Meet the Pros

Welcome to Franco’s Racquet Sports – The most active and inclusive Racquet Sports Program on the Northshore! Our program offers everything you need for your racquet sports… We will get you involved, plugged in and playing from the very beginning.

Our Racquet Sports staff is here to serve you!

Call for
more information

PHONE
985-792-0260

 

Welcome to Franco’s Racquet Sports – The most active and inclusive Racquet Sports Program on the Northshore! Our program offers everything you need for your racquet sports… We will get you involved, plugged in and playing from the very beginning.

Our Racquet Sports staff is here to serve you!

Call for
more information

PHONE
985-792-0260

 
 

Robert Herrera, Director of Racquet Sports

Robert is originally from Barcelona, Spain. Tennis has encompassed his life since the age of two. Robert played on the ITF and ATP Tour and throughout his early tennis career was mentored by a plethora of former Top 10 players in the world such as Manuel Orantes and Albert Costa. Throughout Robert’s junior career, he ranked Top 2 in Spain as well as representing the country of Spain in international competitions on several occasions as he traveled the world. Once he turned eighteen, Robert entered his collegiate tennis career in the United States at East Tennessee State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management. During his collegiate career, Robert ranked Top 50 in singles and doubles in the NCAA Division 1. During his first summer in college, Robert was one of the coaches at the 4Slam Tennis Academy in Barcelona, he then relocated his focus and teaching over to the northeast where he gained experience working at some of the nation’s most prestigious country clubs as a Head Racquets Professional. He was employed at Mount Kisco Country Club (New York) for five years, and for two years at Wee Burn Country Club (Connecticut). He also assisted in winter platform tennis programs at clubs such as Westchester Country Club and Sleepy Hollow Country Club.

For the past year and a half, Robert had been the Head Tennis Professional at the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club before taking on the role as the Director of Racquet Sports at Francos. Being a PTR and USPTA Certified Professional in Tennis, Pickleball and Platform Tennis, Robert loves to work with players of all ages and capabilities and can assist you in taking your game to the next level and gain a greater confidence in racquet sports.

Robert was encouraged to relocate to the Northshore by his wife, Haley Herrera, a Mandeville native, and their first child Nathan Francis Herrera was born on July 6th, 2023.

Mikael Andersson, Head Racquets Professional

Mikael is native of Stockholm, Sweden where he started to explore the game of tennis at age five. Youth tennis was not the only sport of interest, soccer and hockey played a big role in his life. A decision had to be made between the sports, his biggest passion was tennis and with hard work he became one of the top juniors in the country. To combine studies and sports is very difficult in Sweden, and Mikael decided to come to United States. Brevard Junior College, Florida became the first stop where he became “State Champion” in singles. Later he came to Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business Management along with winning the “Gulf Star Conference” singles title.
Mikael has mainly worked at three tennis clubs here in Louisiana. Five years at the time “Ormond Country Club”, Destrehan where he was the “Head Pro”. Later Mikael worked as the Director of Tennis at “English Turn Golf & Country Club”, New Orleans for 25 years. And lastly now “New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club” where he has been part of adult and junior lessons and clinics, leagues, and tournaments. Mr. Andersson is very excited for the opportunity to work for Franco’s Health Club & Spa where he can share his knowledge about the game of tennis. Mikael is finally home as he has lived in Mandeville for the past 30 years.

Tommy Grunditz, Racquets Professional

Tommy Carl Grunditz, residing in Mandeville, Louisiana, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the tennis industry. As a seasoned part-time tennis instructor at Pelican Athletic Club since 2013, Tommy has honed his skills in teaching clinics, providing private lessons, and facilitating tournaments. His leadership roles extend across prestigious establishments, including serving as Tennis Director at Beau Chene from 2004 to 2010, Head Pro at Beau Chene Country Club from 2000 to 2004, Tennis Director at Pelican Athletic Club from 1996 to 2000, and Tennis Director at Franco’s Athletic Club from 1988 to 1996.

Tommy’s academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Management Finance from SLU in Hammond, Louisiana, in 1985. Alongside his academic pursuits, he holds professional certifications as a USPTA P-1 Certified instructor and a fully accredited Real Estate Agent in Louisiana. Tommy’s prowess in tennis transcends beyond the court, with notable achievements both in university and professional realms. Highlights include representing Louisiana in the 1995 Southern Senior Cup, excelling as the number 1 singles player on a full Athletic Scholarship at SLU from 1981 to 1984, and competing professionally on the ATP tour in 1978.

His international playing experience boasts victories in prestigious tournaments spanning Sweden, Finland, England, Germany, and Spain, where he proudly represented Sweden on the International Junior Team in 1977-1978. Guided by tennis legends such as Bjorn Borg, Lennart Bergelin, and Percy Rosberg, Tommy’s dedication to the sport has been enriched through his membership at Sweden’s renowned Tennis Club SALK, further solidifying his profound impact and contribution to the tennis community.

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