Harbour Ridge Racquet Sports Welcomes Back Simone Vasconcellos–Calves, Tennis Pro

We are excited to welcome Simone Vasconcellos – Calves back onto our team as the tennis professional at Harbour Ridge! Originally from Brazil, Simone has cultivated an impressive tennis career that spans across the globe. Simone has been coming to Harbour Ridge for the winter for the past four years. This time, Simone is back for winter and plans to stay throughout the entire year. Continue reading to learn more about Simone’s accolades as a tennis professional and the Racquet Sports Program at Harbour Ridge.

Simone Vasconcellos – Calves, Tennis Professional

Simone started playing tennis at the tender age of 10 years old in her native Santos, SP, Brazil where she followed in her brother’s footsteps. She played junior events throughout her earlier years with great success. She won several junior events in her region in Sao Paulo and got a ranking of first-class player in Brazil by the age of 18. She tried playing in the pro circuit, starting with low-tier ITF events and WTA where she reached the 700s in singles and 600s in doubles.

It was in her senior years on the ITF senior tour where she excelled the most reaching the top spot ranking in her age category in the 40s and 45s. Simone reached the #1 spot player in the 50 and over category by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). She has played all over the world and in several world championships, both representing Brazil in team events and as a singles and doubles player.

She has also won the South American Tennis Championships several times in addition to being Brazilian champion in all senior categories from the 35s to the 40s and 45s and now the 50s. She has also been ranked in the top 3 in the world in ladies’ doubles. She has won several tennis events in her native Brazil, as well as in Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador. In world championships, she has won bronze medals in Spain, and the USA (San Diego), as well as in the games in Turkey.

ranked in the top 3 in the world in ladies’ doubles. She has won several tennis events in her native Brazil, as well as in Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador. In world championships, she has won bronze medals in Spain, and the USA (San Diego), as well as in the games in Turkey.

In addition to her tennis playing achievements, she has been teaching tennis since 1992 at Winner Team in Santos, Brazil, where she has developed several world-class junior players and many others who were granted tennis scholarships to US universities. Simone also works with tennis on several fronts, from directing tennis events to Beach Tennis, and worked at the Rio Olympic Games as a tennis umpire. She has also taken several junior teams to places around the world where they represented Brazil in junior tennis competitions, from South America to the USA and Japan.

She has been named the “Best Tennis Female Senior Player” in Brazil on more than two occasions by the Brazilian Tennis Confederation and the Sao Paulo Tennis Federation. Most recently, she reached the #2 spot in the singles Ladies Senior 55 and over rankings category with the International Tennis Federation.

Get to Know the Other Pros on the Courts of Harbour Ridge

Fabio Vasconcellos, Director of Racquet Sports

Simone looks forward to another winter on the courts alongside her brother Fabio Vasconcellos, Director of Racquet Sports at Harbour Ridge. Fabio was born in Brazil where his junior years ranking lead him to a full scholarship at Limestone College, South Carolina. Upon graduation with a Physical Education degree, Fabio joined Peter Burwash International Tennis Program in 1988 and began a career that has taken him around the world directing tennis programs at first-class resorts and clubs. He is also certified as a USPTA Professional and is fluent in three languages.

Joining the team in 2017, Fabio has done an impressive job building the Peter Burwash International Tennis Program at Harbour Ridge. Fabio has also been an instrumental player in the expansion of the Racquet Sports Program at Harbour Ridge since the opening of the pickleball facilities in December 2021.

Sophie Tazzioli, Tennis/Pickleball Professional

Sophie Tazzioli joined the Harbour Ridge Team in 2022 as a Tennis and Pickleball Professional. Sophie grew up in Ireland and discovered her love for tennis at an early age. She picked up a pickleball paddle after moving to the U.S. and after playing casually for several years, decided to pursue it as a career. “I love getting to teach a new sport like pickleball to someone who has never played it before, there is something very rewarding about seeing someone find joy in the sports that you do,” says Sophie.

Peter Burwash International Tennis Program at Harbour Ridge

The tennis staff at Harbour Ridge brings with them training programs developed by the Peter Burwash International Tennis Program (PBI) training program. PBI has been the leader in professional tennis management since 1975. Residents of Harbour Ridge benefit from PBI training right at our own club, with the help of Harbour Ridge’s highly trained, specialized staff.

A Premier Private Club Community

Harbour Ridge offers the very best of boating and golf course living. Along with the Clubhouse, residents can entertain themselves at the Lakeside Lifestyle Center, home to a Peter Burwash International-managed tennis program with nine Har-Tru courts, eight pickleball courts, a spacious fitness center, a full-service spa, a barbershop, and physical therapy. Harbour Ridge also features two USGA recognized championship golf courses: The River Ridge, a Pete & P.B. Dye-designed course with tropical landscapes and vistas that can be played from any of the five sets of tees, and the Golden Marsh, a Bobby Weed-designed course with tropical charm, swaying palms, and sweeping vistas. Three private marinas on-site provide a combined total of 98 slips for boats up to 80 feet in length.

The wide variety of homes for sale within the Harbour Ridge community offers varying price points and styles to suit every need. All single-family homes and condominiums have stunning views of the St. Lucie River, lakes golf courses, or nature preserves. Move-in-ready rental residences are also available for seasonal residents. Our complimentary digital brochure shares an even closer look at the amenities and lifestyle offered within this waterfront community. Visit HarbourRidge.com or call 772-336-3000 for more information.