From our shared passion for tennis, Xander and I started The Majors Tennis Academy in 2023. With the other trainers we have worked together for years under the flag of LTC Startbaan. Xander on the court and I as an enthusiastic youth committee member next to the court.
Rachel Gans
Co-founder, Manager
I would like to introduce myself to you as the contact person for The Majors. I am Rachel Gans, 32 years old. My love for tennis began at a young age, when I started playing at age seven. My tennis journey began at the local club, led me to the tennis association and eventually to LTC Startbaan & Popeye Goldstar.
Unfortunately, at 16, I had to discontinue my full-time tennis activities due to a serious foot injury. During a period of complete distance from tennis, I earned my bachelor's degree in Communications.
Six years ago I started playing tennis again, back on the old nest at LTC Startbaan. In 2020 I also got involved in volunteering on the youth committee of LTC Startbaan, where I have been partly responsible for the administrative handling of youth registrations for several years.
Xander Spong
Co-founder, Trainer
My name is Xander Spong. From a young age my life has revolved around sports, but tennis has always had a special place in my heart. I started taking tennis lessons at age seven, and soon I was allowed to train with the tennis association. Despite quitting the association early, I proudly achieved successes as a junior, including multiple Dutch championships and junior Davis Cup world championship.
After my professional tennis adventure, with the highest ATP ranking being 802, which ended due to injuries, I found my passion in teaching. Over the past 8 years, I have worked with players of all levels, from beginners to ITF juniors, ATP and WTA players.
My specialty as a coach lies in coaching competitive players physically, mentally and tactically. Although performance tennis is closest to my heart because of my own history, I also derive great satisfaction from helping players who are motivated to learn and improve at their own pace.
Bjorn Luitink
Trainer
I am Björn Luitink. My tennis journey began at age 5, inspired by my older brother. He started ball and stroke training, and as a younger brother, I wanted to do everything he did. Fortunately, I inherited my parents' tennis talent and continued my tennis adventure. During my youth, I played tennis intensively and trained with the KNLTB from age 9 to 12. After that, I reduced my training intensity, but continued to play matches during vacations.
Since the age of 17, I have been playing competition for LTC Startbaan (then LTC Amstelland). I currently play on the first mixed team on Sundays and proudly give tennis lessons at The Majors.
I chose the tennis teaching profession because I simply love being involved with tennis. As a little boy, I told my tennis coach that if I did not become a professional tennis player, I would become a tennis instructor. In 2016, I decided to get my trainer's certificate and focus on teaching. It gives me great satisfaction to help people get better at tennis. I enjoy teaching people of all ages, from young to old, and from recreational players to those who are more performance-oriented. My preference is not specific target groups, but motivation and a positive attitude on the court.
Wim Gomersbach
Trainer
I am Wim Gomersbach and before working at The Majors, I have taught for LTC Startbaan, formerly LTC Amstelland, for 39 years.
My love for tennis began at age 15. When we moved to Buitenveldert, I was first introduced to tennis and Popeye Gold Star became my club. I spent countless hours on the tennis court and watched a lot from the top players there.
My teaching experience began more or less by accident. I was asked to teach some tennis lessons, although I had no formal experience. I then obtained tennis diplomas through the tennis association and began teaching at TCU in Uithoorn.
My teaching experience grew quickly, and I also began working on other aspects of tennis, such as grading, creating programs and coaching. In time, I was asked to give league training at LTC Amstelland and expanded my training activities. I also became assistant district tennis coach at the Amsterdam district, where I trained young talents up to the age of 12 and coached them at tournaments. This period was a valuable learning experience, and I learned a lot from DTL Leonne Heffels.
Gosse Panagoulopoulos
Trainer
I am Gosse Panagoulopoulos, 23 years old and living in Amsterdam. Since spring 2023 I joined L.T.C. Startbaan as a tennis coach. I provide tennis lessons for both youth and adults. I do this with pleasure and since the start I have experienced a pleasant cooperation with the club. I also play tennis in the top of the Netherlands and try to be active where I can. I also study at the University of Amsterdam. So I have a great passion for tennis, but also for many other aspects of life.
With the entrance of the brand new tennis school of Rachel and Xander that will become active from next spring 2024, I am looking forward to working with these two top tennis players. I am happy to contribute to the tennis school in the form of providing quality tennis lessons for any target group. In any case, I am looking forward to it and I would say: see you at the club!
Mitchel van der Geugten
Physical Trainer
I am Mitchell van der Geugten. Passionate personal trainer and I also teach group training.
As for my background, I have been playing tennis myself since a young age. With a current playing strength of 3, I actively participate in leagues and tournaments. In addition, I continue to train myself several times a week to improve my own skills. This personal involvement in the sport allows me, not only as a trainer, but also as a fellow tennis player with experience to guide you on your way to better fitness.
So, if you're looking for a challenging, yet effective fitness workout, you've come to the right place. Let's work together to become a fit and strong version of yourself on the tennis court!