Staff & Coaches
The Team That Powers Austin Tennis Academy
Jack Newman
Head Coach / C.E.O.
Jack Newman
Head Coach / C.E.O.
Coach Jack Newman is known as one of the finest and longest-tenured junior development coaches in the nation. He founded programs at Fretz Tennis Center in Dallas, at St. Stephen’s School in Austin, and finally, the Austin Tennis Academy. Coach Newman serves as ATA’s CEO as well as one of the lead coaches. He has assembled an amazing coaching team at the Austin Tennis Academy. Coach Newman is a USPTA Master Professional and was one of the first US coaches to be certified as a High-Performance coach by the USTA. Coach Newman is a primary coach to Academy players, but also takes on the larger role of leading practice, developing curriculum, planning the optimum tournament schedules, and organizing the Academy logistics both at the Academy and on the road. His time is also spent optimizing the training and competition schedules for Academy players. These plans help players accomplish their goals and often lead to leveraging players’ college choice.
Coach Newman has coached over 20 captains of their college teams. A number of his former students were leaders of their college teams, including Matthew Bain at Texas A&M University, Roger Gubser at the University of Texas, Payton Holden at Princeton, Grayson Broadus and Josh Hagar at Notre Dame, and Bailey Forgus at the University of Chicago.
Coach Newman has coached over 20 captains of their college teams. A number of his former students were leaders of their college teams, including Matthew Bain at Texas A&M University, Roger Gubser at the University of Texas, Payton Holden at Princeton, Grayson Broadus and Josh Hagar at Notre Dame, and Bailey Forgus at the University of Chicago.
Doug Davis
Head Coach
Doug Davis
Head Coach
As Head Coach of Austin Tennis Academy, Doug Davis is in constant study and review of the professional information necessary to educate coaches, players, and parents to the highest levels of junior tennis. On a daily basis, he supports CEO/Owner Jack Newman in his diligence of delivering the finest possible tennis product to every person in the ATA program. The calling to educate and support families inside the game of tennis continues to be the driving concept that has enabled him to stay passionate for 40+ years in junior tennis.
Accomplishments
In Coach Davis’ own words, “Having a personal relationship with God is my number one accomplishment in life. I arise every morning to be a Warrior for the Light. Being married to my soul mate, Leisa Bewley Davis, for 41 years is my number two accomplishment in life. Having three outstanding sons, all growing up and living life inside and outside the sport of tennis, is third. Now, being a grandfather of Tripp, Presley and William has taken family to a whole new level.”
Coach Davis is a founding coach of the Austin Tennis Academy, which was founded May 2002.
Coach Davis has a very pro-active, hands-on style of coaching with emphasis on excellent mechanics and total clarity on game style. He punctuates his coaching with a system for mental toughness. Coach Davis has developed many players; some, like his son Tres Davis, rose to play on the professional tour. Many of his students played high level college tennis like his two other sons: Brandon Davis played and graduated from the University of Illinois and Blake Davis played and graduated from Florida State University. Many of Coach Davis’ players achieved scholarships at Division I College Tennis programs, leading universities including the University of Texas, University of California, USC, Notre Dame, University of Virginia, Texas A&M, Pennsylvania, and TCU. Having former students become professionals and college coaches is especially rewarding.
Coach Davis is a founding coach of the Austin Tennis Academy, which was founded May 2002.
Coach Davis has a very pro-active, hands-on style of coaching with emphasis on excellent mechanics and total clarity on game style. He punctuates his coaching with a system for mental toughness. Coach Davis has developed many players; some, like his son Tres Davis, rose to play on the professional tour. Many of his students played high level college tennis like his two other sons: Brandon Davis played and graduated from the University of Illinois and Blake Davis played and graduated from Florida State University. Many of Coach Davis’ players achieved scholarships at Division I College Tennis programs, leading universities including the University of Texas, University of California, USC, Notre Dame, University of Virginia, Texas A&M, Pennsylvania, and TCU. Having former students become professionals and college coaches is especially rewarding.
Deb Cahill
Chief Operating Officer
Deb Cahill
Chief Operating Officer
Deb Cahill is Austin Tennis Academy’s Chief Operating Officer. If you have a question about any aspect of the Academy operations, she is your go-to person.
As one of ATA’s Founders, Deb used her education, wealth of experience and tremendous organizational skills to write the ATA Business Plan back in 2002. She was instrumental in the initial branding and positioning, and leads all business operations at ATA. She is responsible for all administrative operations of the Academy, including the billing, sales, accounts receivable, payroll, etc. She has over 20 years of business organization experience. In addition, she assists Jack Newman with all planning related to the academy program.
Like the Academy’s tag line says, Deb is Living the Sport of Tennis! She loves tennis, is an avid player, and, in fact, her family won the 2010 USTA Texas Family of the Year. Deb has chaired the Spenco Texas Cup, assisted with other tournaments, as well as fundraising efforts for ATA’s annual Shootout pro-am tournament since its inception. She has assisted with the Maureen Connally Brinker National Little Mo Tournament, and acted as Tournament Director for the Austin Women’s Tennis Association Mixed Doubles Tournament for the past 21 years.
Deb has been involved in Austin community tennis for over 20 years. Her three daughters – Claire, Kate, and Meg – were in the ATA Academy program. Claire graduated from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, where she fulfilled the ATA goal of playing for her team, becoming the Captain of the team and achieving All American status.
When she isn’t glued to her phone or computer, Deb volunteers her time walking dogs at Austin Pets Alive and travelling to Grand Slams and wineries with her husband, while always raising her four kids, no matter their age!
Deb earned a BBA degree from The University of Texas at Austin, and an MBA from the University of New Orleans while working for Conoco in New Orleans. Deb received a paralegal certificate from Tulane and worked for Conoco legal department in Houston and for Fulbright and Jaworski law firm in Austin, specializing in commercial and personal injury litigation.
You can reach her at [email protected], on her cell – 512.680.8057 – or via Twitter @debCahillATA.
As one of ATA’s Founders, Deb used her education, wealth of experience and tremendous organizational skills to write the ATA Business Plan back in 2002. She was instrumental in the initial branding and positioning, and leads all business operations at ATA. She is responsible for all administrative operations of the Academy, including the billing, sales, accounts receivable, payroll, etc. She has over 20 years of business organization experience. In addition, she assists Jack Newman with all planning related to the academy program.
Like the Academy’s tag line says, Deb is Living the Sport of Tennis! She loves tennis, is an avid player, and, in fact, her family won the 2010 USTA Texas Family of the Year. Deb has chaired the Spenco Texas Cup, assisted with other tournaments, as well as fundraising efforts for ATA’s annual Shootout pro-am tournament since its inception. She has assisted with the Maureen Connally Brinker National Little Mo Tournament, and acted as Tournament Director for the Austin Women’s Tennis Association Mixed Doubles Tournament for the past 21 years.
Deb has been involved in Austin community tennis for over 20 years. Her three daughters – Claire, Kate, and Meg – were in the ATA Academy program. Claire graduated from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, where she fulfilled the ATA goal of playing for her team, becoming the Captain of the team and achieving All American status.
When she isn’t glued to her phone or computer, Deb volunteers her time walking dogs at Austin Pets Alive and travelling to Grand Slams and wineries with her husband, while always raising her four kids, no matter their age!
Deb earned a BBA degree from The University of Texas at Austin, and an MBA from the University of New Orleans while working for Conoco in New Orleans. Deb received a paralegal certificate from Tulane and worked for Conoco legal department in Houston and for Fulbright and Jaworski law firm in Austin, specializing in commercial and personal injury litigation.
You can reach her at [email protected], on her cell – 512.680.8057 – or via Twitter @debCahillATA.
Carol Hagar
Founder and Head of School
Carol Hagar
Founder and Head of School
As the Founding Head of ATA College Prep, Carol strives to develop a well-rounded student-athlete by encouraging individual thought, self-awareness, and personal responsibility through academic challenges, cultural and artistic experiences, and community service activities. Her focus is to inspire and mentor a love of learning by individualizing each student’s program according to personal goals, learning styles, strengths, and affinities, culminating in the best college choice – academically, athletically and culturally.
Before found ATA College Prep, she served for 15 years as the Founding Director of the Austin Area Home School Cooperative – bringing together hundreds of students and their families, organizing classes, and forming a community with a passion for learning. Carol continues to use a creative combination of resources to individualize programming, and counsels students and parents through the college and NCAA processes.
Carol is a USTA Texas player and committee member. She has two children: Hannah, an artist-musician who received her BA in Political Science, her MA in Music Business from NYU, and currently serves as the Director of Music and Events at Hotel Van Zandt. Josh, an ATA College Prep graduate, graduated from Notre Dame where he served as a team captain. He currently lives in Chicago, working in the FinTech industry and coaching tennis.
Her many other ‘children’ are teaching, dancing, acting, investing, studying and making the world a better place to live and play.
Carol holds degrees in Architecture and Environmental Design form Texas A&M University and Mind-Brain-Education from Johns Hopkins University.
You can reach Carol at [email protected]
Before found ATA College Prep, she served for 15 years as the Founding Director of the Austin Area Home School Cooperative – bringing together hundreds of students and their families, organizing classes, and forming a community with a passion for learning. Carol continues to use a creative combination of resources to individualize programming, and counsels students and parents through the college and NCAA processes.
Carol is a USTA Texas player and committee member. She has two children: Hannah, an artist-musician who received her BA in Political Science, her MA in Music Business from NYU, and currently serves as the Director of Music and Events at Hotel Van Zandt. Josh, an ATA College Prep graduate, graduated from Notre Dame where he served as a team captain. He currently lives in Chicago, working in the FinTech industry and coaching tennis.
Her many other ‘children’ are teaching, dancing, acting, investing, studying and making the world a better place to live and play.
Carol holds degrees in Architecture and Environmental Design form Texas A&M University and Mind-Brain-Education from Johns Hopkins University.
You can reach Carol at [email protected]
Brian Notis
Tournament Director /Academy Coach
Brian Notis
Tournament Director /Academy Coach
Coach Brian Notis serves as ATA’s Tournament Director running dozens of the top events in Texas and the US, while at the same time serving as primary coach to some of ATA’s most accomplished players. His primary students have recently earned 4 USTA balls including a gold ball as well as the #1 ranking in B18 doubles and the #4 ranking in B16 doubles in the country. He has also served as a math teacher at ATA College Prep. Coach Notis combines a passionate enthusiasm with a disciplined approach to fundamentals, creating an ideal environment for player development.
Respected throughout Texas as a premier coach, Coach Notis received the Capital Area Tennis Association’s Junior Coach of the Year award in 2004 and the USTA Texas Section’s Lloyd Sessions Educational Merit Award in 2008. He gives back to the game of tennis and our Texas juniors as a USTA Texas Section volunteer; serves on the Junior Tennis Council and is the Vice Chairman of the Junior Team Tennis Committee.
Coach Notis continues to compete on the court at a national level. Over the past two decades, Coach Notis has earned 28 USTA balls, including 6 gold ball national championships, and recently helped his USTA men’s team reach the national final.
Respected throughout Texas as a premier coach, Coach Notis received the Capital Area Tennis Association’s Junior Coach of the Year award in 2004 and the USTA Texas Section’s Lloyd Sessions Educational Merit Award in 2008. He gives back to the game of tennis and our Texas juniors as a USTA Texas Section volunteer; serves on the Junior Tennis Council and is the Vice Chairman of the Junior Team Tennis Committee.
Coach Notis continues to compete on the court at a national level. Over the past two decades, Coach Notis has earned 28 USTA balls, including 6 gold ball national championships, and recently helped his USTA men’s team reach the national final.
Accomplishments
- At Tyler Junior College, both the men’s and women’s squads each earned two NCAA National Championships under his three-year tenure and leadership
- Led the tennis team at Houston’s Clear Lake High School to a #5 state 5A ranking, including a win over 5A powerhouse Austin Westlake.
- Earned All-American honors all three years he played at the University of Texas Tyler, with an NAIA team National Championship in 1994.
- Managing Director at Faulkner Tennis Center in Tyler, Texas. He was also the Director of Juniors at Westwood Country Club.
- Coach Notis graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a B.S. in Mathematics. He grew up in the Bronx, New York.
John Schoenmakers
Director of Junior Development/Director of Camps/Academy Coach
John Schoenmakers
Director of Junior Development/Director of Camps/Academy Coach
Coach John Schoenmakers has worked with and developed many different levels of players, from beginners to top level Superchamp and National players, as part of the team at Austin Tennis Academy. He says, “Kids make me laugh and I truly enjoy their humor.” And believes making a genuine connection with the player is vital to being an effective coach.
One of the highlights, so far, in Coach Schoenmakers’ career was getting the opportunity to work with and coach under Emilio Sanchez and Sergio Casal at the Sanchez/Casal Academy in Barcelona, Spain. While there, he worked with their ITF-level program, coaching players ranked Top 300 in the world.
A key position at Midtown Athletic Club in Weston, Florida, enticed Coach Schoenmakers to return to the U.S. His role at that facility entailed managing adult programs and coaching in the junior academy comprised of more than 200 players.
Even though he was born in Austin, Coach Schoenmakers grew up in San Antonio, and that’s where he first started playing tennis. As a junior player, he ranked in the Top 15 in B18s. In college, he played singles and doubles at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1997. He also played at Temple College where he led the team to the National Championships with a record setting 27-5 dual match win/loss mark.
After graduating college, Coach Schoenmakers worked at McFarlin Tennis Center where he coached 5 out of the 6 female varsity players on the Alamo Heights Tennis Team. He became the Head Coach at Saint Mary’s Hall, where he coached his team to a 2nd and 3rd place finish in the state championships, defeating rivals, St. Stephens, to advance to the finals in 2004. Coach Schoenmakers also was the director of S.E.T. Tennis, a High Performance academy at Saint Mary’s Hall.
Coach Schoenmakers graduated from Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) with a B.S. in Exercise Sports Science and a minor in Health Education.
One of the highlights, so far, in Coach Schoenmakers’ career was getting the opportunity to work with and coach under Emilio Sanchez and Sergio Casal at the Sanchez/Casal Academy in Barcelona, Spain. While there, he worked with their ITF-level program, coaching players ranked Top 300 in the world.
A key position at Midtown Athletic Club in Weston, Florida, enticed Coach Schoenmakers to return to the U.S. His role at that facility entailed managing adult programs and coaching in the junior academy comprised of more than 200 players.
Even though he was born in Austin, Coach Schoenmakers grew up in San Antonio, and that’s where he first started playing tennis. As a junior player, he ranked in the Top 15 in B18s. In college, he played singles and doubles at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1997. He also played at Temple College where he led the team to the National Championships with a record setting 27-5 dual match win/loss mark.
After graduating college, Coach Schoenmakers worked at McFarlin Tennis Center where he coached 5 out of the 6 female varsity players on the Alamo Heights Tennis Team. He became the Head Coach at Saint Mary’s Hall, where he coached his team to a 2nd and 3rd place finish in the state championships, defeating rivals, St. Stephens, to advance to the finals in 2004. Coach Schoenmakers also was the director of S.E.T. Tennis, a High Performance academy at Saint Mary’s Hall.
Coach Schoenmakers graduated from Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) with a B.S. in Exercise Sports Science and a minor in Health Education.
Brandon Davis
Director of Junior Academy
Brandon Davis
Director of Junior Academy
Brandon joined the Austin Tennis Academy as a full-time coach after he finished his athletic and academic careers at the University of Illinois, where he graduated with a degree in Finance. He serves Director of our Junior Academy program, along with being a coach in Academy and College Prep. He is also a USTA certified High Performance Coach and was a coach for the Texas 16s Intersectionals’ team this past summer. Coach Davis brings with him a track record of success on the tennis court over the years.
College
Coach Davis was a valuable asset to the Illini Men’s Tennis program all four years at Illinois. During that time, the team made the Sweet 16 three times, as well as an appearance in the finals in 2007. His freshman year, he won his first ever USTA Pro Circuit event, winning the doubles crown at the USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Tournament with his brother, Tres.
Juniors
As a sophomore in high school, Coach Davis was the top-ranked player in Texas and reached as high as #13 nationally in Boys 16s. In the Boys 18s he was ranked #1 in Texas and #20 nationally while reaching the doubles final at the prestigious Easter Bowl Junior Tournament in both 2002 and 2003 and winning two, ‘Silver Ball’ trophies. Coach Davis captured the state singles title in Texas in Boys 16s in 2002 and Boys 18s in 2003. He was awarded the John McFarlin Award, which goes to the most outstanding male Texas tennis player. Brandon was also a Four-time Texas sectional champion.
Vince Segovia
Director of Adult Programs/Academy Coach
Vince Segovia
Director of Adult Programs/Academy Coach
Vince Segovia is a well-respected and experienced developer of junior tennis talent in Texas.
Coach Segovia moved to Austin in 1998 and began working at the St. Stephen’s Tennis Academy. His main focus was working with top 12-14 nationally ranked players. Several of his players reached top 10 sectional rankings and top 50 national rankings.
He was one of the founding coaches of the Austin Tennis Academy. During his first three years at ATA, he coached two players who won Texas Sectional titles in 2005. He coached Zack Nichols who reached a top ranking of #30 national in boys 16. Coach Segovia was also awarded the “Coach of the Year” at ATA in 2004-2005 when he was recognized for his unique ability to help provide guidance and life lessons to his students as well as coach them to reach their full potential in tennis and beyond.
In 2006, he founded and directed the Barton Creek Tennis Academy. His star pupil, Russell Bader was ranked as high as #24 nationally in Boys 16. He went on to be an All-American and captain of his team at Penn State.
Coach Segovia was also Co-Director of the Advantage Doyle Tennis Program where he coached one player that is top 5 in Texas and three others that are top 20 in the state.
Coach Segovia has been back at ATA since 2013 and works within all programs at ATA, including being the director of the adult/ladies program.
Coach Segovia moved to Austin in 1998 and began working at the St. Stephen’s Tennis Academy. His main focus was working with top 12-14 nationally ranked players. Several of his players reached top 10 sectional rankings and top 50 national rankings.
He was one of the founding coaches of the Austin Tennis Academy. During his first three years at ATA, he coached two players who won Texas Sectional titles in 2005. He coached Zack Nichols who reached a top ranking of #30 national in boys 16. Coach Segovia was also awarded the “Coach of the Year” at ATA in 2004-2005 when he was recognized for his unique ability to help provide guidance and life lessons to his students as well as coach them to reach their full potential in tennis and beyond.
In 2006, he founded and directed the Barton Creek Tennis Academy. His star pupil, Russell Bader was ranked as high as #24 nationally in Boys 16. He went on to be an All-American and captain of his team at Penn State.
Coach Segovia was also Co-Director of the Advantage Doyle Tennis Program where he coached one player that is top 5 in Texas and three others that are top 20 in the state.
Coach Segovia has been back at ATA since 2013 and works within all programs at ATA, including being the director of the adult/ladies program.
Amanda Bailey
Academy Coach
Amanda Bailey
Academy Coach
Bio coming soon!
Dio Miranda
Applied Kinesiology and Strength Specialist
Dio Miranda
Applied Kinesiology and Strength Specialist
Dio Miranda is an expert on human movement and strength development. His experience as a professional athlete, educator, and lifestyle coach has helped him develop a fitness mindset program optimizing ‘the whole person’. Dio trains both the mind and body resulting in complete fitness both on and off the court for our junior players here at Austin Tennis Academy. His approach to fitness is the inclusion of all elements of one’s life in the road to healthier living, to keep habits simple and streamlined for achieving the most effective results.
Originally a Puerto Rican national, Dio was recruited by the University of Memphis (Lambuth) in Jackson, Tennessee, to play college baseball and went on to play professional ball. As an athlete, Dio found himself more and more intrigued by what gives the ordinary person incredible health. He went on to study metabolic nutrition, specialized massage therapy, and became a Level III fitness trainer through the prestigious CHEK Institute.
Dio is a graduate of the Florida College of Natural health, a certified massage therapist, a high-performance exercise Kinesiologist and holds dual B.S. degrees in Physical Education and Special Education. In 2011, he was nominated for national recognition as the CHEK Practitioner Of The Year.
When Dio is not at ATA, he also runs Dio Fitness in Austin, and travels to work with clients internationally. As a dynamic public speaker, he addresses such topics as the Dio Power Balance System – an integrated approach to extraordinary well- being – and Three Ways To Access Your Inner Athlete For Peak Performance At Any Age. Dio is also a published author: Interior Fitness and Move Your Heart to Reshape Your Life and Your Body
Originally a Puerto Rican national, Dio was recruited by the University of Memphis (Lambuth) in Jackson, Tennessee, to play college baseball and went on to play professional ball. As an athlete, Dio found himself more and more intrigued by what gives the ordinary person incredible health. He went on to study metabolic nutrition, specialized massage therapy, and became a Level III fitness trainer through the prestigious CHEK Institute.
Dio is a graduate of the Florida College of Natural health, a certified massage therapist, a high-performance exercise Kinesiologist and holds dual B.S. degrees in Physical Education and Special Education. In 2011, he was nominated for national recognition as the CHEK Practitioner Of The Year.
When Dio is not at ATA, he also runs Dio Fitness in Austin, and travels to work with clients internationally. As a dynamic public speaker, he addresses such topics as the Dio Power Balance System – an integrated approach to extraordinary well- being – and Three Ways To Access Your Inner Athlete For Peak Performance At Any Age. Dio is also a published author: Interior Fitness and Move Your Heart to Reshape Your Life and Your Body
Dio’s credentials include
- C.H.E.K. Practitioner Level III (Corrective High Performance Exercise Kinesiology)
- RacquetFit Level 1 (2019)
- Holistic and Lifestyle Coach – HLC II
- Metabolic Typing Advisor®
- Hair Tissue Mineral Analyst
- Therapeutic Massage Certified by Florida College of Natural Health
- E.L.D.O.A. certified (spinal decompression and myofascial stretching)
- Performance Enhancement Specialist- NASM
- Former Professional Baseball Player
- B.S. in Exceptional Learning/Physical Education
Ashley Weinhold
Academy Coach
Ashley Weinhold
Academy Coach
A native Texan and part of the ATA family from the very beginning, Ashley had one of the most decorated junior careers to ever come through the program. Coach Weinhold finished her junior career by winning Girl’s 18’s National Hard Courts – #1 in the nation in singles and doubles and the top recruit for her graduating class. She was already having success on the pro circuit when she chose to turn pro at the US Open in 2007. She has played 3 of the 4 Grand Slams in Juniors and Professional.
Coach Weinhold played 11 years of professional tennis with a career high ranking of 109 in doubles and 181 in singles. Some of her junior and professional highlights include:
Coach Weinhold played 11 years of professional tennis with a career high ranking of 109 in doubles and 181 in singles. Some of her junior and professional highlights include:
Juniors
- 1 in the nation in singles and doubles
- Girl’s 18’s National Hard Court Champion in 2007, Runner up in singles & doubles in 2006.
- Winner of 11 National USTA Balls
- Bill Talbert Sportsmanship Award
- Maureen Connolly Brinker Award
- Member of USA Jr. Fed Cup Team
- National Little Mo Champion
Professional
- Career high WTA ranking of 109 in doubles, 181 in singles
- 17 doubles titles, 3 singles titles
- Played US Open 6 times (qualifying & main draw)
- World Team Tennis Member of the St. Louis Aces
- Hitting partner for USA Fed Cup Team
Coach Weinhold’s parents have been extremely supportive throughout her playing career. Her Dad, Guy Weinhold, was a teaching pro at Holly Tree Country Club in Tyler, TX where she first swung a racquet. Her Mom, Lisa Weinhold, has run the ATA Pro Shop since day one. She is very grateful for being able to travel the world to pursue her dream of professional tennis. Coach Weinhold has always been highly competitive, a student of the game, disciplined and a hard worker. As she transitions into coaching, she is looking to share her high-level playing knowledge and experience with others striving to reach their goals; she holds everyone on her court to a high standard and tries to get the best out of each player.
Fun Fact: You may recognize Coach Weinhold from the big screen. She had the opportunity to be in the movie, Battle of the Sexes, alongside Emma Stone and Steve Carell, released in the fall of 2017. She plays the character of Kristy Pigeon, one of the Original Nine.
Norm Houston
Academy Coach
Norm Houston
Academy Coach
Coach Norm Houston is one of the longest tenured coaches at Austin Tennis Academy. He moved here from Chicago, Illinois, where he served as coach and board member at Love to Serve Tennis Academy and Foundation. The LTS program shared ATA’s mission of education and character building through tennis; and Coach Houston taps into his passion in those areas to help develop dynamic, successful players.
Some of Coach Houston’s former students have earned tennis scholarships at universities including Butler, De Paul, Howard, and University of Illinois. Coach Houston is a graduate of the University of Iowa. He grew up a talented, multi-sport athlete who traveled the US and Canada playing hockey, culminating in a college scholarship.
Some of Coach Houston’s former students have earned tennis scholarships at universities including Butler, De Paul, Howard, and University of Illinois. Coach Houston is a graduate of the University of Iowa. He grew up a talented, multi-sport athlete who traveled the US and Canada playing hockey, culminating in a college scholarship.
Tommy Collins
Academy Coach/Humanities Lead
Tommy Collins
Academy Coach/Humanities Lead
Tommy Collins joined the Austin Tennis Academy staff full time after serving two years as a part-time Academy coach while in college. The start of 2019 marked the beginning of his 10th year working full time at ATA. For eight of those, he has taught at ATA College Prep.
For the past 4 years, Tommy has served as the Humanities Lead at ATA College Prep, teaching MS and HS English, Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Journalism, World Religions, and serving as a writing tutor. He also works as the Digital Marketing Manager and an Academy coach during the summer months.
Outside of ATA, Tommy helps grow a local Austin tech company, MyTennisLessons.com – a service that pairs clients nationwide with a private tennis coach in the area. The business recently launched FitnessTrainer.com – the same concept but for personal training.
Tommy graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2009 with a degree in Philosophy and a minor in Journalism. While at St. Edward’s, he worked as an Intern, Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Hilltop Views, the St, Edward’s student newspaper.
Tommy was a four-year varsity letter winner as a college tennis player, compiling a career singles record of 46-22 and a career double record of 36-19. In high school, he played for Highland Park High School in Dallas, earning two team state championships while serving as team captain his senior year.
For the past 4 years, Tommy has served as the Humanities Lead at ATA College Prep, teaching MS and HS English, Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Journalism, World Religions, and serving as a writing tutor. He also works as the Digital Marketing Manager and an Academy coach during the summer months.
Outside of ATA, Tommy helps grow a local Austin tech company, MyTennisLessons.com – a service that pairs clients nationwide with a private tennis coach in the area. The business recently launched FitnessTrainer.com – the same concept but for personal training.
Tommy graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2009 with a degree in Philosophy and a minor in Journalism. While at St. Edward’s, he worked as an Intern, Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Hilltop Views, the St, Edward’s student newspaper.
Tommy was a four-year varsity letter winner as a college tennis player, compiling a career singles record of 46-22 and a career double record of 36-19. In high school, he played for Highland Park High School in Dallas, earning two team state championships while serving as team captain his senior year.
Duey Evans
Academy/High Performance Coach
Duey Evans
Academy/High Performance Coach
Originally from Concord/Lexington, Massachusetts, Coach Duey Evans joined the ATA coaching staff in August 2019 in the role of High Performance Coach. In this role, he interacts with players in the Junior Development, Junior Academy and Academy programs, and also provides private lessons and coaching at various events. Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, he takes on the additional role of Director of Junior Academy.
Prior to ATA, Coach Evans has spent several decades as an entrepreneur within the tennis industry. During this time, he created several tennis programs focused on allowing players to go as far as their talent and desire allow, a couple of non profit 501c3 Community Tennis Associations, a Sports Management company which represented professional players and simultaneously operated a couple of the major City of Dallas tennis centers.
Over his career, Coach Evans has coached players who finished as high as #2 in the United States, members of the Nigerian Davis Cup squad, and the 2017 NCAA Men’s Singles Champion. He has coached players who went on to play college tennis at University of Virginia, University of Georgia, North Carolina State, Yale, Davidson College, and many more. However, his two favorite accomplishments: having coached a player “from first ball to Gold Ball” and a three-year period where six players in his program only lost one tournament match to someone they had previously beaten.
You may have seen Duey around ATA with video gear in-hand. A serial entrepreneur, his company also works with ATA to help tell the ATA and ATA CP story. He has three daughters, the youngest (CeCe) was a G16 Super training full time at Lakes Tennis Academy until moving to Virginia with her Mom and stepfather in June 2019. Coach Evans considers “anyone who has lost the ability to dream big and find the help to reach their dreams” one of the saddest things in the world!
Prior to ATA, Coach Evans has spent several decades as an entrepreneur within the tennis industry. During this time, he created several tennis programs focused on allowing players to go as far as their talent and desire allow, a couple of non profit 501c3 Community Tennis Associations, a Sports Management company which represented professional players and simultaneously operated a couple of the major City of Dallas tennis centers.
Over his career, Coach Evans has coached players who finished as high as #2 in the United States, members of the Nigerian Davis Cup squad, and the 2017 NCAA Men’s Singles Champion. He has coached players who went on to play college tennis at University of Virginia, University of Georgia, North Carolina State, Yale, Davidson College, and many more. However, his two favorite accomplishments: having coached a player “from first ball to Gold Ball” and a three-year period where six players in his program only lost one tournament match to someone they had previously beaten.
You may have seen Duey around ATA with video gear in-hand. A serial entrepreneur, his company also works with ATA to help tell the ATA and ATA CP story. He has three daughters, the youngest (CeCe) was a G16 Super training full time at Lakes Tennis Academy until moving to Virginia with her Mom and stepfather in June 2019. Coach Evans considers “anyone who has lost the ability to dream big and find the help to reach their dreams” one of the saddest things in the world!
Carrie Kalapala
Academy Coach
Carrie Kalapala
Academy Coach
Carrie Kalapala is one of our academy coaches who also works with our Junior Development and Junior Academy programs. She also coordinates the beginner and intermediate Junior Team Tennis teams here at Austin Tennis Academy.
She headed south to Austin from Indiana, where she had been coaching at Indiana University Tennis Center. Prior to her stint in Indiana, Coach Kalapala coached tennis in San Francisco, as well as in Hyderabad, India. While in San Fransisco, she coached a girl, new in tennis to being ranked #1 in Northern California within two years time, who now plays at Stanford University. In India, she started a tennis program for children at Sphoorti – an NGO helping orphans and underprivileged children in Hyderabad.
Coach Kalapala played college tennis at Western Michigan University, a nationally ranked Division 1 team; she played top three singles positions all four years (primarily at 1 and 2). She led her team to three conference championships and two NCAA appearances. In her senior year, she was captain of her team, competed in the All-American qualifier, and was MVP of the conference tournament. She broke the school record for overall wins with 204 total wins, and also broke the doubles record with 112 wins.
Coach Kalapala was an ITA and MAC scholar athlete, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She is currently a Licensed Registered Nurse and a certified USPTA instructor.
Coach Kalapala grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and loves living in Austin with her husband, Harsha and daughter, Asha.
She headed south to Austin from Indiana, where she had been coaching at Indiana University Tennis Center. Prior to her stint in Indiana, Coach Kalapala coached tennis in San Francisco, as well as in Hyderabad, India. While in San Fransisco, she coached a girl, new in tennis to being ranked #1 in Northern California within two years time, who now plays at Stanford University. In India, she started a tennis program for children at Sphoorti – an NGO helping orphans and underprivileged children in Hyderabad.
Coach Kalapala played college tennis at Western Michigan University, a nationally ranked Division 1 team; she played top three singles positions all four years (primarily at 1 and 2). She led her team to three conference championships and two NCAA appearances. In her senior year, she was captain of her team, competed in the All-American qualifier, and was MVP of the conference tournament. She broke the school record for overall wins with 204 total wins, and also broke the doubles record with 112 wins.
Coach Kalapala was an ITA and MAC scholar athlete, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She is currently a Licensed Registered Nurse and a certified USPTA instructor.
Coach Kalapala grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and loves living in Austin with her husband, Harsha and daughter, Asha.
Shaimaa Elsisi
Academy Coach
Shaimaa Elsisi
Academy Coach
Coach Shaimaa Elsisi joined the team at Austin Tennis Academy in 2017 as one of our Academy coaches. Along with coaching our junior players, Coach Elsisi is also the Volunteer Assistant Coach at the University of Texas in Austin. She’s served in that role with the UT women’s tennis team for the past two seasons.
Coach Elsisi is a native of Cairo, Egypt, where she was one of the top-ranked junior players before moving to the United States to play college tennis. She played her collegiate career at Troy University in Alabama, and helped the Trojans to a winning record each year she played there.
After serving as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the men’s and women’s teams at Troy, Coach Elsisi moved on to a Head Coaching position at Hillsborough Community College where she stayed until relocating to Baylor University spending a year as the Volunteer Assistant Coach there.
In addition to being an accomplished coach and player, Coach Elsisi is an exceptional student. She holds her Master’s degree in Sports and Fitness Management with a concentration in Sports Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Fitness Management with a minor in Recreation. She now applies this love of learning to her students here at ATA.
Coach Elsisi is a native of Cairo, Egypt, where she was one of the top-ranked junior players before moving to the United States to play college tennis. She played her collegiate career at Troy University in Alabama, and helped the Trojans to a winning record each year she played there.
After serving as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the men’s and women’s teams at Troy, Coach Elsisi moved on to a Head Coaching position at Hillsborough Community College where she stayed until relocating to Baylor University spending a year as the Volunteer Assistant Coach there.
In addition to being an accomplished coach and player, Coach Elsisi is an exceptional student. She holds her Master’s degree in Sports and Fitness Management with a concentration in Sports Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Fitness Management with a minor in Recreation. She now applies this love of learning to her students here at ATA.
AJ Garcia
Academy Coach, Junior Team Tennis Director
AJ Garcia
Academy Coach, Junior Team Tennis Director
Armando Garcia Jr., known to all of us as AJ, is one of ATA’s Academy coaches who also works with our Junior Academy, Junior Development and Summer Camp programs. He’s also the Director of Junior Team Tennis.
Coach Garcia first came to Austin Tennis Academy back in 2012 from Corpus Christi as a junior player. He received a full scholarship to attend one of ATA’s summer camps. After seeing his infectious passion and drive for the sport, ATA granted him a two-year full scholarship to live, study, and train at the ATA with Coach Newman.
Upon graduation from ATA College Prep, Coach Garcia attended Southwestern University, where he played Division III collegiate tennis while earning a B.A. in Communication Studies. Coach Garcia, along with his fellow teammates and Coach Billy Porter, were able to transform an unranked team into a team that reached as high as 28th in the nation, breaking multiple school records in the process. Coach Garcia is a first-generation high school and college graduate.
AJ’s story speaks to what the Austin Tennis Academy is all about; building one’s character while developing all the tools needed to succeed in college, collegiate tennis, and life. ATA’s philanthropy has had a positive impact on Coach Garcia, the lives of many others, and continues to make a difference.
Coach Garcia first came to Austin Tennis Academy back in 2012 from Corpus Christi as a junior player. He received a full scholarship to attend one of ATA’s summer camps. After seeing his infectious passion and drive for the sport, ATA granted him a two-year full scholarship to live, study, and train at the ATA with Coach Newman.
Upon graduation from ATA College Prep, Coach Garcia attended Southwestern University, where he played Division III collegiate tennis while earning a B.A. in Communication Studies. Coach Garcia, along with his fellow teammates and Coach Billy Porter, were able to transform an unranked team into a team that reached as high as 28th in the nation, breaking multiple school records in the process. Coach Garcia is a first-generation high school and college graduate.
AJ’s story speaks to what the Austin Tennis Academy is all about; building one’s character while developing all the tools needed to succeed in college, collegiate tennis, and life. ATA’s philanthropy has had a positive impact on Coach Garcia, the lives of many others, and continues to make a difference.
Miller Dickson
Academy Coach
Miller Dickson
Academy Coach
Miller joined ATA in November of 2020. You may find him working either in the pro shop or on the courts coaching JD, JA, and Academy.
A native of Austin, Miller graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in sport management and business administration. He has worked at other tennis centers in Austin, including SATC and Caswell. Prior to coming back to the tennis courts, he worked as football video coordinator for the Arizona Rattlers and UTSA Roadrunners.
Coach Miller has a fiery passion for competition. He believes in developing and fostering the growth mindset and instilling that passion for learning in the next generation of competitors.
A native of Austin, Miller graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in sport management and business administration. He has worked at other tennis centers in Austin, including SATC and Caswell. Prior to coming back to the tennis courts, he worked as football video coordinator for the Arizona Rattlers and UTSA Roadrunners.
Coach Miller has a fiery passion for competition. He believes in developing and fostering the growth mindset and instilling that passion for learning in the next generation of competitors.
Lisa Weinhold
Pro Shop Manager
Lisa Weinhold
Pro Shop Manager
Lisa brings more than 30 years of pro shop management. She has owned and managed her own pro shop in Tyler, TX at the Hollytree Country Club and at the Ponca City Country in Oklahoma. Lisa also managed the pro shops at Riverplace Country Club in Austin and Berry Creek Country Club in Georgetown.
She was certified USPTA and was a assistant professional for Vic Braden Tennis College in Sylt, Germany. Lisa was certified as a stringer and a member of the USRSA with many years of stringing experience. Lisa is married to former tennis professional Guy Weinhold. Lisa has a 26 year old daughter, Ashley Weinhold, who plays professional tennis on the WTA tour.
She was certified USPTA and was a assistant professional for Vic Braden Tennis College in Sylt, Germany. Lisa was certified as a stringer and a member of the USRSA with many years of stringing experience. Lisa is married to former tennis professional Guy Weinhold. Lisa has a 26 year old daughter, Ashley Weinhold, who plays professional tennis on the WTA tour.
Andrew Rohlfs
Master Racquet Technician
Andrew Rohlfs
Master Racquet Technician
Andrew is a racquet professional and has over eleven years of tennis experience. As of April 2023, he is among 400 people worldwide who are certified as Master Racquet Technicians (MRT) by the United States Racquet & Stringers Association (USRSA). Andrew also has Pro Tour Stringer certifications with the Global Racquet Stringers Association (GRSA) and the European Racquet Stringers Association (ERSA). These certifications prove that he meets very high standards in the racquet service industry.
Andrew recently strung at the inaugural ATX Open WTA 250 event with renowned stringers Mark Gonzales and Josh Newton, and strung the racquets of the tournament winner, Maria Kostyuk.
As a racquet professional, Andrew helps athletes maximize their tennis potential by tailoring equipment to them based on their play style and specific needs. He focuses on details such as the appropriate type of string, tension, head size, string pattern, grip size, and how a racquet should be weighed and customized to complement a player’s style. Andrew advocates maximizing swing speed through the hitting zone and recommends players use a racquet that is light enough to maximize swing speed potential. He also acknowledges the uniqueness of every player’s racquet goals, and recognizes that there can be exceptions to what is generally recommended.
When he is not servicing racquets, Andrew can be found rallying on the tennis court with players and coaches.
Be sure to check out his racquet Instagram page: @ata_racquet_services.
Andrew recently strung at the inaugural ATX Open WTA 250 event with renowned stringers Mark Gonzales and Josh Newton, and strung the racquets of the tournament winner, Maria Kostyuk.
As a racquet professional, Andrew helps athletes maximize their tennis potential by tailoring equipment to them based on their play style and specific needs. He focuses on details such as the appropriate type of string, tension, head size, string pattern, grip size, and how a racquet should be weighed and customized to complement a player’s style. Andrew advocates maximizing swing speed through the hitting zone and recommends players use a racquet that is light enough to maximize swing speed potential. He also acknowledges the uniqueness of every player’s racquet goals, and recognizes that there can be exceptions to what is generally recommended.
When he is not servicing racquets, Andrew can be found rallying on the tennis court with players and coaches.
Be sure to check out his racquet Instagram page: @ata_racquet_services.
Eric Schmidhauser
Founding Partner
Eric Schmidhauser
Founding Partner
Eric Schmidhauser has played a key role in developing two elite junior tennis academies in Texas. In 1993, Eric founded the St. Stephen’s Tennis Academy and raised the funds to build the 12-court tennis facility. As the leadership team grew to include Coach Jack Newman and Coach Doug Davis, the St. Stephen’s Tennis Academy developed a national reputation for excellence, with many of its players receiving tennis scholarships to top, Division I universities. In 2002, Eric helped found the Austin Tennis Academy and he played an instrumental role in getting ATA’s facility built over two phases of development.
In 2007, after 5 years of helping ATA grow its reputation for excellence in junior tennis development, Eric accepted a position as Development Director at A Glimmer of Hope Foundation. Eric found his work over the next five years at Glimmer tremendously fulfilling as it involved raising funds to provide the rural poor of Ethiopia with clean water, schools and health clinics. In his role with Glimmer, Eric also had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia 19 times to personally witness the profound impact of Glimmer’s work in the field.
After a brief time working in Los Angeles for the Giving Department of TOMS Shoes, Eric and his family returned to Austin. Eric is delighted to return to the Austin Tennis Academy in his management role, assisting Coach Newman with recruiting, customer relations and administering the Austin Athletic Scholarship Foundation. Eric also enjoys helping coach ATA students at tournaments, drawing on his 15 plus years of coaching experience.
In 2007, after 5 years of helping ATA grow its reputation for excellence in junior tennis development, Eric accepted a position as Development Director at A Glimmer of Hope Foundation. Eric found his work over the next five years at Glimmer tremendously fulfilling as it involved raising funds to provide the rural poor of Ethiopia with clean water, schools and health clinics. In his role with Glimmer, Eric also had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia 19 times to personally witness the profound impact of Glimmer’s work in the field.
After a brief time working in Los Angeles for the Giving Department of TOMS Shoes, Eric and his family returned to Austin. Eric is delighted to return to the Austin Tennis Academy in his management role, assisting Coach Newman with recruiting, customer relations and administering the Austin Athletic Scholarship Foundation. Eric also enjoys helping coach ATA students at tournaments, drawing on his 15 plus years of coaching experience.
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