Instructors

Hometown: Winnipeg, Canada

What brought him to TD: “The opportunity to direct Tahoe Donner’s tennis programs.”

Favorite thing to do in TD or favorite season/amenity at TD and why: “Besides playing tennis, I love the bike trails and rock climbing areas all around the Tahoe Donner area.”

Background: “I started teaching tennis 20+ years ago in the Palm Springs area. I have worked at La Quinta Resort since 2001 and at Tahoe Donner since 2008. I have called the Tahoe area my summer home since 2005, and I always look forward to time at the beaches, lakes, trails, restaurants, shops and all of the other wonderful things that Tahoe Donner and the surrounding areas have to offer.”

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

What brought him to TD: “I love the people, the courts, the setting, and the robust programming.”

Favorite thing to do in TD or favorite season/amenity at TD and why: “Mountain bike, SUP on the lakes, ski the mountains, rock climb, and all the amazing activities Tahoe offers.”

Background: “Started teaching tennis in Tahoe in 1999. Have worked at several tennis centers in the area, as well as La Quinta. Just returned from running a club in Florida pan handle for one year. Happy to be back in Tahoe Donner!​”

Hometown: East Brunswick, New Jersey

What brought him to TD: “My family bought a house in Tahoe Donner in 2009. I’ve gradually spent more time here each year before making the move to my favorite place full-time in 2024.”

Favorite thing to do in TD or favorite season/amenity at TD and why: “Whether I’m playing or teaching Live Ball, exploring the Euer Valley on my bike, jumping in the lake, or scarfing down a Caesar and burger at The Lodge, I love how every day here offers endless opportunities to be active and connected to nature.”

Background: “I grew up playing tennis and competed on my high school varsity team. After more than 20 years working in real estate investments and development in NYC and LA, I found myself drawn back to the courts—especially after spending the summer of 2023 playing almost every day at TD. In 2024, I joined the TDA team as the Pro Shop Supervisor and Tennis + Pickleball Pro. I’m passionate about this vibrant, welcoming community and love sharing the joy of tennis and pickleball with players of all levels. I’m a dedicated mindfulness practitioner who finds peace and clarity through long silent meditation retreats.”

Hometown: Keokuk, Iowa

What brought me to TD: “The combination of great people and top-notch facilities. The vibrant tennis/pickle community at TD is the best in Tahoe.”

Favorite thing to do in TD or favorite season/amenity at TD and why: “All of them! I enjoy staying active in different ways all year long. Tennis and pickleball fill my summers and fall. In the winters you’ll find me strength training at the gym, or sneaking in some morning laps at Alpine.”

Background: “I grew up playing competitive tennis in the Midwest. I went on to play singles and
doubles for Quincy University in Illinois. After becoming PTR certified at age 19, I taught tennis
across the country. Including The Meadow Club of Southampton, NY, Four Seasons in Lake of the Ozarks, and most recently Northstar here in Tahoe. I am excited to join Ian and the crew of seasoned pros here at Tahoe Donner. Teaching tennis has always been such a rewarding experience for me.”

Hometown: Livermore, CA now in Reno, NV

What brought me to TD: “While raising my kids in Truckee I had the opportunity to coach the Truckee High School boys team. I am excited to have the opportunity to return to teach this summer with the wonderful Tahoe Donner Tennis Center Staff.”

Favorite thing to do in TD or favorite season/amenity at TD and why: “The opportunity to sit on the dock and enjoy Donner Lake, bringing much peace to life!”

Background: “I started playing tennis at a young age, played through the junior circuit and eventually for Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. I have taught in Livermore, Grass Valley, Truckee and Reno over the years. I love to start the young down their journey of tennis, developing players of all ages and bringing families together on the court.”

Hometown: San Francisco, California

What brought me to TD: “After growing up playing at these courts and working in the shop I knew I wanted to keep working at this second home doing what I love.”

Favorite thing to do in TD or favorite season/amenity at TD and why: “Aside from tennis + pickleball, going down to the lake with my dogs and swimming with them as well as stepping onto the golf course once in a while.”

Background: “Currently a Tennis pro and beginning to teach more Pickleball at TD after having played tennis most of my life here at TD and picked up pickleball more recently. Played tennis throughout high school making it to Norcal championships. Heading into college and planning on playing there.”

Hometown: Tiburon, CA/Boise, Idaho

What brought me to TD: Amazing community, beautiful landscape, and my family moved here in 2021, so it’s a good opportunity to spend time with them.

Favorite thing to do in TD or favorite season/amenity at TD and why: Although I have too many hobbies to even count, including tennis, pickleball, golf, disc golf, hiking, and running, my true passion is fly fishing, although if you asked me where I go fishing, I wouldn’t say.

Background: I have been playing tennis all my life, and have been playing pickleball for around 5 years. Ever since moving to Idaho in 2021, I have been able to discover my passion for learning about my Basque culture and fly fishing on a weekly basis. I was lucky enough to start working for the Boise State Men’s Tennis team in 2021 and was part of the team that won the Mountain West Conference three years in a row. Coaching the Men’s Tennis team is where I discovered my passion for teaching, and I have not looked back since.

Hometown: Brentwood, California

What brought me to TD: “My family bought a house up here for skiing in 2009, and continued to stay throughout the Summer/Fall seasons. Now my family lives up here full time and enjoy everything that the Truckee/Tahoe area has to offer!”

Favorite thing to do in TD or favorite season/amenity at TD and why: “All of the amenities are so well kept with such friendly staff, it’s hard to choose just one.”

Background: “I started to play tennis when I was younger and continued to play competitively throughout high school, where I held the #1 spot from sophomore to senior year. I love playing and I’m very excited to coach!”