About
Our mission is to teach tennis to youth by using a standard teaching method to give youth a foundation to develop the skills to last a lifetime. We use a gradual release of responsibility method to model, guide, and promote independent practice. Our classes use cooperative learning strategies to help each student apply the same skills as the top players in the world. It is through cooperation the student learns to keep the ball in play and learn to compete within themselves.
What I enjoy most about the work I do is watching the process of growth. I especially like watching students who struggle at first and watch as their confidence grows.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Elle, s.
- f.
-D. S.
Velia A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We always start with an introduction period. In private, semi-private, and classes I always like to find out what students know about tennis. In other words I like to find their background knowledge so that I can apply it to our lesson. It helps them take ownership in what they are doing. I like to see what they can do and then give them feedback on a positive and one correction. I will model the stroke and then we teach the stroke using scaffolding or breaking it up into parts.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Professional Tennis Registry- Professional Rating
Adult Certification and 10 and Under Certification
BS Community Recreation Arizona State University
ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Certification
Post baccalaureate studies in Exercise and Education
Two years teaching Physical Education
Seven years total teaching Elementary Education
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We offer tennis classes at two locations. We use the ROGY ball color progressive pathway.
We teach through the City of Phoenix at Encanto Sports Complex. We offer Learn to Rally classes for ages 5-8, Orange Ball Beginner, Orange Ball Advanced Beginner, and Green Ball Classes. You can register online at the city of Phoenix Parks and Recreation site or in person at the complex for these classes.
We offer an Orange Ball class at North Phoenix Baptist Church on Saturday. During the school year this class starts at 10:00-11:00 am and runs for 4 weeks. The cost of the class is $40.00 per student
I teach private lessons, semi-private (2-3 students) lessons, and private groups.
All lessons are half hour lessons. We offer one hour lessons by request or for a one-hour private group.
Private Lesson $35.00 Semi-Private $25.00 (per person)
Package 8(2free) $240 Package 8 (2free) $160 (per person)
Private Groups
Private Group 30 4 lessons $40.00
Private Group 60 4 lessons $60.00
How did you get started teaching?
I started playing tennis as a freshmen in high school. I was the last person on my high school team ladder. When I became a senior in high school I earned a varsity spot. I never played a high school varsity match. Disappointment turned into determination and I earned a college scholarship to play tennis. I have a Professional Rating as a PTR Tennis Professional with an emphasis in Ten and Under Tennis. I have a degree in Recreation and Leisure from Arizona State University. I continue my professional development by studying Education and Exercise Science. I have taught students who have played at every level of tennis.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students ages 5-7, ages 8-10, ages 11-14
I have worked with students who have played at every level of tennis, from the recreation player, the high school player, and the elite player. I enjoy teaching tennis at the recreation level because my focus is on helping the student learn to love the feel of the ball on the strings and find an activity that will give them a better quality of life.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I want to share two events that I am really fond of. This past year one of our nine year old students played in her first beginner tournament. In her very first tournament she came in second place, missing first by inches. The thing about this little girl is she is very shy and quiet. She went out and played friends with the ball, made her strokes look good, and loved the feel of the ball on the strings. When I hear about how her confidence has taken her to new levels, that is just inspiring.
I am most proud of another one of our students who gave me a thank you card for how inspiring our classes have been. This student has a big tennis dream she wants to fulfill.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Always love the feel of the ball on the strings, that will carry you through the struggles of learning this game.
Always make your stroke look good, you never know who is watching. You just might inspire someone else.
This game is a process, go slow, people who go slow learn this game much better than when they try to hit the ball fast and hard.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do you want to play tennis?
What opportunities are there for me to play outside of lessons?