Coach Toni

With 35 years of experience as a coach, PE teacher, and former college athlete, Coach Toni brings a unique blend of expertise and heart to racquet sports instruction in Tucson. Holding a wellness degree and extensive training in coach development, she specializes in helping young athletes ages 8-18 discover their potential both on and off the court.

Coach Toni's philosophy centers on building genuine confidence through play. She understands that today's kids face unprecedented pressures, which is why her coaching goes beyond technique to nurture each child's inner motivation and self-belief. Using proven methods including the Enneagram personality system, she helps young players shift their inner dialogue from self-doubt to self-assurance.

What sets Coach Toni apart is her ability to make learning fun while fostering deep personal growth. She creates a safe space where kids can take risks, make mistakes, and celebrate progress—building not just better players, but more resilient, confident young people.

Parents consistently share how their children return from sessions energized, more self-assured, and excited to practice. Coach Toni's holistic approach ensures your child develops technical skills while building the mental strength and joy that will serve them in sports and life.

Developing coordination through play, purpose & trust

Coach Toni's philosophy centers on growth mindset resilience and building genuine self-acceptance through joyful play, but her vision extends far beyond individual transformation. She specializes in engaging diverse groups through play, purpose, and trust—creating spaces where anxious generation kids can unplug, engage authentically, and discover their leadership potential. Her unique approach goes beyond technique to nurture each child's authentic self and inner wisdom, creating young leaders who will heal generational patterns and build a more connected world.

Credentials & Professional Certifications

    • PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) Certified #79832

    • PTR 10 & Under Specialist Certification

    • PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Certified

    • PPRW (Professional Pickleball Registry - Women's) Pathway Participant

    • Certified Safe Sport Coach

    • LGBTQ+ Diversity Safe Coach Recognition

    • Certified Personal Trainer (YMCA Wellness)

    • CPR & First Aid Certified (BLS #185508618155)

    • Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion/Wellness - Idaho State University (1997-1998)

    • Associate's Degree in Health Promotion - College of Southern Idaho (1996-1997, High Honors, Dean's List)

    • Health Education Studies - Boise State University (1990-1993)

    • Division I Tennis Athlete - Boise State University

      • Most Inspirational BSU Athlete Award (1990/1991)

    • 30+ years coaching experience across tennis, pickleball, and youth development

    • Former Division I college athlete with deep understanding of athletic excellence

    • Pickleball & Tennis Professional - Canyon Ranch Wellness Center (2025-present)

    • Physical Development & Wellness Coach - Castlehill Country Day School (2020-2025)

    • Professional Tennis Instructor - El Conquistador Tennis, Tucson (2019-2022)

    • Former USTA Tennis Service Representative - Idaho/Montana/Wyoming (2008-2017)

    • Wellness Instructor & Certified Personal Trainer - Northwest YMCA (2017-2020)

    • Head Pickleball Pro & Jr. Tennis Pro - Jewish Community Center, Tucson

    • Growth Mindset Resilience Coaching

    • Empathy Coaching methodology

    • Enneagram practitioner for youth development

    • Youth mentorship and leadership development

    • Team building and cooperative games facilitation

    • Mental fitness and wellness integration

    • Train-the-trainer facilitation

    • Micro-coaching for authentic engagement

    • Founder - "Tennis is Elementary" (USTA nonprofit still serving children today)

      • Recruited and trained 100+ instructors in safe sport programming

      • Created after-school programs serving underserved communities

    • Founder/Manager - Southwest Smile Makers Health Clinic

      • Awarded $1 Million grant from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

      • Program celebrated 20+ years of service to underserved populations

    • DE&I Advocate - Responsible for building play spaces in underserved communities

    • Davis Cup 2013 Volunteer Coordinator - Recruited and coached 300+ volunteers

      • Second largest kids play day in USTA history

    • Volunteer - Arthur Ashe Kids Day at US Open

    • Recognized by Colorado Senator Ken Salazar for community service