Northstar Tennis

Northstar Tennis Staff

We are very proud of our team of coaches. With over 65 years of teaching experience we are passionate about coaching and our commitment to teaching shows. Our love of the sport, people, and kids will impact you for a lifetime.

Zeke Straw - Director of Tennis, USPTA Pro
Zeke grew up in New Hampshire where he competed and was a top ranked junior in New England. He spent four years playing high school tennis and went on to play for the Division III championship team at Flager College in Florida. Zeke attended Tamarack Tennis Camp for 12 years, eventually becoming the director of their junior development program. He originally came to Northstar to teach skiing, taking over as tennis director in 1990. Zeke has been teaching for over 30 years. "My love for teaching and playing gets stronger every year".

Guillaume Tonelli - Division I NCAA Women's Tennis Coach , University of Nevada, Reno, USPTA Pro
Guillaume played collegiate tennis for Tyler Junior College in Texas and two years for the University of Nevada, Reno Wolf Pack. Guillaume is a native of Valenciennes, France and brings both a European and competitive collegiate perspective to our team. His upbeat and energetic approach to teaching tennis combines fun and challenge for a stimulating learning experience.

Shayne Collins - Assistant Tennis Professional, USPTA Pro
Shayne is a Truckee native. He brings youth, excitement and his specactular ski racing career to the courts. Shayne grew up in the Sacramento junior tennis program where he honed his skills. He is currently attending the University of Nevada Reno. A great addition to our already dynamic team.

Michael Stephenson - Tennis Instructor
Michael is from Sydney, Australia and has six years tennis coaching experience and has a Bachelor of Health Science degree inMuscloskeletal Therapy. He was the Head Pro at Sant Peters College and prior to that was the Assistant Tennis Pro at Lifetime Tennis Academy, both in Brisbane. He brings down under enthusiasm and energy to our team.

Christina Griffith - Tennis Insructor
Christina played Division I college tennis and previously taught tennis at Incline Village Tennis Center. Among her many interesting tennis experiences is playing with the Williams sisters when she was a junior. Her experiences at a variety of levels of tennis and cheerful and patient demeanor fosters a positive learning environment.

Jim Kooler - Assistant Tennis Professional USPTR Pro
Jim played competitive college tennis and has taught at a variety of tennis resorts. Jim offers a gentle, perfect model of the way the game should be played. His calm approach to teaching creates a very refreshing learning environment.