What inspired you to pursue work in this field?

I started playing tennis at age 5 and have loved being on the tennis court ever since then. Along my racquet sports journey, I have also picked up pickleball and paddle, which I enjoy both playing and coaching. My love for racquet sports is what brought me to start coaching, but the joy of sharing my expertise with others and building meaningful relationships with so many people is what has made me stay in the field.

What past work history prepared you for your position at Cordillera Ranch?

For the past three years, I served as an Assistant Racquet Sports Professional at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, where I had the privilege of coaching tennis and pickleball to members of all ages and skill levels. I am excited to apply my coaching experience and skills to my role at Cordillera Ranch. I’m also excited to be back near San Antonio where I grew up! I graduated from Alamo Heights High School before playing Division I tennis at the University of Richmond. After sticking around in Richmond as a tennis professional following my college career, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love in my home state.

Why did you want to work at Cordillera Ranch? 

I’ve always been fascinated by the Texas Hill Country’s beauty, but my greatest satisfaction has always come from helping people and building new relationships, which is what I am most looking forward to. I immediately took a great liking to Alejandro Chong, our Director. He is someone I am looking forward to working with and helping improve the already esteemed Cordillera Ranch Racquet Sports program. 

What has been your most rewarding professional experience?

Personally, I love seeing when someone I’ve been coaching jumps up in their USTA or DUPR rating. It is a culmination of hours of hard work from both of us, and it feels really good to have proof of their success rather than having to rely solely on my words of support!

What has been your greatest professional challenge?

At first, working with younger kids was challenging in the sense of figuring out how to provide a fun atmosphere while maintaining a level of respect and order, but it has become very rewarding to see their passion and understanding of the sport grow.

Who is your favorite athlete, and why?

Andy Roddick. I met him at the San Antonio Country Club at a young age and after he took the time to compliment and encourage me in person, he was cemented as my favorite athlete. He is the reason I pursued racquet sports and devoted my entire life to them.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy reading, listening to music, watching TV, playing sports and, of course, spending time with my wife and family.

What is your favorite genre of music?

I am a huge fan of classic rock or anything with great guitar in it.

What’s the most embarrassing song or artist in your playlist that you secretly enjoy?

“You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift is a song I had to hide that I loved for the longest time.

If you could time travel, where would you go?

Honestly, the first thing I would do is travel back in time to invest and make a killing in the stock market for all my close friends, family and myself. 

If you had to watch one movie on repeat, what would it be?

“The Dark Knight”

What was your most recent adventure?

Moving back to Texas from Richmond, Virginia, where I have lived since college! I met my wife there when we were both students at the University of Richmond and we’re excited to begin the next chapter of our lives in San Antonio.

What’s on your bucket list?

There are many places I still want to travel to such as Dubai, Italy and Japan. I also want to skydive one day as I have always had a huge fear of heights and that would be a great act of bravery for myself.