Don't let the primal grunts, the frenzied shuffling of feet, or the sweat fool you: Northgate Country Club's tennis facility is a classroom. Presiding over the operations are Director of Tennis Lioudmila Skavronskaia—who was once ranked 124th in the world and Russia's top-ranked junior—and Head Pro Kate Pomier—who played number-one singles and doubles at Kansas University. Armed with abundant firsthand knowledge of what it takes to ascend to tennis's highest ranks, the two develop and implement curricula designed to help players meet their goals, whether they want to develop a solid backhand or defeat legendary tennis player Larry Bird in a match. The club offers private lessons, hitting sessions, and clinics for juniors and adults alike.