

ADULT PROGRAMS
Come learn how to play winning doubles at any level! Our drills, games and video analysis will take your game to the next level. You will learn court coverage, shot selection, communication, technique and winning strategies. Meet new friends in Rochester, and enjoy the social aspect of tennis in our clinic!

ADULT PROGRAMS
Come learn how to play winning doubles at any level! Our drills, games and video analysis will take your game to the next level. You will learn court coverage, shot selection, communication, technique and winning strategies. Meet new friends in Rochester, and enjoy the social aspect of tennis in our clinic!
JASON SPEIRS born and raised Rochester, has returned after 12 years in NYC developing his tennis professional career at the popular 12 court indoor facility, Roosevelt Island Racquet Club. He was the Director of Tennis at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club since 2009, and Adult Program Director for the four years prior. After 12 years of developing the Adult program, Junior Program, and all levels in between, he's really excited to be home and continue the legacy of the Dave Strebel Tennis Academy, of which he grew up in. Returning to Harley, of which he is alumni, class of ’99, means the legacy of his mentor, Dave Strebel will continue on. Jason became a doubles player at the national level while studying at Assumption College, where he held a ranking of 24 for Division II, and #3 in the Northeast Region. Off the court, He is highly involved in the USPTA teaching organization as the President for the USPTA Eastern division and often presents at conferences throughout the region. In 2015, he won the prestigious USPTA Pro of the Year. In addition to volunteering for the USPTA, Jason also volunteers with the USTA, having served on the USTA Junior Competition Board and Adult Competition Board, and served on the USTA Metropolitan Board for four years. Now he serves on the USTA Western Board and he recently won the 2018 USTA Clinician of the Year and 2021 USTA Eastern Member Organization of Year. Giving back to the community is a big part of Jason’s life, which is why he volunteers for the USPTA, USTA, and his own charity foundation, Tennis Saves. You can email Jason directly at jspeirs@empiretennisacademy.com any time to say hi, or ask any questions.
Published Articles:
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2020 Arthur Ashe Legacy Day
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2013 New York Tennis Magazine Coaches Roundtable Discussion
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2013 West Side Tennis Club Hosts Inaugural New York Open
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2013 Tennis Saves Charity
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2013 RIRC Parent Child Tournament
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2013 New York Tennis Magazine’s Junior Player Spotlight: Jennifer Bright
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2011 New York Magazine’s Coaches Round Table Discussion
JULIAN DANKO picked up a racquet for the first time at the age of seven, and has loved tennis ever since his first day on the court. After playing junior tournaments throughout his childhood in Rochester, he began teaching tennis beginners as a teenager over his summer vacations. These first experiences in coaching made Julian realize that he enjoyed being on the other side of the net teaching as much as he liked improving as a player himself. Upon completing high school at Pittsford Sutherland where he was captain of their Section Five championship team and an All Region standout, he attended the University of Rochester, graduating in 2015 with a degree in Public Health. Julian started on U of R's varsity team in both singles and doubles all four years and served as senior captain in his final season. He then returned to his home tennis club to work with the next generation of young tennis players. Julian has coached for numerous programs in Rochester including Colombo High Performance, Advantage Rochester, University of Rochester Tennis Camps, and now Empire Tennis Academy where he serves as Head Pro and Junior Program Director. You can reach Julian at julian@empiretennisacademy.com.
Julian Danko
Junior Program Director
USPTA Professional
Frank Solome
U8 Program Director
Head Pro
USPTA Professional
Director of Marketing
USPTA Pickleball Certified
FRANK SOLOME was born in Chicago and moved to Rochester, New York at a young age, growing up in the town of Irondequoit. He played tennis throughout high school, finishing his career playing first singles at Eastridge high school in Irondequoit serving as team captain as well as playing in the local Grand Prix, L2, L1, and Districts tennis tournaments along the way. Frank attended Rochester Institute of Technology and graduated with honors receiving a Bachelors of Science in Graphic Media Design and minors in both Business Marketing, Communications and Italian Studies. During his collegiate career he played both singles and doubles and helped lead his team to an Empire 8 Conference Championship in 2005, remaining undefeated in his conference his senior year. Frank also served as Team Captain for the RIT Tigers. Upon graduation, Frank spent time in Genoa, Italy where he lived and worked during the summer over the course of four years. Frank returned back to RIT to become the Men’s Head Tennis Coach for four years and the Women’s Head Tennis Coach for two years. Frank has also been a tennis pro at Oak Hill Country Club. Furthermore, Frank had the privilege to work with and be mentored by Rochester Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee Billy Nealon for seven years as a coach for the Billy Nealon Tennis program at Tennis Club of Rochester. In 2009, Frank moved to New York City where he lived an eclectic life of teaching tennis at various private clubs and parks throughout NYC, as well as working in the fields of Photography and Hospitality. Frank also attended the prestigious HB Studio for acting studies for two years. After spending ten years in NYC, Frank has moved back to Rochester area where his family resides. Frank had picked up the sport of Pickleball a couple years back and loved the ease of transition that being a tennis player provides to playing Pickleball at a high-performance level. In the Rochester area, Frank has played with several religious Pickleball players in the community and is excited to instruct and cultivate the local community with both group and private instruction, as well as provide several social events to fill a much needed advancement of Pickleball in the area. Frank is an accomplished pianist and loves composing and performing cover music. Frank loves traveling, and has visited several countries throughout Europe, Asia, and South America and is passionate about all cultures and learning new languages. You can reach Frank at frank@empiretennisacademy.com.
Maria Speirs
Social Media Director
Hitting Partner

MARIA SPEIRS grew up in New York City and played sports throughout her childhood including soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, and more! After a few injuries in soccer she chose tennis as her new main sport. She took private tennis lessons as well as a few group classes all throughout middle and high school. She attended The Dwight School and in 8th grade she made the Varsity Tennis team. However, in high school she and a friend had to revive the tennis program, and after successfully doing so they co-captained the team to great success in their district. She played 1st singles 9th, 10th, and 11th grade and 1st doubles all four years. She participated in USTA tournaments and held a #9 ranking within the Metro Girls 16's Singles regional section. She attended Boston University and received a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. She actively played intramural tennis and continued taking lessons when home for the holidays. Maria continued her education back home at New York University and received a Dental Hygiene degree to continue her passion in the dental field. She got married in May 2016 and moved upstate to establish new beginnings. She is excited to teach entry-level classes to children and adults alike as well as continuing her passion of playing tennis. Look out for her on the courts!