Junior Development - Tennis Memphis

Steve Phillips

Steve joins Tennis Memphis as our new Accounting Manager, bringing decades of financial leadership and a heart for the Memphis community. A lifelong Memphian, Steve earned both his BBA and MBA from the University of Memphis and is a licensed CPA. He spent the majority of his career in business development and finance with Time Warner, where he supported growth initiatives and financial strategy across multiple divisions. We are excited to welcome Steve to the Tennis Memphis team and look forward to the expertise and dedication he brings to our mission.

Bonnie Delashmit

Bonnie Blake Delashmit is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience in higher education, workforce development, and business operations. She has led large-scale initiatives in program development, compliance, and strategic growth, and securing federal funding to expand workforce training opportunities.

As Executive Director of Workforce Education and Institutional Advancement at Remington College, Bonnie developed industry-aligned certification programs, launched a 2,000 member alumni association, and created scholarship programs to support student success. Her career also includes leadership roles as Vice President of Operations and President for multi-campus institutions, where she focused on improving performance, partnerships, and community engagement.

Bonnie holds a MBA in Entrepreneurship, Negotiation, and Management and a Bachelor’s in Real Estate, Management, and Economics from Mississippi State University, along with a Certificate in Fundraising and Development from UC Davis.

Jon Bell

Prior to joining Tennis Memphis, Jon played collegiate tennis at the NJCAA level for Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he achieved a top-20 national junior college doubles ranking. He went on to attend the University of Memphis, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

At Tennis Memphis, Jon has played a key role in building partnerships with organizations across the city, including Girls Inc., Memphis Athletic Ministries, Boys & Girls Clubs, Ed Rice Community Center, and others. He has also been instrumental in developing the Junior Development program at all Tennis Memphis locations.

Jon is passionate about helping others achieve their goals while having fun on the tennis court.

Keith Gibson

Keith is a familiar face to many in our community—he’s spent time on court supporting our junior development programs and previously worked the front desk at Eldon Roark Tennis Center.

Keith is a proud Memphis native and graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College. With more than 20 years of experience as a USTA player, coach, and junior development volunteer, Keith brings a passion for the game that aligns perfectly with our mission at Tennis Memphis. He’s Safe Play approved and loves helping others discover tennis. His professional background in customer service, operations, legal support, and contract management further strengthens our organization.

As Keith puts it, “I’m looking forward to working with all of you and supporting everything that makes Leftwich a special place.”

Rodger Fullilove

A native of Shelby, Mississippi, Rodger Fullilove is a proud Delta State University graduate (twice over!) and former member of the DSU tennis team from 1969–1971. After a long and successful career in education as a high school math teacher, multi-sport coach, middle school principal, and district administrator, he retired in 2020. A longtime member of the Clarksdale Men’s 5.0 tennis team (1994–2008), he continues to stay active on the court, playing doubles and mixed doubles several times a week. Since marrying his wife Rhonda in 2017 and moving to the Memphis area, Rodger has enjoyed being part of the Tennis Memphis family and looks forward to supporting the growth of tennis at Bellevue Tennis Center.

Kristen Eley

Kristen Eley joins Tennis Memphis from Madison, Mississippi, where she served as the Head Tennis Professional at Fit Network located at Cypress Lake. A PTR certified coach with over eight years of experience, Kristen believes in developing not just tennis skills but life skills through the game. “We aren’t just playing tennis; we are tennis players. Tennis players are problem solvers, which translates into life,” she says—a philosophy that guides her coaching approach.

During her time in Mississippi, Kristen led the St. Augustine boys’ tennis team to five consecutive 3A state championships and guided the girls’ team to two 3A state titles. She has successfully coached four juniors who went on to earn NCAA Division III scholarships. Kristen is also a dedicated volunteer with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Kristen believes the love of tennis that the Tennis Memphis staff has is exciting. She is excited about being around people who truly love this amazing sport and their mutual willingness to see tennis grow in the community brings me joy.

Tony Womeodu

Tony Womeodu, USPTA, USPTR has provided tennis instruction to juniors and adults in Memphis for four decades. Tony’s passion has been developing numerous youth that have successfully competed at the collegiate level. He is know for high energy drills with emphasis on proper tennis techniques. Tony recalls fondly his collegiate tennis experience at Edinboro University where he played # 1 and was team captain. Tony’s coaching philosophy is meeting all students where they are to build sound foundational skills to play an all court game, focusing on court awareness, soliciting shots, approach shots and volley techniques. Tony is also an avid golfer and grills up some of the best barbecue in Memphis.

Joe Engel

Joe arrived in Memphis in 1995 and attended the University of Memphis, where he earned his BFA in Theatrical Design and Production. He received a Memphis Theatre Award for his lighting design of Death and the Maiden.

Over the next 20+ years, Joe has focused on remodeling houses and providing handyman services. He has also served as the Assistant Director of Maintenance at The University Club and as a maintenance supervisor for multiple properties in downtown and Midtown Memphis.

Additionally, Joe built the largest escape room in Memphis, provided tree services, and most recently, built and painted custom cabinetry for Crewpros.

Joe is excited for the opportunity at Tennis Memphis and looks forward to keeping Leftwich running smoothly and looking great for years to come.

Julie

Julie has called Memphis home for most of her life and is thrilled to bring her accounting experience to Tennis Memphis. After college, she worked in public accounting in Memphis before deciding to fulfill a dream of combining her accounting skills with her love for Spanish. This dream led her to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she accepted a full-time ministry position. In this role, she saw firsthand how vital inner-city sports programs are for the children who participate and for their entire families. Julie met her husband in Argentina, and together with their two daughters, they have been back in Memphis for a few years now. She was drawn to Tennis Memphis because of its mission and the impact it has on the city. She is excited to be part of the Tennis Memphis family.

Marissa Kovach

Marissa is from Murfreesboro, TN and started playing tennis at a young age. After graduating from Siegel High School she attended Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY and was on the Women’s Tennis team while earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. During her time at Bellarmine she was named Academic All- GLVC all four years and amassed the third most wins in program history. For the last 5+ years Marissa has been the Junior Tennis Manager at USTA Tennessee overseeing the Tennis in Schools and Rally Cats Tennis programs. At USTA TN, she gained experience coaching all ages, managing programs, events and tournaments, and has been a USPTA Professional since 2019. Marissa greatly enjoys bringing the sport of tennis to new kids and families and is excited to do so at Tennis Memphis!

PTF101

Welcome to tennis and let the fun begin! If you just decided that tennis is something you wanted to try then this is the class for you! PTF 101 is a beginner class that focuses on form and fundamentals so you have the building blocks for success! Our coaches will help give you the right information to keep you playing for a lifetime! Players must register by emailing afriel@tennismemphis.org. The pricing is $150 for the entire 6 week session.

UPCOMING SESSION:

Mondays 6:00-7:00pm (7/29-9/9)

Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm (7/31-9/4)

Thursdays 9:00-10:00am (8/8-9/12)

Saturdays 8:00-9:00am (8/3-9/7)

Zach Palko

Zach is from Indiana, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Saint Francis University, where he played and coached for their Division 1 tennis team, loving every opportunity he had to step foot on the court.

Zach has had the opportunity to coach in New York at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, as well as in Southern Florida, and back home in Pennsylvania. Alongside coaching, Zach is well-versed in racket and string knowledge, starting his path in Florida working for Diadem Sports for a summer internship as a stringer and racket customizer.

When he’s not on the tennis court, Zach is an avid golfer and just as avid a fisherman.

He is very excited to be joining Tennis Memphis and cannot wait to help people learn and love the game.

Jeffery Suber

Jeffery has immersed himself in tennis for over a decade, starting as a kid and developing a deep passion for the sport. As he honed his skills, he gained a reputation as a skilled player, inspiring him to share his knowledge with the youth and anyone interested in this beloved game.

Before venturing into adult leagues and State/Sectional tournaments, tennis served as Jeffery’s anchor for focusing on life and living in the moment. From building a career in a less prominent tennis scene, he organized clinics in his hometown to promote the sport.

Jeffery’s dedication to tennis not only created opportunities but also fostered meaningful relationships. This journey eventually led him to Tennis Memphis.

Trip Wills

Trip is a native of the Memphis area. With a background in Division 1 college tennis at the University of Mississippi, his journey in the world of tennis began as a player, and he has since transitioned into a successful coaching career.

In 2007, Trip began coaching at Tennis Memphis, where he has been a pivotal figure in nurturing the tennis talent of aspiring players. He is committed to providing high-quality coaching to players of all ages and skill levels.

Trip enjoys working with both juniors and adults, helping them improve their game and fall in love with tennis. He has coached numerous players from the beginner stages to the collegiate level. In addition to his time on the court, Trip is also our NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) Manager.

Trip is married to Kate and they have a beloved dog.

Elite Group

Advanced tournament level players that are ages 12 and above. This group has UTR level requirements.

Competition Group

Tournament level players that are 10 years old and above.

Yellow Ball

Players now have transitioned fully to the regulation court and have a good understanding of all the play situations. Tactical and technical aspects of development are the main focus. Players will continue to develop their own game style and have the ability to make adjustments under pressure. A good understanding of high percentage play and pattern for singles and doubles fundamentals will be a focal point. Hard work, sportsmanship, and discipline is a must as the intensity and demand of the program is increased. Staying mentally and emotionally positive through the process is expected from all participants.

Green Ball

The third phase of the program has them transitioning to the full court. Players at this stage are more confident and tactically aware. Goals are now more focused around their opponent and how to attack and defend. Focus is placed on developing more tactical skills and refining technical ones, building upon the quality foundations from previous stages, including attacking, defending and using strengths and weaknesses. As they continue to grow and develop, basic strength and athletic skills play a bigger part in their game; physical size must be considered as players transition.

Orange Ball

The next stage becomes more challenging for players as they improve their skills, movement, and play situations. Here they need to use class time to make the ball go faster, add spins, and connect a variety of shots together using patterns of play. Moving forward in the court and using angles will also become a priority at this level. They will now be developing all five play situations; baseline rally, serve, return, moving forward, and your opponent moving forward. Mentally they learn to focus, embrace, and enjoy challenging situations.

Red Ball

In our first stage, players learn the basic concept of the game and how to direct and control a ball in a space. Players develop fundamental movement, balance, as well as basic hitting and rallying skills, reception, contact, and a basic short swing shape. From the very beginning they learn key tactical and technical concepts of the game, with the focus on controlling and directing the ball to help win points. They will build the skills required to serve, return, rally and score beginning at the very first clinic.

Michael Synk

A lifelong recreational tennis player, Michael started coaching tennis in 2021 as an assistant in the Bellevue Tennis Center afterschool junior program and the NJTL summer camp. Subsequently, he was invited on behalf of Tennis Memphis to conduct Community Tennis Classes for three years at University Park, teaching beginner and advanced beginner classes for adults and teenagers, while continuing to coach juniors and NJTL summer camps at the Leftwich, Raleigh and Eldon Roark Tennis Centers. With the help of The Church of the Good Shepherd (his parish) he hosted several tennis festivals at University Park, introducing tennis to the neighborhoods surrounding the park.

Having caught the bug for coaching, Michael completed USPTA certification, first as a tennis instructor in 2022, then as a tennis professional in 2024. For the past two seasons, Michael has served as the coach of the White Station Middle School Team, taking them to second place in the Shelby League Tournament in 2025.

Michael especially enjoys teaching and coaching beginners, advanced beginners, and intermediate teenagers and adults striving to improve their game and become “lifetime” tennis players. He’s also enjoys conducting practices to prepare 2.5 and 3.0 USTA Adult Teams for league play. He also enjoys diagnosing stroke deficiencies and improving them.

Ryan Beattie

Ryan is the Welcome Center Manager for the Leftwich Tennis Center and a proud native Memphian, raised by a great family. He has a background in sales, marketing and insurance. Prior to his tenure with Tennis Memphis Ryan was the Networking and Marketing executive for a local Insurance Company. Ryan is ambitious and driven and plans to enter the field of international business.

His favorite things about working at Tennis Memphis are the people and the family like atmosphere, as well as, the opportunity to get to know people. Ryan loves to cultivate relationships with people from different backgrounds and bring people together.

Thomas Hall

Thomas is a highly experienced tennis pro with ten years of coaching experience in and out of the Memphis area. Originally from Virginia, Thomas relocated to Memphis as a teen where he played as a high level junior and collegiate player. Thomas has worked with adults and juniors of all levels. His proudest accomplishment has been his dedication to bettering himself with tennis even while working two to three jobs throughout high school and tennis to fund his development as a player. With his work at Tennis Memphis, Thomas hopes to help make tennis development accessible to everyone.

Melinda Hoehn

Melinda has been the Director of Business Operations for Tennis Memphis for the past 6 years. Prior to her time at TM she was the Director of Finance for another local nonprofit. Melinda and her husband Robert both play on numerous USTA teams and enjoy traveling, hiking, and all things outdoors. She is a native Memphian and serves at both her church and a local ministry. She loves the mission of Tennis Memphis and being a part of its wonderful team!

Ann Sneed

Ann has called Memphis home since moving here from Germany when she was in elementary school.

While Ann discovered her love for tennis just a few years ago, it has rapidly evolved into an integral part of her life. Much of the credit for this transformation goes to Tennis Memphis, where she currently serves as our Marketing Manager. Ann takes pride in sharing the stories of how Tennis Memphis positively impacts the city and its communities. You can often find her on the tennis court, either competing or alongside the juniors in our program. Her commitment to their growth and development embodies the essence of Tennis Memphis’s mission.

Ann is married to Craig, and they have two children.

Diane Hannifin

Diane is the Tennis Memphis Operations Manager, and has been with Tennis Memphis since 2014. Diane reports to the Director of Business Operations, and brings with her a lifelong passion for tennis at quality facilities like those that Tennis Memphis operates. This drives her to engage and coordinate with the City of Memphis and subcontractors aimed at maintaining and improving the tennis experience.

Diane’s love for tennis doesn’t stop at the end of a match, she has also assisted in many fundraisers for Tennis Memphis and has volunteered to help at the Memphis Open. Being an avid tennis player, Diane has played in many leagues at Tennis Memphis. She looks forward to seeing you out on the courts.

Arnold Thompson

Arnold is a certified USPTA elite teaching professional with over 20 years of teaching and coaching experience. He has been with Tennis Memphis for 10 years – serving in a number of capacities with the organization – including summer campsite director, director of programs, grant writing and strategic planning. He is currently responsible for numerous grassroots programs and developing strategies for consistently growing the game of tennis in Memphis. Arnold loves teaching tennis to all ages.

Valewis Simpson

Valewis has joined our team with an extensive background of playing experience. Born and raised in Memphis, Valewis has been apart of Tennis Memphis since he was 6 years old. As a junior player, Valewis was ranked top 5 in the south and was a 5 star on tennis recruiting. He also held the number 1 spot in Georgia and Tennessee.

Professionally, Valewis turned pro at 15 years old and started training with pro players in Atlanta. These players included, Donald Young Sr, Donald Young Jr and Taylor Townsend. At 16 years old he played his first atp challenger in Blois France, being the first American in the 2001s to play on the atp tour. He also played a few ITF Pro Circuits in Egypt, Turkey, and a few other countries. He plans on playing more in the future.

In fall of 2023, Valewis moved back to Memphis to continue his education at the University of Memphis and to begin his coaching career. With his experience he is able to teach players of all skill levels. He is excited to continue to grow his career and expertise in the sport he loves and at the organization where his tennis journey first began.

Alvin Abston

Alvin started his tennis journey in the early 90s as a student at one of the organizations that would eventually become Tennis Memphis – the Tennis Association for Memphis Youth. After his career as a collegiate tennis player at LeMoyne-Owen College in 2001, he worked as the assistant director of tennis at Camp Lohikan in Lake Como, Pennsylvania for six years. Alvin has been a member of the Tennis Memphis staff since 2015, working at center front desks and stringing racquets. He is happy to join the instruction ranks alongside his fellow tennis pros and help mentor and mold players across the City of Memphis.

Jay Robillard

Hailing from Muncie, Indiana, Jay was first team all-state doubles for two consecutive years in high school before heading to Indiana University where he received his USPTA certification and coached for four years. When he isn’t playing or teaching tennis, you can find him on the golf course or watching sports.

Donny Flowers

Prior to joining Tennis Memphis, Donny Flowers was the Tennis Director at Tunica National, where he had worked since the grand opening in 2004.

Before that, he was employed as a teaching tennis professional at the Memphis Country Club.

In 2022, he was awarded USPTA Pro of the Year. Having been involved in the tennis community for most of his life, he fell in love with the sport in high school and began competing in every tournament he could find.

Today, he is a top-ranked singles and doubles player in his age group, competing in numerous state, sectional, and national events. A native Memphis, Donny is also a nationally ranked table tennis player and has competed in 11 Us Opens.

He and his wife of over 30 years, Diane, are excited to be back working in their hometown. They have two adult sons.

Donny’s main goal is to see his students having fun on the court while improving at the same time.

Andrew Bolds

Andrew joins us with nearly a decade of coaching experience across all levels and age groups (beginners to the elite and collegiate levels), specializing in juniors tennis. Born and raised in Memphis, Andrew has been in the local tennis community all his life. As a junior player, Andrew was ranked top 40 in the South.

Professionally, Andrew has taken multiple junior teams to state championships. Most recently, he led the University of Jackson girls team to back to back state championships, and the boys teams to back to back finalist rounds of the championships.

In 2022, Andrew moved back to Memphis to continue his coaching career closer to home. Andrew is married to his wife, Megan, and they recently welcomed their daughter, Savannah, in July 2023. He is excited to continue to grow his career and expertise for the sport in the city where it all began.

Daryl Greenan

Daryl comes to us from his most recent position as the winningest Head Coach in the history of Mississippi State’s Women’s Tennis. He has coached at the college level for over 25 years and has received awards such as South Regions Assistant Coach of the Year and Big Ten Conference Head Coach of the Year.

As a college player himself, Greenan was a member of the men’s tennis team at Valdosta State. He was the No. 1 singles player for two seasons, and was part of the No. 1 doubles team for three campaigns. Greenan was ranked in the top 20 in singles and achieved his highest doubles ranking in 1995, when he finished second in the nation. As a native Canadian, Daryl represented the country in International Father-Son competitions with his father, John, on six occasions in four different countries.

Daryl teaches players of all levels and loves to improve their game. Daryl is married to Shannon and they have a daughter, Willa, and are excited to make Memphis their new home.

Cedric De Zutter

Cedric comes to Tennis Memphis with a decade of extensive coaching experience ranging from the junior to adult level. He has coached over 35 juniors in Regional, Southern and National level tournaments and continues to serve as a mentor to several collegiate players. Cedric served as the Director of Junior Tennis at the Racquet Club of Memphis until its closing in 2019.

He is a University of Memphis alumni and competed on the tennis team during his time there. In 2013 Cedric helped lead the team to reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. He is in his seventh season as the Volunteer Assistant to the Men’s Tigers Tennis Team.

Cedric is the son of Marnix and Caroline De Zutter and the youngest of their three children. He is also a proud (and favorite!) uncle to Laure and Nick. While Cedric is a Belgian native he is happy to call Memphis home and excited to be part of the Tennis Memphis team.

Adam Casey

Adam is a born and raised Memphian, growing up in Cordova and attending St. Benedict at Auburndale. While he did not play tennis until high school, the game has been a focal point of his life ever since. He is a proud alumni of The University of Memphis where he was a student manager for Tigers’ tennis team and student worker for the athletic department. After graduation, he lived in California & Washington for 9 years working as a technical recruiter before thinking ‘what’s next?’ Adam relocated back home to Memphis to refocus his career on helping others. As a certified USPTA Tennis Instructor and ACE Group Fitness Instructor, he is excited to help others reach their tennis development and fitness goals!

Paul Goebel

Paul comes to us after 24 years with the University of Memphis tennis program and nearly two decades as the men’s head coach.

He successfully led the Tigers to nine NCAA tournament appearances, three conference championship matches and a C-USA crown in 2012. He was the two-time conference Coach of the Year and claims 242 career victories under his coaching. Paul has coached numerous players that have gone on to play tennis professionally. The most notable of which include Joe Salisbury, former world No.1 in doubles and five-time Grand slam champion. Another one of Goebel’s former players, David O’Hare, is now the coach of Joe Salisbury and his doubles partner, Rajeev Ram.

Paul is married to Shelly and they have four children.

As Director of Tennis Paul will be assisting the coaches at each of our facilities, helping to attract and coordinate events and tournaments, acting as the liaison with the University of Memphis tennis teams and assisting with the junior programs.

Tracy Pope

Tracy oversees Accounting and Finance for Tennis Memphis, ensuring that player accounts stay current and the organization’s finances are maintained. She also manages registrations for youth programs to support Tennis Memphis’ core mission of community outreach. When not in the office Tracy can be found on the courts with one of her USTA teams, or enjoying time with her family and friends watching Texas A&M football. She has a passion for service and is a member of the Junior League, and active in her church. Tracy has lived in cities from coast to coast as a military wife with her husband Dallas and her two sons. She has been with Tennis Memphis for 7 years and although a Texas native, Tracy now calls Memphis home.

Scott Mitchell

Scott is a USPTA Master Professional and considered an industry leader in first-class facility operations/management, junior and adult coaching, and program design and implementation. Scott was formerly the CEO for Premier Sport International providing innovative and profitable solutions for clubs/facilities and professional tournaments around the world. He has been involved in some of the largest and most prestigious facilities in the U.S. and many of the worlds’ leading professional tennis tournaments. He has been the Executive Director of Racquet Sports with over 30 years experience at private clubs, public facilities and resorts. He now shares his experiences through career development and facility operations consulting and management.

Throughout his career, Scott has overseen operations as Tournament Director of several premier professional tennis tournaments including the Dow Tennis Classic, Savannah Challenger, Central Coast Tennis Classic, as well as the U.S. Women’s Pro Clay Court Championships to name a few. Over the last several years, he has been the Director of Tennis Operations for the Dallas Open ATP250 and the Atlanta Open ATP250. During his tenure with the Dow Tennis Classic, they received four straight years of Gold Star Standard by the USTA and became the benchmark of all Pro Circuit events around the U.S. Scott also served as the Director of Competition for the USA Games Special Olympics in 2022 held at Disney World as well as the Special Olympics North American Games.

Scott’s coaching background is extensive as he has won a National Championship as an assistant coach at Georgia Perimeter College. Scott is a PTR Master of Tennis Junior Development, PTR National Tester and Clinician, a USTA Coach Youth Tennis Faculty Member, a USTA National Zonal Coach working with many of the nation’s top boys and girls, and a sought-after speaker on tennis operations, management and coaching with the USPTA, USTA, PTR, and around the world.

He is married to Ashley and they have 3 children.

Junior Tennis Development

12 and under Programs

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