Cris Robinson, Owner & Head Pro
Cris Robinson is a distinguished tennis professional and coach with a remarkable background in competitive play and player development. A standout at Clemson University from 1991 to 1995, he held the No. 1 singles and doubles positions and contributed to an ACC Championship. His career highlights include six national amateur titles and a notable victory over future ATP star John Isner at the 2003 CVITT 12k event.
In 2023, Robinson founded the Robinson Tennis Academy (RTA) in Greenville, South Carolina, the region’s premier high-performance program for junior players. RTA has produced over 100 college-bound athletes, with multiple players ranked in the national top 25. Robinson also created the “College Week Tennis Camps,” bringing top coaches from UVA, UNC, Baylor, and Duke to mentor aspiring collegiate athletes.
Robinson’s coaching philosophy focuses on technical precision, mental toughness, and individualized development. His hands-on approach ensures every athlete receives personalized guidance, fostering both competitive success and personal growth.
Previously, Robinson served as Director of Tennis at Willow Oaks Country Club and was named the 2009 USTA Mid-Atlantic Teaching Pro of the Year. He holds a USPTR Professional certification and has contributed to several tennis committees, including the USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Competition and the Davis Cup Richmond bid committee.
Pros on Staff
Matt Pitts
Matt Pitts is a former Division I player for Clemson University, where he tallied more than 70 career wins in singles and doubles. Known for his mental toughness and leadership, he was recognized by the Clemson coaching staff for mentoring younger teammates and bringing a consistent positive attitude to training and competition.
As a junior, Matt reached No. 35 in the national singles rankings and held the No. 1 singles ranking in the USTA Southern Section in 2018. He also captured a Bronze Ball in doubles at the 2019 National Clay Court Championships.
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Playing Highlights:
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Over 70 singles and doubles wins at Clemson University
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No. 35 national junior ranking
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No. 1 USTA Southern Section ranking
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Bronze Ball in doubles at the 2019 National Clay Courts
Alvaro Saint Martin
Alvaro Saint Martin is from Argentina and brings both international playing experience and a passion for developing junior athletes to Robinson Tennis Academy. He has experience with academies and clubs training juniors, helping players sharpen their skills and reach their competitive goals.
On court, Alvaro built an impressive record as a junior and collegiate player. He helped his team win the JUCO National Championship, earned recognition as a JUCO All-American and was honored as the ITA Most Improved Sophomore. Known as a steady leader, he captained his college team for four years and is valued for his commitment and leadership, qualities he now channels into coaching at RTA.
Playing Highlights:
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Top 15 national junior ranking in Argentina
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JUCO National Champion
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JUCO All-American & ITA Most Improved Sophomore
Wendy Henry
Wendy has served as an academy coach since the summer of 2022. In her 20-year career, she has worked as a club pro teaching all levels of adults and children and developing junior tournament players, including two of her children, Judah (15) and Ray (12).
Off the court, she loves spending time with her husband and 3 children, working out, binging health podcasts, DIY house projects and staying involved with her church.
Playing Highlights:
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#1 in GA, #99 in US in 18s
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Wofford #1 all four years
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D1 ITA regional ranking #24 as a college junior
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First ballot Wofford Hall of Fame
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2 pro events: Santender, Spain; Chattanooga, TN
Melissa Robinson
Melissa Robinson is a former collegiate tennis standout and current coach based in South Carolina. Following her playing career, Robinson transitioned into coaching and instruction. She is affiliated with the Robinson Tennis Academy in Greenville, SC, where she works alongside other former collegiate players to train junior athletes.
Robinson’s coaching emphasizes technical skill development, match strategy, and mental toughness, drawing from her own experience as a top collegiate player. She continues to be a respected figure in the regional tennis scene, mentoring players of all levels.
Off the court, she enjoys spending time with her family, working in her garden, working out, and going on long walks.
Playing Highlights:
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Mid-Atlantic Clay Court Champion
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Coastal Carolina No. 1 singles and doubles
Ansley Speaks
Ansley is a former high-performance junior and collegiate player known for her consistency, competitiveness and leadership. A standout in both high school and college, she built a reputation for reliability at the top of the lineup and for elevating the teams she represented. At Furman University, she played a key role in multiple regular-season titles and a conference tournament championship while establishing herself among the program’s all-time leaders in singles wins and winning percentage.
Her proven ability to perform against elite competition, paired with her steady on-court presence, now shapes the standard she brings to developing players at RTA.
Playing Highlights:
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191–20 high-school match record
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125 collegiate career victories
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Among Furman’s all-time leaders in singles winning percentage
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Multiple All-Conference first-team selections (singles & doubles)
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Repeated ITA and Southern Conference academic honors