Meet the team.
Our team
Founder
Janelle Nichols, MPH
Janelle Nichols is an accomplished leader in program development and strategic partnerships, specializing in the intersection of tennis and education. With a Master of Public Health in Global Health Communications from George Washington University, Janelle brings over a decade of experience in designing and implementing impactful programs that foster community growth and youth empowerment.
As the Director of Programs & Partnerships at the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation, Janelle has overseen a portfolio of initiatives serving hundreds of students, achieving record participation rates and fostering transformative academic and athletic outcomes. She has spearheaded partnerships with academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and international entities, enhancing program reach and quality.
Janelle's work extends beyond U.S. borders, reflecting her commitment to global engagement. She has led cultural and athletic initiatives in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, including the Courts & Culture program, which integrates tennis competition with immersive cultural experiences and academic enrichment. Her involvement in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open underscores her passion for fostering global connections through tennis.
With expertise in program design and evaluation, grant compliance, and leadership development, Janelle co-founded Playmakers Collective to empower tennis and education organizations to expand and enhance their impact. Their approach combines visionary leadership with actionable strategies, enabling organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Coach & Entrepreneur
Alexander Shek
Alexander Shek is a tennis coach, consultant, and entrepreneur with over fifteen years of experience shaping athlete development, sports education, and community-driven programming. A recognized leader in the DC Metropolitan area, Alex has built a career around mentorship, innovation, and impact, helping athletes, coaches, and organizations reach their full potential.
Currently serving as the Citywide Director of Tennis for the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation (WTEF), Alex oversees the development and execution of a comprehensive junior development pathway, ensuring players of all levels have access to high-quality coaching, education, and competitive opportunities. With a deep commitment to empowerment and inclusivity, he plays a pivotal role in making tennis more accessible while fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and long-term success.
Before joining WTEF, Alex co-owned and served as Regional Director of Tennis at ProsToYou Tennis (PTY), where he helped establish the DC region’s largest racquet sports provider, managing over 20 private facilities and 10 tennis and enrichment programs. He also founded C.O.R.E. Tennis, a premier coaching and club management program that produced USTA National Championship-winning teams and played a key role in developing dozens of tournament-level players, high school, and NCAA athletes.
Beyond coaching, Alex is an advocate for mental performance, leadership development, and player empowerment. He authored The Player’s Journal, a transformative training tool designed to help athletes enhance mindset, goal-setting, and personal growth. He is also the co-founder of Rebellion Tennis Club (RTC), a tennis apparel brand that celebrates diversity and individuality, making the sport more accessible and relevant to today’s generation.
Building on his experience in coaching, program development, and leadership, Alex has co-founded Playmakers Collective, a consulting collective dedicated to helping sports-based youth programs, schools, nonprofits, and sports governing bodies maximize their impact. Through strategic guidance, hands-on support, and tailored solutions, he aims to help organizations strengthen leadership, enhance team dynamics, and build sustainable, high-impact programs. Playmakers Collective is a natural extension of Alex’s passion for mentorship, innovation, and driving meaningful change in sports and education.
With a career dedicated to developing athletes, strengthening organizations, and growing the game, Alex continues to lead with vision, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation—on and off the court.