Staff
In
order to deliver results at the elite level we employ a group of coaches
who are proven junior developers. Each of our coaches have a proven track
record of developing elite national caliber players. Our coaches are
dedicated to the development of their students and are involved in
players' development both on and off the tennis court. Our coaches devote
large amounts of professional and personal time to our players. The staff
works and plans with the Austin
Tennis Academy Fitness Professionals so that the academy players
have the strength and fitness to successfully compete.
Head Coach / C.E.O.
Jack.Newman@AustinTennisAcademy.com
ph: 512.276.2271
Coach Jack Newman is known in Texas and across the country as one of the finest junior development coaches. He inspires leadership on the court and beyond. He motivates individuals to strive for nothing short of excellence in all aspects of life.
Coach Newman is Austin Tennis Academy’s Head Coach and CEO. He has achieved the distinction of Master Professional, the highest level of coaching education. He is also one of America’s first High Performance coaches. Coach Newman is a primary coach to Academy players, but also takes on the larger role of leading practice, planning the optimum tournament schedules and logistics. His time is also devoted to optimizing training and competition plans on a personal level for each player. These competition plans include short and long range goals, which often lead to NCAA Division I scholarship awards.
Coach Newman’s former students are also prospering at the highest collegiate level. In fact 3 of Coach Newman’s former players have been selected as captains of their teams: Matthew Bain at Texas A & M University, Brent Werbeck at Boise State University and Adam Slagter at Penn State. In his last year of junior tennis, Slagter was ranked 200 in Boys 18s in the U.S. He now plays top 3 singles and #1 doubles in his sophomore year for his team. Lindsay Pereira is a perennial starter at the University of Virginia. All of Coach Newman’s recent former students, are scholar-athletes who play key roles in their Universities’ success.
Coach Newman’s current students are excelling. Jeffrey Offerdahl won two 16’s Super Championship Major Zones in ’08, and finished third in the 2009 Copper Bowl in Boys 18s. Jeffrey is currently ranked in the top 20 of both the 16’s and 18’s divisions. Since being coached by Coach Newman, Chase Curry captured the 2008 Texas Sectional champion in boys 16’s, won the San Antonio Super Championship Major Zone in the 18’s in January, and finished second at the Texas Open in boys 16s. Curry is currently ranked #1 in boy’s 16s and #10 in boy’s 18s in the state. Chris Dale reached the final of the November College Station SCMZ in the 16’s, and has moved up the rankings from #60 to #16, a testament to player commitment and Newman’s training plans. As a 10 year old in 2008, Jake Berber moved up to SuperChamp 12s and played on the Texas USTA 12s Zonal team.
Head Coach
Doug.Davis@AustinTennisAcademy.com
Daviscup05@aol.com
ph: 512.659.9186
As the Head coach of the Austin Tennis Academy he 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 is supporting 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 32 years in junior tennis.
Accomplishments
In Coach Davis' own words, "Having a personal relationship with God is my number one accomplishment in life. Being married to my soul mate Leisa Bewley Davis for 32 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."
Coach Davis formed the Austin Tennis Academy in May 2002. He formerly served as the primary coach for the elite level players at the St. Tennis Academy.
Coach Davis has developed many players, some like his son Tres have risen to the professional tour. His son Brandon played and graduated from the University of Illinois and son Blake is nationally ranked in B18s who recently verbally committed to Florida State University.
Many players have achieved scholarships at Division I College Tennis programs, at leading universities including the University of Texas, University of Virginia, Texas A&M, Pennsylvania, TCU. Prior to his St. Stephen's tenure, Coach Davis was the head professional at the Lubbock Country Club.
 Lucie Schmidhauser
Academy Coach and Fitness Instructor
Lucie.Schmidhauser@AustinTennisAcademy.com
ph: 512.695.9680
Coach Schmidhauser adds a cohesive element to training and travel that helps our players bond as a group. Coach Lucie combines her extensive playing experience with a disciplined approach to fitness and development. She was a top internationally ranked junior, number one in college tennis and played professional tour tennis.
In addition to being one of ATA's most experienced and accomplished tennis coaches, Lucie Schmidhauser is also a Pilates instructor, specializing in core strengthening and flexibility. She draws from her experience as a two time NCAA Tennis All-American, Senior Captain of the University of Texas 1995 Team National Champions and a Level 3 Peak Pilates certification, the most advanced certification in the Peak series. Along with the classic core focused mat Pilates courses, Lucie incorporates the use of simple equipment designed to engage a total body workout with no joint impact. She is able to tailor her programs to the precise abilities, needs and goals of each client.
Accomplishments
- Two-time NCAA All-American (1994-95) in singles and Senior Captain of the University of Texas NCAA Division I Team Champions in 1995.
- First woman in NCAA history to reach three consecutive finals of collegiate Grand Slams, taking titles in two.
- 10-year coaching experience working with Sectionally and Nationally ranked female tennis players. University of Texas Women’s Assistant Coach 1996-98.
Managing Director / Minority Owner
Trey.Phillips@AustinTennisAcademy.com
Ph: 512.694.4363
Trey Phillips is a minority owner and Managing Director of Austin Tennis Academy.
Trey grew up in Austin, TX, where he was a 2-time state Champion at Westlake High School. He went on to play at the University of Texas from 1991-1995. While at UT, he earned a degree in Marketing, and he was a 3-time All-American in tennis, a 3-year Team Captain, and the 1995 Senior Player of the Year and NCAA Doubles Finalist with partner Chad Clark (losing to Mahesh Bhupati and Ali Hamadeh of Ole Miss).
After college, Trey played on the ATP Tour from 1995-1999. He participated in doubles at the Grand Slams. Since retiring from professional tennis, Trey coached collegiately at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and then the University of Texas-Austin. After that, he helped start the Lakecliff Racquet Club in Spicewood, TX. He has been a part of the ATA family since 2004 and he rejoins us from a stint selling luxury resort real estate in Mexico and the Bahamas.
Director of Junior Academy / Academy Coach / Tournament Director / Junior Team Tennis (JTT) Director
Brian.Notis@AustinTennisAcademy.com
ph: 512.426.0045
Brian Notis serves as Director of Junior Academy and coordinates ATA’s Junior Team Tennis program as well as a dozen tournaments a year. He also serves as a math teacher in the ATA Educational Program. Coach Notis combines a passionate enthusiasm with a disciplined approach to fundamentals, creating an ideal environment for player development. Known through out Texas as a premier coach, Brian received the Capital Area Tennis Association’s Junior Coach of the Year award, 2004 and the USTA Texas Section’s Lloyd Sessions Educational Merit Award in 2008. He is known in Texas Tennis as a true professional and one of our strongest ambassadors.
Recent Accomplishments
Coach Notis’ players are competing on the National stage. Josh Hagar, a top Texas 12s junior and top 200 U.S. is one Notis’ student who benefits from Brian’s high-level background. Coach Notis uses his experience as an NCAA National Champion player and coach to help players like Hagar transition to the next level in their games. Coach Notis focuses on "helping young players develop a solid foundation upon which to build a complete all-court game".
Leadership
In competition, Brian Notis continues to achieve at a national level. In 2009, Coach Notis and Coach Estevam Strecker teamed up, earning a USTA silver ball for a third place finish in the USTA National 30s Hardcourt Doubles Championships after earning a bronze ball in 2008. Over the past six years Notis has earned 20 USTA balls, including 6 gold ball national championships. In the past two years, Coach Notis has coached two of his primary students to semi final appearances at the Texas Summer Grand Slam. As a Coach, he is excited about a young group of players, a peer group with the talent and opportunity to become great players in the near future.
Background
Brian Notis’ coaching resume shows his ability at every stop: - At Tyler Junior College, both the men’s and women’s squads each earned two NCAA National Championships under Notis’ 3 year tenure.
- At Houston’s Clear Lake High School, Coach Notis led the team to a #5 state 5A ranking, including a win over 5A powerhouse Austin Westlake.
- As a player at University of Texas Tyler, Brian Notis earned All-American honors all three years he played, with an NAIA team National Championship in 1994.
Prior to his role at Austin Tennis Academy, Coach Notis was the Managing Director at Faulkner Tennis Center in Tyler, Texas. He was also the Director of Junior Development at Westwood Country Club. Coach Notis graduated from University of Texas at Tyler with a B.S. in Mathematics. He grew up in New York.
Academy Coach
Estevam.Strecker@AustinTennisAcademy.com
ph: 512.745.6075
Coach Estevam Strecker, a native of Novo Hamburgo, Brazil, was ranked as high as 3 in the Junior Rankings in Brazil boys 16’s. In 1998, Coach Estevam accepted a scholarship to Auburn University, where he was a 4-year letterman and 3-time NCAA Tournament participant. In his senior year, team captain Estevam Strecker led the Tigers to a best ever NCAA DI #11 and elite eight NCAA tournament finish. After his final year of playing eligibility, Coach Estevam became the Auburn Men’s Tennis Assistant Coach for one season followed by 3 years as the Auburn Women’s Tennis Assistant Coach. In 2008, Coach Strecker teamed with Coach Brian Notis, earning USTA bronze ball honors for a third place finish at the USTA Men’s 30s Doubles Hard Courts Championships.
Scholastically, Coach Estevam graduated from Feevale High School in Brazil. He acquired a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. During his academic career, Coach Estevam was named Academic All-SEC all 4 years as well as Academic All-American in 2001 and 2002. In 2002 Coach Estevam was also awarded the Cliff Hare Award, the highest award given to a male student athlete in Auburn University, which is given to the male student athlete who best represents the school values that athletics make men strong, study makes men wise, and character makes men great.
Coach Estevam’s high energy, intensity, and passion for the game brings high standards and high expectations to the program helping young players succeed on and off the court. Coach Estevam believes in hard work and he combines his academic knowledge with his playing and coaching experience to help develop smart, all-around tennis players to become self-sufficient competitors.
Assistant Director Women's Programs/Co-Director Junior Team Tennis
Kendall.Brooks@AustinTennisAcademy.com
ph: 512.554.3754
Coach Kendall Brooks comes to ATA after serving as the Assistant Coach for the Texas Tech University women's tennis program the past two years. A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Brooks was a four-year letter-winner for the Red and Black, seeing most of her time at the #2 Singles and #1 Doubles spot. She was team captain for 2 years before graduating with a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science.
Brooks was named Academic All-Big 12 all four years, an ITA All-American in 2004, as well a Pre-Season All Big 12 pick in doubles in 2004. She was a nominee for NCAA Female Athlete of the Year, received the Top Graduating Senior Award, and was selected for the Big 12 Post-Graduate scholarship in her final season.
Growing up in South Texas, she was ranked as one of the top juniors for several years, and probably the most successful to come out of that area.
With her years of playing and coaching experience at the collegiate level, Coach Brooks is able to challenge players on the court and in the gym, and serves as a very positive female role model to all of our players.
Academy Coach
John.Schoenmakers@AustinTennisAcademy.com
ph: 512.699.6985
Coach John Schoenmakers comes to us from Midtown Athletic Club in South Florida. He played a major role in the Athletic Club, managing the adult programs and playing a major role in the junior academy that hosts over 200 players.
John also spent some time coaching under Emilio Sanchez and Sergio Casal at the Academia de Sanchez/Casal, in Barcelona, Spain. There, he worked with the ITF program, coaching players with rankings in the top 300 in the world.
Before going to Spain, John was the Head Coach at the Saint Mary’s Hall, where he coached his team a 2nd and 3rd place finish in the state championships, defeating rivals, St. Stephens to advance to the finals in 2004. John also was the director of S.E.T. Tennis, a High Performance academy at Saint Mary’s Hall.
As a junior player, John was ranked in the top 15 in B18s. He played singles and doubles at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1997. Transferring to Temple College his 2nd year, John led the team to the national championships with a record setting 27-5 dual match win/loss mark. Temple finished #7 in the nation. John finished his education at Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) with a B.S. in Exercise Sports Science.
Academy Coach
Norm.Houston@AustinTennisAcademy.com
ph: 773.616.0982
Coach Norm Houston comes to us from Chicago, IL where he served as head instructor and board member at Love to Serve Tennis Academy and Foundation for 10 years. As part of LTS, Coach Houston also helped develop tennis outreach programs with Chicago Public Schools, introducing tennis to thousands of children each year. Norm was also a CPS high school coach, a traveling coach for After School Matters, and the official head tennis coach at Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival at McCormick Convention Center for the past four years. LTS and Coach Houston became well known for their dedication and a penchant for discovering talent in under-served markets and producing high performing students. Many of Norm's students have earned tennis scholarships at universities including Butler, De Paul, Howard, and Hampton. Coach Houston was also the group and private coach for nationally ranked players including Jerricka Boone (#2 USTA 12s 2007) as well as the daughter of presidential hopeful Barack Obama. The LTS program Norm helped grow shared ATA's mission of education and character building through tennis. He is excited to continue to develop dynamic, successful students at the Academy.
Norman Houston was a lifelong resident of Chicago before relocating to Austin and 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. Coach Houston’s enthusiasm, competitive drive, and passion for the sport of tennis are contagious to students of all ages.
Anthony Martinez
Part-time Coach
Anthony.Martinez@austintennisacademy.com
Coach Anthony Martinez has been part of the Austin Tennis Academy coaching staff since 2007. His talents and dedication go past the courts of ATA. Coach Martinez has been very active in the Austin Tennis Academy Shootout event benefitting A Glimmer of Hope.
While Coach Martinez devotes a good majority of his time to ATA, he is currently the Special Education case manager/ teacher for the Round Rock ISD, with a focus of “students with autism” and “students with behavioral needs.” Coach Martinez is quoted as saying,” he is very lucky and blessed to have two great careers, that let him make a impact and a difference in the Austin area. It’s like lightning has struck twice in my life.” With his Special Education duties, Coach Martinez is also a Special Olympics coach Round Rock ISD teams.
Coach Martinez played the majority of his junior tennis in the West Texas area. While attending Snyder High School, he went undefeated his senior year in doubles and received several awards for his academic accomplishments and athletic sportsmanship. At Abilene’s Hardin-Simmons University, he was a varsity tennis letterman and graduated with a double degree in Political Science/ Philosophy, in 2001. So after relocated to Austin he spent 4 years in Real Estate Appraisal and development. During the absence of tennis and lack of finding passion in his job; he then stepped away from real estate and to pursue his true passion of education and tennis. He then received his Texas Teacher Certification in Special Education, P.E., Social Studies and his USPTA Pro certification.
Coach Martinez believes that, “Tennis is a game that produces passion, confidence, and a drive to succeed. If I can encourage and teach these life skills on the court; I’m sure they will carry over to their life off the court.”
Coach
Jim.Thompson@AustinTennisAcademy.com
ph: 407.921.4376
James E. "Jim" Thompson (Coach Jim) USPTA pro 1 level professional is new to Austin after spending many years in Florida as a lead tennis professional at MG Tennis , RDV Sportsplex and Heathrow Country Club in Orlando, Fla.
Jim has over 15 years of high level tennis training experience. He has Worked with players from around the world, including coaching the #1 boys 16's and 18's ranked player in the U.S.A who went on to play for the Florida Gators.
Jim's working experience extends from teaching at all levels including Country Club and Resorts to coaching young professional players getting ready for a shot at the tour.
This USPTA pro has been a successful player himself, many times ranking in the top five in the state of Florida and also achieved the #1 Ranking in his division 3 times in the late 1980's and 90's .
Jim works with Coach Kendall Brooks and Coach Brian Notis in the JD and JA programs.
Tommy Collins
Part-time Coach
Tommy.Collins@austintennisacademy.com
Tommy Collins joined the Austin Tennis Academy staff after serving for two years as a part-time Academy coach while finishing school. Having recently graduated from St. Edward’s University with a major in Philosophy and a minor in Journalism, Coach Collins brings a diverse set of skills to ATA and serves a variety of roles. Tommy works as an Administrative Assistant to COO Deb Cahill, manages the online content, while coaching and traveling with athletes of all ages and levels.
Accomplishments
Coach Collins played college tennis all four years, two at DIII Carthage College and two at DII St Edward’s University. He compiled a career singles record of 46-22 and a career doubles record of 36-19 for the two schools. Tommy played for Highland Park High School, earning two team state championships while serving as team captain his senior year. Collins worked as an Intern, Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Hilltop Views, the student newspaper during his time at St. Edward’s.
Luis Abundis
Part-time Coach
Chief Operating Officer
Deb.Cahill@austintennisacademy.com
ph: 512.680.8057
Deb Cahill is serving as the Austin Tennis Academy Operations Director and Chief Operating Officer. She was part of the Austin Tennis Academy founding team with Coach Davis and was instrumental in the initial branding and positioning and continues to lead the marketing efforts of ATA.
She is responsible for the operations of the Academy and the Pro Shop, including the operations of the billing systems. In addition, she assists Jack Newman with all logistical planning for the academy program and occasionally assists at tournaments.
She was instrumental in developing our business plan for the future. She has chaired the Spenco Texas Cup, has assisted with other tournaments and has assisted us in our fund-raising efforts over the years.
Deb has over 15 years of business organization experience, received a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MBA while working in New Orleans. Deb is also a certificated litigation paralegal and has been involved in Austin community tennis for over 15 years. She has three daughters, Claire, Kate, and Meg in the Austin Tennis Academy program.
She brings a wealth of experience and connections to the Austin Tennis community and provides tremendous organizational skills to the ATA team.
Pro Shop Manager
Lisa.Weinhold@austintennisacademy.com
ph: 512.276.2271
Lisa has over 20 years of pro shop managing. 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 an 18 year old daughter Ashley Weinhold. She is is nationally ranked and plays professional tennis as an amateur.
Carol Hagar
Director of ATA Education Program
Founding Partner
Eric Schmidhauser's was a Founder, Co-owner and Development Director of the Austin Tennis Academy.
He will always be valued as a founder and will continue as part of the limited partnership that owns ATA. He is a strategic advisor and sounding board, and will also continue to spearhead and grow Ralda's Run and work on other special projects like the Grand Slam Shootout.
Eric was responsible for the site selection process, land purchase, site planning, design and building of the ATA tennis center. He negotiated with Spanish Oaks for the original 3.1 acres of purchased land and was responsible for convincing Daniel Porter, founder of Spanish Oaks, to donate the additional two acres for the recent expansion of two courts and the ATA fitness center.
His relationship with multiple donors led to the building of the ATA pro shop and initial 10-court facility. Without his hard work and his ability to unite people behind a vision, ATA would not have been built.
Eric's work as director of the college process for our seniors has yielded a large number of tennis scholarships for students in our program. His relationships with college coaches nation wide is legendary, and as a result many of our students have leveraged their college choice through tennis.
Eric has been instrumental in helping to build the ATA brand through his work with TV reporters and newspaper reporters. He has promoted our program, coaches and players with the media. Many of the articles on the wall at the ATA Pro Shop were a result of him helping reporters understand and appreciate each part of the Austin Tennis Academy.
Through his tenure, he has worn many hats as founder, manager of construction of the ATA tennis facility, fundraiser, coach, promoter of programs and pros, manager, sounding board and events promoter. Most importantly he has been a listener. Eric is someone who everyone is able to talk to without concern. His ability to read people and emotions have been invaluable in making the ATA a success.
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+1 512.276.2271
+1 512.276.2272
info@AustinTennisAcademy.com
Jack Newman
