For more than three decades, Extreme Tennis Academy has been helping players of all ages and levels develop their games in South Florida. Located at the Michael-Ann Russell JCC in Aventura, the academy combines high-performance training, experienced coaching, and a diverse international environment that prepares players for success both on and off the court.
During a recent visit, Florida Tennis Magazine sat down with Carlos Maehama, CEO and Head Coach of Extreme Tennis Academy, to discuss his coaching journey, the academy’s philosophy, and its upcoming summer programs.
Maehama’s tennis career began in Argentina, where he worked at several clubs in Buenos Aires before moving to Japan at age 24. What was supposed to be a short stay turned into 17 years before he eventually relocated to the United States in 2007.
“From Argentina, you learn the value of individual effort and working hard to achieve your goals,” Maehama said. “In Japan, I learned the importance of humility, teamwork, and respect for others.”
Today, those values are reflected in an academy that attracts players from around the world. According to Maehama, one of the biggest advantages of training at Extreme Tennis Academy is the diversity of its players.
“Diversity gives you more variety,” he said. “You have players from Europe who grew up on clay courts, Americans who play mostly on hard courts, and players from Asia who are often very quick and athletic.”
Founded in 1994, Extreme Tennis Academy has become one of South Florida’s longest-running tennis programs. Maehama and fellow director Freddy Azucey have led the academy for approximately 12 years and operate out of the Michael-Ann Russell JCC in Aventura.
“We have clay courts, hard courts, a gym, a swimming pool, and basketball courts,” Maehama said. “If it rains or we can’t get on the courts, we never stop being active. It’s an ideal place to run a high-performance program.”
The academy’s flagship high-performance program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while its After School Program helps younger players develop their skills and gain competitive experience through initiatives such as USTA Junior Team Tennis.
When asked what he prioritizes most with beginners, Maehama pointed to fundamentals.
“The most important thing is that they learn the correct technique,” he said. “The correct forehand, backhand, serve, and volley give players a much higher ceiling.”
The academy has also produced several high-level players over the years. One current standout is Junior Tavarez, who has won Battle Boca 13 times and recently qualified for a professional tournament.
“You can see the progress,” Maehama said. “The more tournaments he plays at that level, the more he understands what is required not just to participate, but to win.”
This summer, Extreme Tennis Academy will once again host its annual Summer Camp, running from early June through the week before school resumes.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids who want to see if tennis is for them,” Maehama said. “Summer Camp gives them the chance to improve quickly and realize, ‘Maybe I can be good at this.'”
For more information about Extreme Tennis Academy’s programs and summer offerings, visit www.extremetennisacademy.com.
Exclusive interview
===
Written by Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. Video shot by Alex Binstok. Video edited by Nathalia Suarez.