Eric Taino Named Director of Racquets at The Country Club of North Carolina

Eric Taino (Alan Van Vliet photo)

Eric Taino, a retired Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour player who earned All-America honors three times at UCLA, has joined The Country Club of North Carolina as its Director of Racquets.

He will be responsible for all activities and programs for members of the club who play tennis and pickleball. Taino succeeds Al Van Vliet, CCNC’s longtime racquets professional, who is moving full-time into his role as Director of Wellness.

“CCNC is fortunate to have Eric Taino join our leadership team as Director of Racquets,” said CCNC General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Jim Sutton. “Our members will enjoy an enhanced racquets program because of his prior professional experience and high-level career in playing and coaching tennis. We warmly welcome Eric and his family to CCNC.”

Taino, 50, played for 10 years as a professional and earned career-high rankings of No. 122 in singles and No. 52 in doubles. During his time at UCLA, he was the No. 1 player and team captain for its highly ranked squad. Taino also represented the Philippines in Davis Cup competition.

“I’m very enthusiastic and positive about the outlook of the club here,” said Taino, a native of Jersey City, N.J. “There is really good energy and a good sense of a new beginning.”

His playing and coaching experience are key components of his skill set, but he emphasizes the service aspect of the job and being a good listener.

“I’d like to build a good rapport and connection with the members,” Taino said. “More than anything, I’m hoping that’s where I can make the biggest impact… that they feel like they have someone who’s here to help them out and help them have the best experience in tennis or pickleball that they can.”

Taino, whose three children (two sons and a daughter) are aspiring golfers, moved with his family to Pinehurst in January 2024 for the quality of life and the area's numerous premier golf opportunities.

“It already feels like home,” Taino said. “My family is super happy here.”

In a turn of luck and good fortune, Taino discovered the CCNC job opening through his neighbor, who is the father-in-law of CCNC Head Golf Professional Tanner Steiner.

He is eager to begin working with the club’s racquets enthusiasts and looks forward to growing the program’s contingent.

“As a player or as a coach, it has always been a natural fit for me to be on the court,” he said.