Originally, from Penapolis, São Paulo, Brazil, Rafael trained as a junior under Carlos Kirmayr, a former top ATP player. While at his academy Rafael transition from player to coach, as an assistant coach in Winter and Summer clinics in Serra Negra, Brazil where academy is located. In 2017 Rafael moved to Bloomsburg, PA began playing NCAA Division II tennis at Bloomsburg University for two years. In 2019 Rafael moved to University of West Florida located in Pensacola, FL to finish his degree in Economics.
Rafael loves to teach and enjoys bringing creativity and enthusiasm to the court along with his years of experience acquired through his own personal tennis journey.