TENNIS DIRECTOR
Jaleel Riaz
We are pleased to have Jaleel Riaz as Director of Tennis. Jaleel has played a huge role in the Rome tennis scene for five decades and counting. He is the 2023 Georgia Tennis Association teaching pro of the year! After earning All-America honors at Wingate College in North Carolina, he transferred to Shorter College where he earned All-American honors in doubles while compiling an outstanding singles and doubles record. After college, Jaleel has taught at several spots in Rome including stints with Shorter College and West Georgia University as well as a Davis Cup captain and head coach of the Pakistan team. In addition to tennis, Jaleel is a champion pickleball player. Jaleel currently serves on the board of the Coosa Valley Tennis Association and is a member of the Rome-Floyd Sports Hall of Fame. He has taught countless kids and adults for the last 40 years and we are lucky to have him here to lead our program. Jaleel offers private and group classes for all ages and abilities.
- Jaleel cell: (706) 506-7506 or E-mail
TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
Craig Walton, 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 as a tennis pro 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 be part of the Lawrence Preserve tennis staff and looks forward to meeting you soon. Craig can be reached here 706-512-0362 (text is best).
To contact Craig call or text 706-512-0362.