Wally Pontiff Jr Playgrounds

Bio: Coach Mike is a Pittsburgh native spending the majority of his teaching career in Charleston, SC. A former top-50 nationally ranked Division I player, Michael has dedicated his life to the sport—both as a competitor and coach. His coaching journey began at the USTA national training center (JTCC) in College Park Maryland, where he trained alongside elite players like Frances Tiafoe and Dennis Kudla, and learned from renowned coaches including Frank Salazar and Chuck Kriese. Whether working with beginners or fine-tuning advanced players, Mike brings energy, strategic insight, and a passion for helping each player reach their full potential. Mike is an Elite PTR certified tennis professional and has a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) of 12.0.

Bio: With over 15 years of dedicated experience in tennis, I bring a unique blend of competitive playing background and professional coaching expertise to the court. My journey includes competing as a college-level professional player, where I developed a deep understanding of high-performance tennis, as well as earning my certification as an ITF Level 1 Certified Coach. I have had the privilege of coaching in multiple locations, including McKinney, Texas; Argyle, Texas; New York City; and Lagos, Nigeria, working with players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. This international and multi-state experience has shaped my ability to adapt coaching methods to meet the needs of each individual player. I am passionate about fostering growth in every player I work with—whether they are complete beginners discovering the sport for the first time, or aspiring competitors looking to elevate their game. My coaching philosophy focuses on developing strong technical fundamentals, building tactical awareness, and enhancing physical and mental resilience. I believe that tennis is not only about mastering strokes, but also about building character, discipline, and confidence. My sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and challenging, with a clear pathway for players to achieve their individual goals. Having been immersed in the sport for most of my life, I understand both the player’s perspective and the coach’s responsibility. I strive to create a positive learning environment where athletes feel supported, motivated, and inspired to reach their full potential.