Staff

Alvin (AJ) Varnado
Co-Executive Director, Director of Tennis
Coach Varnado, Co-Director of A's & Aces and Director of Tennis, comes to A's & Aces with a wide range of tennis experience, including high performance training. He is a USPTA Elite Pro and USPTR Professional. He was awarded the 2025 Industry Excellence Award by the Southern Section of the RSPA. This honor recognizes RSPA-certified professionals who have made outstanding contributions to growing tennis at the grassroots level and increasing player participation in the sport. Coach Varnado is a dedicated educator with over two decades of experience coaching players of all levels and educating the generation of next leaders.

Rick Gipson
Tennis Coach
Coach Gipson is the proud parent of two aspiring tennis players, with his eldest currently ranked among the top juniors in Louisiana for his age division. In addition to his role as a tennis parent and coach, he brings over 10 years of professional experience as an e-learning developer, specializing in training and instructional design. Coach Gipson is also a versatile athlete with a strong background in basketball, baseball, and tennis, which allows him to bring a multi-sport perspective to player development. His passion for teaching and ability to connect with young athletes make him an invaluable part of the A’s & Aces team.

Kenny Waguespack
Volunteer Tennis Coach and USTA-certified Referee

Coach Waguespack joined the staff following his retirement from Encompass Insurance Company where he worked for many years as a large loss property adjuster. Kenny is a life-long tennis enthusiast and has been a committed A's & Aces volunteer on the courts and serving as the certified USTA Referee for all A's & Aces' USTA sanctioned tournaments. In 2019, he joined A's & Aces as a staff and part-time coach. Coach Kenny is a USPTA Certified Pro.

Matison Williams
Dr. James W. Ewers Jr. Junior Fellow (2023 cohort)

Matison was selected as Dr. James W. Ewers Jr. Junior Fellow in the spring of 2023. Matison is an incoming junior at Ben Franklin High School. Matison is an accomplished Louisiana tennis player who plans to play tennis in high school and college. She is ranked top 30 in the State in her age division. Matison had a 4.0 GPA throughout elementary and middle school, graduating as a salutarian. As a Junior Fellow, she helps with practices, assisting lead coaches, as well as working on her own game. In 2024, she received the LTA's Believer Grant for her tennis and academic accomplishments.

SAFEGUARDING: ALL (ADULT) A'S & ACES INSTRUCTORS ARE USTA SAFEPLAY CERTIFIED WHICH INCLUDES A BACKGROUND CHECK.
THIS CERTIFICATION IS RENEWED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.