Claudio Pistolesi has been named Director of Tennis at The Bolles School, announced by Ray Benton, CEO of Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC), on July 11. Pistolesi will join the Bolles staff in October 2018.

Bolles partnered with JTCC in 2014 to provide world-class tennis programming alongside quality education and character development. Under the leadership of former world-ranked professional player Brian Gottfried, Bolles Tennis has grown into a comprehensive training program. Gottfried will be relocating to Sarasota, Florida, but will continue to be involved on a part-time basis, supporting players on-site at Bolles, at JTCC in College Park, Maryland, and during tournaments.

“I have really enjoyed these past five years, Gottfried said. “The memories and relationships, with players, staff and parents have been special ones, but they will not end.  I will be coming back on a monthly basis to stay connected to the program.”

Pistolesi joins the Bolles Tennis program with a distinguished tennis career as both a player and coach. He reached 71st in the ATP World Rankings and represented Italy in the Davis Cup. His achievements as a coach include successful relationships with former professional players Robin Soderling and Daniela Hantuchova and as the Coaches Representative to the ATP Players Council. Pistolesi currently runs Claudio Pistolesi Enterprise, based in Jacksonville, that focuses on both developing juniors striving to compete collegiately in the United States and working with professional players.

Pistolesi has had a significant involvement in JTCC’s work at Bolles since the program’s inception and has a close relationship with Boys’ Head Coach Matt Andre and Girls’ Head Coach Danielle Wiggins. Andre and Wiggins will continue to provide their coaching expertise to the Bolles Tennis program.

“It is very exciting to bring someone of Claudio’s (playing and coaching experience) pedigree on board,” commented Gottfried. “I have no doubt that his experience will help strengthen both the coaching staff and Bolles Tennis as a whole.”

“Our tennis program has excelled in our partnership with JTCC,” said Bolles Athletic Director Matt Morris. “Claudio will help continue that success.”