MEET THE PROs
Get ready for another great day of tennis! You will find that the team at Island Slice Tennis is always happy and eager to help you. The professional instructors are available each day for clinics and lessons, and can engage additional local instructors for larger groups/events.
Meet Rudy Embernate!
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Rudy is an RSPA-certified tennis professional and he loves to teach. Tennis has always a big part of Rudy's life. He has many years of active tennis play and tournaments, great experience directing very large tennis programs and facilities, a fun list of international tennis travels/adventures, and a really long list of appreciative tennis players who benefit from his teaching and coaching.
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Rudy was born and raised on the big island. He went to college (California) to play baseball and his journey led him back to Hawaii where he served as a police detective for over 20 years. Rudy has been the director of tennis at Fairmont for over a decade. He was previously the tennis director at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. On and off the court, Rudy is invested in tennis and the tennis community, and appreciates the many friendships he's developed along the way.
Meet Austin Karosi!
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Austin Karosi is a former ATP-ranked professional tennis player who competed internationally from 2009 to 2015. After his playing career, he transitioned into elite coaching — serving as Head Coach at a premier club in Santa Monica, CA and directing programs in Singapore, working with everyone from competitive juniors to adults at every level. His training pedigree includes time with Larry Passos, the renowned coach who guided Gustavo Kuerten to the world #1 ranking and three French Open titles. Austin has served as a hitting partner for Grand Slam champions including Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, and Angelique Kerber.
Most recently, Austin coached an ATP-ranked professional doubles player (ATP #194), handling match preparation, tactical strategy, and physical conditioning on tour.
Meet Jonny Bejar!
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Jonathan is from Sydney, Australia and he started playing tennis when he was 7 (so lucky!). As a junior, Jonny trained at the National Academy in Australia under Wally Masur and Sandon Stolle and spent 6 months training in Argentina. Johnny then spent many months playing tournaments around South America and served as a hitting partner at the Australian Open. Jonathan was ranked as high as #2 as a young man and top 100 nationally. Jonny spent time playing on the ITF, futures and challenger tour.
Jonny loves teaching tennis and has been coaching on the Big Island since 2020.
Meet Marvin Kawano!
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Marvin brings a deep understanding of the game shaped by over 20 years of dedication, discipline, and passion for tennis. As an RSPA-certified professional, he combines technical expertise with a thoughtful, player-centered approach to coaching. Marvin started teaching later in his tennis career: he has a strong ability to connect with players of all skill levels. He understands firsthand the challenges of learning, improving, and staying motivated.
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Marvin believes the sport should be a lifelong source of health, wellness, and personal growth. By creating a positive, encouraging environment, he helps players build confidence, develop their game, and most importantly, cultivate a lasting love for the game.
Meet Ron Seno!
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Ron is a long-time RSPA tennis teaching pro and he is a certified Pickleball International Instructor ('PCI'). Ron brings the Aloha spirit to every clinic and lesson. Ron's professional background started at the Royal Lahina Tennis Ranch and he has since worked for many top tennis clubs in Hawaii and on the mainland. Ron has worked with many professionals tennis players in his career.
Ron was born and raised on the island of Maui in Hawaii. He has been ranked #1 doubles and singles champion Big Island many times in his successful tennis career. When Ron is not teaching tennis or pickleball on the courts, you may see him working his other passion. Ron is a bit of a local musical celebrity: he plays the ukulele and sings at many local events/venues and he teaches ukulele too.