Match Point

How did you start working in athletic education?

My background in athletics spans more than two decades. I hold a Colorado High School Activities Association Athletic Coaching Certification and have coached high school football for many years, including All-American and All-State players. Early in my career, I served as the Youth Programs and Community Relations Manager at the University of Denver. I later served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Northfield High School in Denver Public Schools, where I provided instructional leadership while overseeing the development of a new comprehensive interscholastic athletic program.

Prior to my role as CEO of the Denver Tennis Park, I was the Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado. During that time, we developed a partnership that enabled mentor matches to experience programming at the Park. Even early on, I was so impressed by the staff at Denver Tennis Park and the organization’s commitment to introducing youth to the game of tennis.

What kind of impact do youth sports have on the community?

Youth sports have the power to strengthen communities far beyond the playing field. When programs are intentionally designed around inclusion, positive coaching, and youth development, they create healthier children, stronger families, and more connected neighborhoods. Sports are among the few places where students from different schools, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds come together around a shared purpose. According to the Aspen Institute’s 2025 “State of Play,” more kids are playing sports than at any time before the pandemic.

The game of tennis also continues to experience remarkable growth across the country. In 2025, more than 5.6 million youth played tennis nationwide, contributing to a record 27.3 million Americans of all ages who took to the courts, the highest participation level ever recorded and the sixth consecutive year of growth. Research also shows that children who participate in sports are more likely to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and goal-setting skills that benefit them throughout their lives. At the Denver Tennis Park, we have experienced that momentum firsthand, with youth participation increasing by more than 12% this past year. Through scholarships, school partnerships, and community collaboration, we are committed to ensuring that every youth has the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits of tennis, regardless of financial circumstances.

How does Denver Tennis Park work with other organizations across the metro area?

At Denver Tennis Park, we believe expanding access to tennis begins by meeting young people and families in their communities. Through partnerships with Denver Public Schools, the University of Denver, and the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation’s SERVES program, we bring tennis into schools and communities across the Denver metro area. During the 2026–27 school year, our collaboration with Denver Public Schools will introduce +11,000 students at Title I schools to the game through physical education classes and Advantage Kids Programming. By working collaboratively, Denver Tennis Park and our community partners create lasting pathways that promote health, belonging, leadership, and opportunity for individuals of all ages.

What are some lessons tennis can teach both kids and adults?

As Arthur Ashe famously said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” That philosophy is at the heart of the Denver Tennis Park. We believe tennis is one of life’s greatest teachers, helping young people and adults develop resilience, discipline, confidence, and the ability to persevere through challenges. Every practice and every match is an opportunity to solve problems, manage emotions, build relationships, and grow both as a competitor and as a person.

What does the future hold for Denver Tennis Park?

The future of the Denver Tennis Park is about much more than tennis. We are building a community asset where every child, regardless of background or financial circumstance, has the opportunity to develop confidence, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits through sport. Over the next several years, we will continue expanding our partnerships with Denver Public Schools, the University of Denver, USTA, and community organizations to bring tennis directly into neighborhoods and schools, creating clear pathways from a student’s first experience with a racquet to competitive play, leadership opportunities, college, and beyond.

As both a USTA Premier Facility and a USTA Coaching Education Center, the Denver Tennis Park is uniquely positioned to elevate the game at every level. Our premier facility provides a first-class environment for players, tournaments, and community programming, while our role in coach education allows us to develop the next generation of tennis professionals who will inspire and mentor players throughout Colorado and beyond. By investing in coaches, we are multiplying our impact and ensuring that thousands of youth and adults benefit from exceptional instruction and meaningful experiences on and off the court.