Director of Racquet Sports – Jaleel Riaz
Jaleel has been in Rome, GA from Pakistan since the early 1970’s. He is a former Davis Cup captain and has taught at
several colleges, public and private tennis courts since attending Shorter College in the 70’s. Generations have been taught this great game by Jaleel. With his calm demeanor, he is able to bring out the best in the experienced and the nervous beginner, alike. Call 706-506-7506 to schedule a lesson with one of the all-time greats.
INDEPENDENT TEACHING PROFESSIONAL – Jed Gillespie
Jed Gillespie is new to the staff at Lawrence Preserve but is not new to the tennis community of Rome.
He holds a USPTA Level 1 Tennis Instructor certification, is USTA Safe Play approved, and has a NTRP
rating of 4.5.
Originally from Athens but a long-time resident of Rome; Jed earned a Bachelor of Business 
Administration in Accounting, Master of Accountancy in Taxation, and a Doctor of Education in
Occupational Studies all from The University of Georgia. He has close to 25 years of teaching and career
counseling experience at the college level and is currently a Professor of Accounting and Business at
Georgia Highlands College where he has worked since 2004.
Jed has taught tennis for 5 years and he specializes in working with middle school, high school, and
league players. He focuses both the mental (doubles/singles strategies) and physical (stroke production)
aspects of tennis through individual, group, drill, and summer camp instruction. In addition to teaching
tennis, Jed has also served previously as a board member and treasurer for the Rome Tennis Club (Coosa
Valley Tennis Association).
To contact Jed call or text 706-308-0350.
INDEPENDENT TEACHING PROFESSIONAL – 
Craig Walton
Craig, a native of Carrollton, GA, has been providing tennis instruction for 20 years. He holds a PTR P1 certification and is in his second stint teaching at Lawrence Preserve, having formerly worked with Craig A Jones under previous ownership.
After teaching tennis full time for seven years Craig earned a Masters of Teaching in Physical Education and landed a position as a PE coach at Pepperell Elementary where he has remained for 10 years. Craig currently coaches the Pepperell High School girls and boys tennis team. In addition he provides individual and group instruction, drills, and summer camps for tennis players of all ages and abilities at Lawrence Plantation.
Craig excels in teaching sound/ modern fundamentals, stroke and footwork progressions, the mental game, and tennis specific training exercises.
Craig is married to Kate. Together they have two daughters, Whitlee (4) and Bradlee (3) and two dogs. He is very excited to offer lessons at Lawrence Preserve and looks forward to meeting you soon.