Grand Traverse Tennis Camps

Camp Instructors

Pictured here on beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay at
Apache Trout grill for the annual year end luncheon August 2007.

Larry Nykerk, USPTR has been teaching and coaching tennis in Traverse City since, well, let's just say a LONG TIME! Larry is 4th in the State with Career Victories at 555, leads the state in Dual Meets at 235 and in the Fall of 2006 reached his 800th Career victory, leading the State in total wins. In addition to coaching the girls varsity team, this Spring he once again will coach the Trojan Boys Varsity Team after retiring in 2000 after 31 years at the helm. Nykerk has been named Michigan Tennis Coach of the year twice and was inducted into the Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame in 1999. Larry is a hands on Director and is present at Camp all summer long. I guess you could say "Fundraising" is also an integral part of his job description! The Tennis Center at TC Central High School is one of only 2 facilities in the State like it. Over $375,000 has been raised through Grants and Private donations and the tradition continues each year with the Annual "Friends of TC Tennis Tournament" held each year on Memorial Day weekend. The Mission of the "Friends" is to help maintain the courts at Traverse City Schools.

Mr. G is in his 29th year with GTTC. Cliff Girard, fondly called Mr. G by everyone, is a gem! Someday there will be a book of "G-'isms" that have become more well known than Forest "Gump-isms" Cliff is the former East Jr. High Phys Ed Teacher and tennis coach; he is a former college player; a former basketball coach; a former ST. Francis Golf coach and all around great athlete! Cliff received the Distinguished Service Award from the MHSteCA in 1999 for the time he spent helping for years at State Finals. Cliff teaches a Ladies tennis class at the Resort (did I say the Ladies LOVE him!) and we are happy every year to welcome him back!

Mike Annelin joined the coaching staff at GTTC in the summer of 2001. He played Varsity Doubles in High School at TC Central and graduated from UC Santa Barbara. He has been assistant coach for the Varsity Girls and Boys teams for 5 years. Mike is the lead instructor for the High School Team Camp, is a Realtor with Century 21, Northland, and teaches a class at GTR during the winter months. Mike is a product of the product!

Kate Miller was on staff with GTTC for the summers of 2003 and 2004 and is excited to be back! Kate was a 2002 state semi-finalist at #2 Singles for TC Central. She recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Elementary Education with endorsements to teach Science and Math in middle school. Kate has worked with all ages of students and tennis players and is especially excited to be with the “pee-wees” this summer!

Christine Milliken joined us 2 years ago and we are excited to have her back! She played 4 years on the TC Central Girls Varsity team amassing a state record 151 career wins. In addition to that, she won a State Title at #1 Doubles with partner Alex Alward, and was named All-State in both Singles and Doubles. Christine is attending MSU and currently plays on the MSU Varsity Tennis Team.

Jamie Olson is back for his 2nd year with GTTC and he seems to enjoy the sessions as

much as the kids he teaches. Jamie Played at TC Central for 3 years and attends Michigan.

Shane Dilloway has been with GTTC for 5 years and is a favorite among young campers - maybe that's because Shane is a "Big Kid" himself! When Shane isn't teaching tennis, he can be found hanging out at the Clinch Park Marina where he works after tennis is over. Shane played High School tennis at TC Central and currently attends Michigan State.

Kasey Klein joined the staff in 2005 and we are fortunate to not only have her with us in the summer but to have her as Coach of the Trojan Girls Varsity B team!! Prior to this coaching job, Kasey was head coach at East Jr. High for 2 years. Kasey played 4 Doubles at TC Central and won a State Title with partner Lauren Thompson at that flight! This year Kasey will be on the Jr. Excellence staff and working at her father's medical office and preparing for her wedding next year! Congratulations Kasey!

Susie Sawyer has been with us since 2000. Susie is a teacher at Interlochen/Pathfinder School, is a former Bollettieri tennis camp instructor, coached a State runner-up team in No. Carolina and is The Pee-Wee Instructor Extraordinaire with us each summer! The kids LOVE Susie and we are so glad to have her back!

We are pleased to welcome back Chip Rucker this year. Chip is one of TC Central boys JV coaches and is a Phys Ed teacher with TCAPS. He is a favorite with the kids both in the school setting and at camp. Chip subbed for us last year and will teach during the morning and also High School Team Camp.

Emily Burke joins us this year and she is a great addition to our staff. Emily played for TC Central her senior year at 3 singles and is an all around great athlete. She will be helping Kate and Susie with the little ones and they will love her. Emily will attend Duke University in the Fall to study anthropology and linguistics.

Laura Link has been with GTTC for 5 years. Laura played #2 Doubles at TC Central and currently plays for DePauw University where she will be a Junior in the Fall studying Spanish and Psychology. Laura amassed many awards in her 3 years playing Varsity Tennis at Central among them her entry into the Century Club, All-State Doubles and she earned a #1 Seed at State Finals.

Larry Nykerk - Grand Traverse Tennis Camps
1306 Peninsula Dr. ~ Traverse City, MI 49686 ~ 231.946.4557 ~ 231.218.9608
E-Mail: nykelarry@chartermi.net

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