Our Coaches
Trent Smith
Head Coach
Trent Smith is Head Coach at Gladstone Tennis Club, bringing a high-performance background shaped by international training and competition across Europe and North America. His exposure to elite coaching environments informs the technical and tactical depth he brings to his coaching.
Trent played NCAA Division I tennis for Xavier University in the United States and represented Auckland in multiple junior team championships. He has competed in Carobowl, currently plays in Gladstone’s Caro Reserve team, and is the club’s two-time reigning Club Champion.
A Gladstone member for three years, Trent began coaching full-time at the club in early 2025 and stepped into the Head Coach role at the start of 2026. His coaching approach blends technical development, physical preparation, and tactical clarity to help players build confidence, improve consistently, and play with purpose.
Finley Hall
Senior Coach
Finley, our Senior Coach at Gladstone Tennis Club, brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the programme. He competed in Division 1 college tennis at Drake University before going on to the professional tour, earning ATP points in doubles. He has now stepped away from professional competition to focus fully on coaching.
Alongside his playing career, Finley coached at the Renouf Tennis Centre in Wellington, delivering performance squads, Hot Shots, and adult sessions, and working with players of all ages in a structured, high-quality environment.
He brings this combined experience into his coaching, focusing on technical development, tactical awareness, and building confident, resilient players, while fostering a strong work ethic and enjoyment of the game.
Eric Zhou
Assistant Coach
Eric brings a coaching and playing background shaped by competitive tennis and leadership within the university and club tennis environment. His experience informs a structured and player-focused coaching approach
Previously, Eric served as President of the University of Auckland Tennis Club, where he was responsible for organising competitions, supporting player development and running coaching sessions. This role strengthened his understanding of both on-court performance and the wider club environment that supports player enjoyment and growth.
Eric has been coaching since 2024 and works with both juniors and adults. His coaching philosophy emphasises technical fundamentals, tactical awareness, confidence and enjoyment, helping players improve consistently and play with clarity and purpose.
Testimonials
Here are some things people have to say about us.
“
Trent is an outstanding coach who combines high-level playing ability with clear, modern coaching methods. He’s technically excellent, highly personable, and works well with players of all ages and abilities. Having competed and still competing at a high level, he brings strong insight into the modern tennis game and what it takes to succeed. He has made a real difference to my kids’ games through both individual and group sessions, always delivering practical coaching that produces genuine improvement.
— Sam McKay, Player & Parent
“
I’ve played tennis since I was young and have returned to the sport over the last few seasons, working with Trent to fine-tune my game and enjoy my tennis more. His coaching is relaxed, thoughtful, and highly effective, with a great eye for small adjustments that make a real difference. Sessions are always enjoyable and engaging, and I’ve loved being back on court with his guidance. I couldn't recommend Trent more highly!
— Lucy Robins, Player