Don Campbell, director of tennis at The Lawn and Tennis Club in Pinehurst, recently announced the addition of Ryan Peterson as head tennis professional.

Peterson, 25, comes to the club from Topeka, Kansas, where he served as head tennis professional at Wood Valley Racquet Club and director of tennis at Kossover Tennis Center. He is certified by the United State Professional Tennis Association as a P-1.

The combination of Peterson and Campbell, both level P-1, makes for one of the most highly certified teams in the area, said Campbell.

They are joined in their teaching duties by Maria Sumner, a local tennis player and teacher.

"Ryan brings a great deal of talent and enthusiasm to our club," Campbell said. "We searched nationally and internationally for a pro who could meet the growing demands of the club. Of more than 40 job applicants, Ryan stood head and shoulders above the rest."

Peterson attended high school in Kansas where he played high school tennis before playing at Johnson County Community College and Washburn University.

During that time, he also worked at Homestead Country Club in Prairie Village, Kansas, and at El Conquistador Resort and Country Club in Tucson, Arizona.

From 2002-2003, he played in Futures and Challengers events, with purses from $10,000 to $50,000.

While in Topeka, Peterson coached a number of nationally ranked juniors.

"Ryan will fill a void we have had here," Campbell said. "While Ryan's knowledge will be invaluable for our adult and senior USTA teams, he is also bringing a whole new dimension to our junior development program.

"With so many fine middle and high school tennis teams in the area, the demand for off-season conditioning and improvement for the junior players has continued to grow. Ryan will help us meet those demands."

Peterson is spending most of his time at the club.

"I am getting to know the members and the area," Peterson said. "I find the Sandhills area so beautiful and the people so friendly. I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to live here."

On his limited free time, Peterson enjoys cycling.

"I've ridden around Reservoir Park and am looking forward to discovering the other local trails that I have been hearing about," he said. "However, most of the time, you can find me on the courts."

Peterson can be reached by calling the club at 692-7270 or by sending an e-mail to landtclub@pinehurst.net.