the sport to her teaching. Having honed her skills since the age of 7, she offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her students. With a patient and encouraging approach, Donatella ensures that her students not only learn the technical aspects of tennis but also find joy and fulfillment in the game.

"She is an amazing instructor! I already played a little tennis but she really helped my technique. I feel way more confident in my tennis skills. She is also so sweet definitely recommend!

Elevate your tennis game with my 16 years of playing experience. As a former collegiate athlete, I bring unique insights to help you reach your full potential on the court. My passion lies in fostering a fun and challenging learning environment for players of all levels.

"Darian is patient, helpful, and kind even when I feel uncoordinated and clumsy. He’s strengthened my technique with precision. He’s quite particular about the technique, but it works. One thing I need to work on now is my own stamina, and then i’ll be a noticeably stronger tennis player than I was before I started meeting with Darian.

Dylan is a dedicated coach focused on building excellence through discipline, consistency, and mindset. He develops both skill and character, blending strong fundamentals with motivation and accountability. Committed to growth, he helps athletes build confidence, sharpen performance, and develop habits that create lasting success on and off the court.

"Dylan was extremely helpful and super kind. Turned me into a beast on the court

With over 35 years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for racquet sports, Dimitar Yazadzhiev has dedicated his career to helping athletes unlock their full potential. His journey includes a decade of coaching at the world-renowned Weil Tennis Academy and more than 16 years leading his own academy in Santa Barbara, working with players of all ages and levels — from beginners discovering the game to elite professionals competing on the world stage. Throughout his career, Dimitar has coached and trained Top 50 ATP and WTA players, including Grigor Dimitrov, Ana Tatishvili, Rebecca Marino, Sesil Karatancheva, and Ksenia Milevskaya, helping them refine their game and reach peak performance. He has also represented Bulgaria as a National Player in the 50+ division, competing twice at the European Pickleball Championships in England and Italy — demonstrating his passion and skill in both tennis and pickleball. What sets Dimitar apart is his unique blend of elite coaching and over 25 years in the luxury hospitality industry, having worked with prestigious resorts such as the Ojai Valley Inn and the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. This combination allows him to deliver not only world-class instruction but also a five-star, service-driven experience where every player feels valued and inspired. At Dimitar Tennis & Pickleball, he focuses on private instruction and customized training programs, blending technical precision, strategy, fitness, and mental focus — all delivered with warmth, professionalism, and personal attention. Mission: To help players of all ages and skill levels train smarter, compete stronger, and enjoy the game more fully — in an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and world-class.

""I have been practicing at Dimitar Tennis Academy from day one, and I am proud to say that I have made the right decision staying there. Dimitar is a very experienced coach who gives each player lots of personal attention, and also pushes them to utilize every second they spend on the court. Dimitar Tennis Academy offers a perfect combination of mental and physical training that prepares a player well for an upcoming tournament. It is also a place where any level of player can practice and rapidly improve. Over my years at DTA, I have felt my game solidify and consistently improve. Also, I have seen many others around me improve at a rate I didn’t think was possible. A great thing about the courts at Hilton Beachfront Resort is that they are a few hundred feet away from the beach. Their location really gives each player a more enjoyable time out on the court. On top of my game improving from training with Dimitar, practicing at DTA has also made me a better person. I believe that anybody who decides to train at Dimitar Tennis Academy will experience the best tennis program in Santa Barbara and will also become a better individual." (Peter Jivkov)

With over three decades of surfing experience (and surf filmmaking), I offer tailored coaching for all skill levels, grounded in a deep understanding of wave dynamics and technique. As a life-long amateur surfer, I blend passion with precision, ensuring a safe, effective, and enjoyable learning journey. I'm an expert longboarder but have also worked with top tier shortboard athletes doing footage capture/analysis for style, power, flow. Whatever your level or goals are, I'm eager to help out and have some fun.

Surf instructor with 7 years of surfing experience since 2019 and a certified Red Cross lifeguard. Passionate about helping others build confidence in the water while creating a fun, safe, and positive environment for surfers of all skill levels.