Join Us For Healing Spines, Transforming Lives on September 23 –

Join Us For Healing Spines, Transforming Lives on September 23 –

Media Resources: To download high-resolution images and logos: https://bit.ly/SunCourtMediaKit

Suncourt Sports vertically stacked logo. The tagline says, "Play. Connect. Belong."

SunCourt Sports is located on the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Greenspon Campus.

SunCourt Sports Address:

562 McIntosh Road
Sarasota, Florida 34232
Phone: 941-538-5435
Website: Suncourtsports.com

Quick Facts About SunCourt Sports:

• Opening: December 8, 2025
• Offers Tennis, Pickleball, Group Fitness
• Pool Complex: Scheduled for opening Summer 2026
• Membership is required: Open to adults and children of all ages and fitness levels. For membership details, visit Suncourtsports.com.

Top-Tier Facilities Include:

Sarasota’s Only Red Clay Tennis Courts

• The preferred surface for elite tournaments including the French Open and U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships
• Why tennis professionals favor red clay courts:
• Red clay slows the game down resulting in longer volleys and enhanced strategic play
• Players can slide into shots improving agility and reducing impact stress
• Softer surface reduces joint stress and injuries
• Ideal for players of all ages and fitness levels
• Doesn’t stain shoes or clothes

Premium Pickleball Courts

• Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States every year from 2021 through 2024 (Wikipedia)
• The South Atlantic region (including Florida) leads the way with the most players, around 2.8 million. (Wikipedia, Pickleheads)
• Easy-to-learn sport with a fun, social atmosphere
• Great for beginners and competitive players alike

Group Fitness

• Builds strength, flexibility, endurance and balance
• Reduces stress and improves confidence
• Classes will be taught by expert instructors with community-focused programming
• Initial class offerings include Zumba and yoga.

Meet the Staff

About Paul Lederman  

Paul Lederman brings an impressive résumé and deep local ties to his new leadership role at SunCourt Sports.

 

Career Snapshot

  • Previously served as Director of Athletic Center Operations at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club in Bradenton, Florida, overseeing all tennis and fitness programming for 27 years
  • Served as Director of Tennis at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, a former Women’s Tennis Association host site, where he built a world-class training facility.

Recognitions & Achievements

  • Former #1 ranked tennis player in Florida. (Late 1980s and early 1990s)
  • Named 1997 K‑Swiss Tennis Pro of the Year
  • Two-time recipient of the prestigious “Tennis Court of the Year” award—first at the Renaissance Vinoy in 1996, and again at Lakewood Ranch in 1999
  • Named Tampa Bay’s Best Group Teaching Tennis Professional”
  • On advisory teams with Wilson, Adidas, and K‑Swiss
  • Certified USPTA Pro since 1989, and a USTA Clinician from 1989–1992

Local Impact & Community Leadership

  • Hosted and helped coordinate major events like the MetLife Intercollegiate Tennis Tournament and the Sets in the City charity tennis fundraiser—driving both elite-level play and community engagement
  • Described by media as bringing big-name tennis talent to local courts and elevating Bradenton/Sarasota’s presence on the Florida tennis map

About Yael Campbell

Yael Campbell is a passionate Zumba® instructor, fitness leader, and community builder who inspires people of all ages to move, smile, and connect through dance and music. Known for her high-energy classes and welcoming spirit, she brings people together in Sarasota’s most beautiful settings-from sandy beaches to local parks and community spaces. Her mission is simple: to create an environment where everyone feels strong, joyful, and part of something bigger. Fluent in both English and Hebrew, Yael brings a unique mix of energy, rhythm, and connection to every class, making fitness feel like a true celebration.

 

Career Snapshot

  • Certifications & Formats: Zumba®, Zumba® Gold, Zumba® Toning, Zumba® Kids & Kids Jr., Strong Nation®, Zumba Sentao®
  • Teaching Since: 2015 in Sarasota and Bay Area
  • Athletic Background: Professional handball player in Israel, Competitive ballroom dancer
  • Education: MFA in Graphic Design (Vermont College of Fine Arts), BFA (Ringling College of Art and Design)
  • Teaching Experience: Nearly 20 years at Ringling College of Art and Design
  • Languages: English and Hebrew (fluent)
  • Additional Expertise: Specialty in outdoor fitness events in Sarasota’s beaches and parks

Tennis

Claudiu Retean

Claudiu Retean has over 20 years of experience in the tennis world, with expertise in leadership, coaching, and program development. Originally from Romania, he competed nationally and internationally. Retean blends European and U.S. coaching experience to inspire players of all ages and levels.

 

Career Snapshot 

  • Previously served as Head Tennis Professional at the Longboat Key Tennis Center for the past 15 years where he built innovative programs and strong community partnerships.
  • Career includes leadership roles at The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort and other premier clubs.
  • Certified by RSPA/USPTA, USAPA, and the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association.

Pickleball

About David Plotkin

A self-proclaimed “pickleball fanatic,” David has transformed his lifelong love for athletics into a passion for elevating players’ games while fostering connections that extend far beyond the court. Formerly a coach at the Pickleball Club in Lakewood Ranch and the St. Petersburg Tennis Center, he brings an approachable, high-energy style that sharpens skills, builds confidence, and creates a welcoming environment for players of all levels.

 

Career Snapshot 

  • Pickleball coach at the Pickleball Club in Lakewood Ranch
  • Tennis coach at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center
  • Started coaching tennis at age 16
  • Columbia University graduate

Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
580 McIntosh Road
Sarasota, Florida 34232

Sarasota-Manatee is one of the fastest growing Jewish communities in the country, with over 40,000 Jewish residents. Located at 580 McIntosh Road in Sarasota, Federation’s 32-acre campus is a dynamic, welcoming central hub for culture, education, wellness, programs, events, and a vibrant community life. To learn more about Federation, visit jfedsrq.org.

 

For media inquiries, contact:

Yael Campbell
Manager | Group Exercise Leader
Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
Email: yael@suncourtsports.com
Phone: 941-538-5435

Share This