The Speakers

Jen has been playing tennis since she was in high school. She has been married for 20 years and have 2 high school kids, one who plays for her high school team. Due to injury, she didn't play for many years and started playing again 13 years ago. Jen joined a 3.5 team and haven't looked back.  She is the captain of a 3.5 Women's team and am on multiple Mixed Teams. For the past couple years, she has been making Instagram Reels focusing on the lighter side of tennis. Tennis is her passion and she enjoys traveling to both play and spectate in tennis tournaments.

Jen has captained 5-10 teams. While not on teh court, she work in Wealth Management assisting Financial Advisors.

Marissa Moment Brown is from a tennis playing family. She started playing tennis at 3 years old. Her competitive playing experience continued into USTA junior play, collegiate tennis and USTA League tennis.

 As a Certified Tennis Professional with both USPTA and PTR, Marissa worked in both the public and private club settings before joining USTA Missouri Valley as the Director of Community Tennis. 

Outside of tennis, Marissa co-leads her daughter's Girl Scout Troop and co-manages the Girl Scout Service Unit for their area and is a former Board Member for Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri. 

Wendy Thomas has been a certified tennis Instructor with PTR for 27 years, she has been New Mexico state representative for the last 15 years. Wendy has been teaching and coaching tennis for 46 years as well as playing 4.0-4.5 USTA leagues. Wendy was raised in Arizona, graduating from Arcadia High School in 1977 and attending the University Arizona from 1977-1981. Currently she is a tennis instructor at

Highpoint Sports and Wellness in Albuquerque, New Mexico specializing in cardio tennis. From 2001-2005 she had a 4 year stint in Oahu where she worked at the Hickam Air Force base’s Bondallion Tennis Center before moving over to Kailua Parks and Recreation where she picked up and got certified for Hawaiian Tenniscize, the predecessor of Cardio tennis.

Over the years she has coached USTA Junior Team tTennis, Middle School tennis, JV and most recently was head Coach at La Cueva High School for 10 years in Albuquerque. She has received several National awards including The Jim Verdick Award for High School Coach of the Year with the PTR. Her passion lies n innovative programming. In 2006 she started and grew a successful Cardio Tennis program at

Highpoint Sports and Wellness. In 2007 she co-founded the Silver Racquets, now called Super Senior Tennis, a widely acclaimed local program for retirees, The Rally in the Alley Cancer Fundraiser and most recently an after school tennis club for underserved 4th-8th graders with her daughter, a former Division 1 tennis player. 

She is currently the Executive Director of Tennis Rallying Against Cancer (TRAC), a nonprofit that sponsors her Rally In the Alley Fundraiser as well as other cancer benefits. She is the past President, Vice President and secretary of NNMTA, as well as Director at Large with the Southwest Tennis Section.

Lindsey launched her love for the game at an early age in our very own Southwest Section. She grew up in Mesa, AZ playing through the junior pathway, which eventually led to her launching her tennis career with the USTA  Southwest as one of the first ever interns. Flash forward to today and she is a Certified Association Executive who has tallied over 13 years within the USTA family. 

She is the current Executive Director & CEO of USTA New England. Previously she served the Chief Program Officer at USTA Mid-Atlantic and prior to that she led adult programs and initiatives at both USTA Hawaii and USTA Southwest. A former D1 collegiate tennis player at Manhattan, she now continues to captain and play recreationally on USTA League teams throughout the year. She is passionate about giving back to the sport that has given her so much so that other kids can experience the benefits and joy of tennis. 

Gira is dedicated to sharing her experience and teachings with passion for all who wish for a healthier and happier life. Her values are based upon truth, wisdom, love, compassion, and integrity. She has a unique teaching approach with her background as a USPTA Elite Professional, USTA High Performance Certified, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, BS-Exercise Science, trained in visualization at the age of 10 years old, USUI/Holy Fire Reiki Master, and Spiritual Life Coach.

Gira reached #1 in the USTA & Florida section G16s Juniors, played 1# at the University of South Carolina all 4 years, reached 600 in the world on the professional tennis tour and coached the #1 player in the nation. She has been part of the Tennis Community for +33 years. 

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." -Unknown

My name is Julia Landivar Donato and I am a recent graduate from Baylor University. I was president of Baylor’s club tennis team for three years, and throughout my time, I have been able to witness my team grow into a family and accomplish exceptional goals together. This year, USTA tennis on campus awarded Baylor club tennis the 'Club of the Year’ award out of all the club teams in the nation due to our sportsmanship, service and leadership in the community, and our positive support system. I am so proud to call this team my second family and cannot wait to share how this community was fostered. 

Gabriella currently holds the position of USTA Manager for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Orlando, Florida, a role that she has held since May 2022. Her role falls within the Communities Pillar of the National Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team, where she is responsible for creating strategies to engage, attract and retain diverse consumers and providers at every level of the sport. Her extensive background in tennis, including her experience as a player and coach, has uniquely equipped her for this position.

Gabriella's journey with the USTA began when she was only seven years old, as a junior tennis player. Her journey in tennis took her all throughout high school, where she achieved the title of two-time 4A FHSAA Individual State Champion. She also competed at the Junior ITF internationally, winning a Grade 4 ITF Championship. Furthermore, she attained her first professional point in both singles and doubles at the young age of 16. This experience ultimately led her to earn a spot on the Florida State Women's Tennis team, where she studied Sport Management and where she competed at the top of the lineup for four years in Tallahassee, FL. She was ranked highly, achieving 81 in the country in singles and 22 in doubles in the ITA rankings. Additionally, in her 2018 senior season, her team advanced to the Elite 8 for the first time in the school program's history, breaking program records.

While pursuing her Master's degree in Adult and Higher Education at the University of Oklahoma, Gabriella worked as the Director of Operations for the Women's Tennis Team. Her role entailed traveling with the team and assisting with on-court operations and tournament planning. She also served as the Volunteer Assistant Coach for the program for a brief period before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, she was a USPTA Professional certified coach for three years, coaching consumers of all age and experience levels with community-level programming.

Emily Wang is currently the Head Women’s Tennis Coach for the New Mexico State Women’s Tennis Team. They have won two Western Athletic Conference Tournament Championships in 2022 and 2019 since she took over the program in 2017. Prior to New Mexico State, Emily was the Head Coach at Eastern Illinois University 2015-2017 where she started her college coaching career. In 2015, she transitioned from working in Healthcare to coaching tennis full time. 

As a player, Emily played for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she played 4-6 singles and 1 doubles. In high school and juniors, Emily won two Kansas 6A High School titles and was ranked top 150 in the USTA rankings.  

Jessica is a passionate practitioner and loves all things movement & mindfulness. Her journey began as a young, all-around gymnast that laid the foundation for her love of sports and Pilates later in life. After nearly two decades in Chicago, corporate life & big city living, it left her feeling disconnected. It was in the studio and on the mat where she found solace and things began to spark. Tuning inward to more intentional movement while deepening the mind-body connection, it was the dynamic nature of the discipline and whole self integration that led to lasting changes.   After Pilates teacher training through STOTT and commitment to mindset practices, she focused on her movement practice and found her life's work in helping others find positive strides in wellness-- beyond solely transforming to a healthier physique. 

Mission: Embodied alignment, presence & core connection —in your body & your life— through intentional movement + mindfulness

Additional training: Athletic Conditioning on the Mat, Ultimate Back Care, Aqua Pilates

When she's not teaching classes or working with clients, you can find her hiking, playing tennis and pickleball loving the outdoor lifestyle in AZ. She also has a deep love affair with her Italian greyhound, making the perfect pour over coffee, experimenting with plant based recipes and planning her next adventure.  

Gretchen grew up playing tennis in Taos, NM and traveled the Southwest USTA circuit playing junior tournaments each summer.  She played tennis at the University of California, Davis for Coach Bill Maze.  Gretchen started teaching tennis full time after she graduated college at Natomas Racquet Club in Sacramento, CA.  She moved to Tucson, AZ in 2004 and worked in multiple tennis programs before she settled at the Tucson Racquet Club. 

While a full time teaching pro at the Tucson Racquet Club, Gretchen  also became the Head Coach for the women’s tennis team at Pima Community College (NJCAA Division I).  In 2013, she became the Tennis Activities Director at Tucson Racquet Club.  In 2018, Gretchen became the Director of Tennis and Summer Camp.  With these extra responsibilities she stepped down as the Pima College Coach and currently direct the Tucson Racquet Club Tennis, Pickleball and Camp programs.

   • University of California, Davis: Varsity tennis, nationally ranked in doubles all 4 years

   • Assistant Pro: Natomas Racquet Club, Sacramento, CA 2003-04

   • Head Coach: Pima Community College Women’s Tennis Team 2006-2017 (ACCAC Coach of the Year, 2009, 2011, 2012; ITA NJCAA Coach of the Year 2013)

   • USTA SAZ Executive Board 2008-2010

   • USTA SAZ Outstanding Tournament Enrichment Award 2013

   • USTA Safe Play Certified

   • USTA SAZ Outstanding Facility Award for Tucson Racquet Club 2016

While Liz did not grow up playing tennis, she played fastpitch softball through college, she fell in love with the game of tennis in her early twenties. After a successful few years in social work, Liz launched her USTA career here in the Southwest Section as the Section League Coordinator in 2013. In 2016 she moved to Orlando, FL to work at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona. During her time at National, she worked her way up from Coordinator of Leagues to the position of Manager of National Championships and National League Administer aka the rules and regulations lady. 

In early 2022, Liz made another career move and moved back to her home state of Arizona to be closer to her family while accepting a position with USTA Intermountain, shout out for remote work! She has been able to rejoin her old League teammates and started playing recreationally on USTA League teams again as well as spending as much time exploring beautiful Arizona with her pup, Roo.  

In her 10th year with USTA, Liz currently holds the position of Section League Manager for USTA Intermountain. She is enjoying her new home with USTA Intermountain and is excited to continue to work on growing the game and making tennis fun for everyone.

I am the Owner of All About Tennis for 30 years. I started playing tennis in middle school as my mom started playing. I walked on at Stetson University Women’s Tennis Team (as an unranked junior) not knowing the full world of junior tennis but with just a huge passion for the game! I moved to Arizona in

1988 and filled my world with tennis! I was in heaven. I immersed myself in volunteering from USTA, WTA Virginia Slims, Women’s Nationals, High School Coach and any program that would have me. I played every event from NTRP, World Team Tennis and all USTA Tournaments. My greatest rewards are those of volunteering, coaching and winning Family of the Year.(And winning a Gold Ball with my son-big highlight!).

Ashley Portwood is the Community Development and TSR Manager for USTA Southwest. She is a graduate of New Mexico State University, with a degree in Business Management and Sports Marketing and founder of the NMSU Club Tennis program. 

Ashley has been with USTA for 12 years and oversees junior recreation tennis programming in Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, TX. She is the primary contact for USTA Southwest program grants, Jr. Team Tennis, Tennis on Campus, Young Adult Social Tennis Leagues, TSR's, and assists with coaching education opportunities. Ashley lives in Albuquerque with her husband and daughters, ages 8 and 5. All are avid tennis players and enjoy spending time together on and off the court.

Nicole Fintell has worked for the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Southwest Section for 9 years as the Junior Player Development Manager.  In her role, Nicole oversees the junior competitive pathway and camp structure for all of Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso County.  She is also USPTA certified and a certified official.

Nicole played collegiate tennis at New Mexico State University and received a degree in Human Nutrition and Food Science.  Nicole still loves to get out on the court and play with friends and participate in local league.  

Nicole lives in El Paso, TX with her husband, Alexandre, who is a director of racquet sports at a private club and their 8 year old twins, Olivia and Quentin who are starting to pick up the game both their parents love.  

Tara Rivera is the Tennis Service Representative for Northern New Mexico with USTA Southwest. She loves running adult and junior tournaments, but her favorite part of the job is giving back to the youth of tennis.

Tara has played tennis since the age of 5 and continues to play USTA league with mixed doubles being her choice of play. She resides in Albuquerque, NM with her two dogs Winnie & Hub who also love to chase tennis balls. 

Renee is the Tennis Service Representative for Southern Arizona. She has worked for the USTA for 10 years. Renee started playing tennis when she met her husband, a college player, and has played USTA league continuously for 27 years.  

Running junior tournaments and Junior Team Tennis are her favorite part of the job as well as enjoying all the wonderful people in the tennis world.

Renee lives in Tucson with her husband and has three kids who all play tennis too. Family tennis days and mixed doubles with friends are her favorite pastime. 

Brooke Damore has worked for the United States Tennis Association Southwest Section for 16 years as the Executive Assistant. She is the event planner for meetings, liaison to the Southwest Tennis Foundation, and enjoys helping out all departments where needed. Her love of tennis began when her mother, who also worked for the USTA for more than 20 years, taught her how to play when she was 5. She played high school and junior college tennis and volleyball at Grand Canyon University.

Her degree is in corporate fitness and she recently became a FASTer Way to Fat Loss coach and loves to implement those strategies to help tennis players excel on the court and feel their best mentally and physically in the game of life.

Brooke lives in Scottsdale, AZ with her husband and two sons and enjoys staying active with her family playing touchtennis and enjoying the outdoors.

Amanda Fink Moore is a former collegiate and professional player. She has been coaching since 2012. Amanda is currently the head tennis professional at La Paloma Country Club in Tucson AZ. In addition to coaching and building a tennis program, Amanda is also a national speaker on the Yonex team, USTA national cardio tennis trainer, a USTA Southwest Board member, a USPTA district coordinator for Southern Arizona and involved with USTA national committees. She has won USPTA division awards that include pro of the year, the star award and industry an excellence award..and a national USPTA award in the U30 category.

Lisa Stone is the creator of ParentingAces, a podcast and digital platform for junior and college tennis parents and coaches. A graduate of UCLA, Lisa Stone is a Mom who also happens to be a Tennis Mom. As the former Chair of the Georgia Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness Camp & Sports and President of Fit For 2, Inc., Stone been involved in the fitness and sports arena for over 25 years and is the recipient of the 2019 USTA Georgia Marc Kaplan Media Excellence Award.

Stone has played tennis her entire life though never at the level her youngest child reached. Through ParentingAces.com and the ParentingAces Podcast, as well as multiple social media platforms, Stone shares what she’s learned about navigating the Junior Tennis Journey and College Recruiting with other parents and coaches who are hungry for her insights and knowledge. She has given Tennis Parents a true voice. Lisa Stone is available for speaking engagements, tournament consulting, and college recruiting guidance. You can reach her via email at lisa@parentingaces.com.

Jil Feldhausen MS, RDN is a registered dietitian with over 40 years experience. She is a nationally known lecturer and author of three books.  Formerly a USPTA pro, wife of a USPTA pro, mother of three college players and lifelong player.  Combining tennis and nutrition is her passion.

Current: Head professional of racquet sports at Austin Country Club

Previous: 

Director of racquet sports at Kingwood Country club

Head Women’s tennis coach at the College of William & Mary

Assistant women’s tennis coach at the University of Texas

Director of the Tennis Academy at St. Stephen’s Episcopal school

Director of Player Development at the USTA Southwest section

Playing experience: 

USTA top 10 nationally ranked junior 1982-1990

Full scholarship to play for Arizona State University 1990-94

Pro tour player 1994-1996

Notable Accomplishments
Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame Inductee, 2012
MVTA Hall of Fame Inductee, 2013
USTA Coach for Bonnie Bell MCB Cup in Melbourne, Australia 2008
USPTA National Touring Coach of the Year 2007
USPTA/Texas Touring Coach of the Year 2007
ITA Assistant Coach of the Year, Southwest Region 2002
NCAA All-American
All-PAC 10 Conference player 1991, 1994
All-Academic Team Pac 10 Conference 1991-1994
Twenty USTA National Doubles and Singles Titles
Bill Talbert USTA National Sportsmanship Award recipient
Member of USTA Texas Coaches Commission
Head Coach of the Texas Fed Cup Championship Team 2005
Completed USTA High Performance Coaches Certification 

ClubCorp “Star” award 2014 - 2019

Paityn is the Tennis Service Representative for Phoenix. She has been playing tennis since she was six, and continued on to play club tennis for Grand Canyon University. She has stayed involved in leagues and tournaments throughout her adult life, and has now turned her love of the sport into a career. 

She has been with USTA for a year and a half and enjoys all aspects of job from the high intensity of a big tournament, to the community the sport brings to people in all walks of life. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her fiance Jason and their two cats Ari and Franki. She enjoys staying active and spending quality time with her family and friends.