our team
experienced award-
winning coaches
Our coaching team is passionate about helping tennis players of all ages reach their full potential on and off the court. We create a professional, player-centered experience for a positive, high-performance environment.
MEET OUR COACHES
charles byrd
director
An Atlanta native, Charles Byrd was a top-10 junior in the South and ranked among the top 50 nationally. In 2015, Coach Byrd received the USTA Georgia Coach of the Year. Coach Byrd offers world-class training built on 35+ years of experience.
henry darko
director
Coach Henry Darko is a former professional tennis player from Ghana. A right-handed serve-and-volley player from Accra, he competed in junior Grand Slams and reached the doubles quarterfinals at the 2001 US Open. He turned pro at 20 and is based in Atlanta.
Niriantsa Rasolomalala
Coach niri
Coach Niri is a former international and NCAA Division I tennis player from Madagascar. A former Top 85 ITF Junior, she represented her country in international competition, including the Youth Olympic Games, before competing at Georgia State University as the team's No. 1 player and captain. A USPTR and USPTA Certified coach, Coach Niri is dedicated to developing players of all ages and skill levels through high-quality instruction, competitive training, and a positive, player-focused approach.
derryck clay
academy pro
A Bronx native and Brown University graduate, Derryck Clay has over 20 years of coaching experience in junior and adult competitive tennis. A USPTR-certified Professional, he specializes in Junior Development, Adult Development, and High-Performance coaching.
justin byrd
tennis pro
Justin Byrd is a nationally ranked former junior player with competitive experience at the state, regional, national, and collegiate levels, including Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). As a coach at Darko-Byrd Tennis Academy, he is passionate about developing players of all skill levels through technical instruction, competitive training, and a positive coaching approach that helps athletes build confidence and reach their full potential.