Elevate Your Game at Tennis Academy of Utah

Tennis Academy of Utah (The TAOU) is where champions are built. The TAOU players get world-class facilities and exceptional instruction. Programs at The TAOU have a proven track record of developing collegiate athletes and state champions.

As a leader in both tennis and pickleball, The TAOU offers a comprehensive approach to player development—combining expert coaching, performance analysis, fitness training, and physiotherapy. Whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or striving to compete at the highest level, our programs are designed to support your journey every step of the way.

Join us and experience the difference—choose your TAOU membership today.

The Facility

The Tennis Academy of Utah (The TAOU) features four premier indoor courts that are engineered with a 11-layer high-performance system identical to the specifications used at the US Open. This sophisticated technology isn’t just for feel—it provides optimal cushioning, responsiveness, and joint protection.

Where standard recreational courts are often cramped, The TAOU courts provide exceptional spacing, enhanced safety, and a true tournament-quality playing environment. Courts are housed within a spacious 120′ x 60′ footprint and separated by 17 feet.

Phase II expansion will further elevate the facility with the addition of two indoor and two outdoor courts, bringing the total to ten championship courts. This growth will firmly establish The TAOU as one of the region’s premier high-performance tennis destinations.

The TAOU also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center tailored specifically to tennis performance. Supported by an integrated team of sports physiotherapists, fitness trainers, and video analysis specialists, the academy ensures that every athlete—regardless of level—has access to the tools, expertise, and support needed to maximize development and achieve competitive success.

Gallery

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Our Coaches

Our expert coaching team is composed of highly experienced, certified professionals dedicated to helping players of all levels elevate their game. Through a personalized, tailored approach, our coaches focus on developing each player’s unique strengths while guiding them toward their individual goals.

Our coaches hold top-tier certifications from organizations such as the RSPA, PTR, ITF, and other globally recognized institutions, bringing a wealth of knowledge and international experience.

Tony Trabert

General Manager

Anthony “Tony” Trabert brings more than 17 years of teaching, coaching, tennis management, and program development experience across California, Florida, and Utah. As a junior player, he achieved rankings of No.4 in Utah and No. 92 in California in the Boys’ 18s division.

The grandson and namesake of Tennis Hall of Famer Tony Trabert, Tony was introduced to the game at an early age through his father, Mike Trabert, a longtime teaching professional and founder of the familyoperated tennis camp in Pebble Beach, California. He began his coaching career there and further developed his teaching experience at Carmel Valley Tennis Camp.

Tony competed in Division I tennis at Weber State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion. He later returned to his alma mater as the Women’s Assistant Coach under Head Coach RuthAnn Allen, helping lead the Wildcats to the 2022 Big Sky Conference Regular Season Championship, the 2023 Big Sky Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance, and a Conference Finals appearance in 2024.

Tony is currently a USTA Certified Coach, demonstrating his commitment to coaching excellence, player development, and growing the game of tennis.

Throughout his career, Tony has worked alongside respected coaches, including Brian Gottfried and Claudio Pistolesi at the Bolles Junior Tennis Champions Center in Jacksonville, Florida. His professional experience also includes Quail Valley River Club in Vero Beach, Florida, The Salt Lake Tennis & Health Club, Ogden Athletic Club, and Eagle Ridge Tennis & Swim Club.

In addition to coaching players of all ages and skill levels, Tony has extensive experience in tennis instruction, program development, leagues, tournaments, and special events. He has proudly served as a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff for nearly a decade, reflecting his continued commitment to the growth and advancement of the sport.

Jordan Coutinho

Director of Player Development | Pickleball Professional

  • Born and raised in South Africa, Jordan Coutinho has a strong background in both tennis and academics
  • Achieved a top junior ranking of No. 8 in South Africa
  • Selected to compete in the National Junior Master Championship
  • Won ITF Singles and Doubles titles in Botswana
  • Reached a career-high ITF ranking of 444
  • Traveled extensively across Southern Africa and Europe on the junior circuit, including training in Mallorca, Spain
  • Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Professional Sales from Weber State University
  • Began his coaching career in South Africa and continued at Northeast Mississippi Tennis Academy and the Country Club of Darien in Connecticut
  • RSPA Certified Tennis Professional

Available for private lessons.

Christopher Gunnell

Director Of 10 & Under Tennis | Pickleball Professional

Certifications:

  • Tennis Serve Specialist Certification (April 2020)
  • Professional Pickleball Registry Certified Professional (December 2019)
  • United States Professional Tennis Association Elite Professional (September 2019)- Now called RSPA-Racquet Sports Professionals Association
  • International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association Certified Professional (May 2019)
  • United States Professional Tennis Association Certified Professional (November 2018)- Now called RSPA-Racquet Sports Professionals Association
  • Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, California State University, Fullerton (December 2014)

Brief Tennis Background:

  • Extensive experience as Head Tennis Professional and Junior Matchplay Coordinator at Seth Korey Tennis Academy (February 2022-May 2025)
  • Background in teaching both private and group lessons, and coordinating junior and adult tennis programs in California, Arizona, and now Utah
  • Attend multiple Coaches trainings and events throughout the year to learn from the best
  • Played high school and college tennis in Southern California
  • Coached high school tennis in California
  • Coached middle school tennis in Arizona

Available for private lessons.

Gabriela Guilarte

Tennis Professional

  • Born and raised in Venezuela, Gaby developed a strong competitive tennis background
  • Ranked No. 1 in Venezuela, top 10 in South America, and top 800 on the ITF Junior Circuit
  • Trained at world-renowned academies, including the Chris Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, as well as academies in Argentina and Texas
  • Played NCAA Division I tennis at Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Held the No. 1 position on her college team from sophomore through senior year
  • Directed university tennis summer camps, developing and inspiring young players from across the country
  • Earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business and a master’s in Public Administration
  • Served as a graduate assistant coach for the SFA tennis team
  • Currently based in Utah and works with Layton City Parks and Recreation, combining her passion for tennis and community recreation
  • RSPA Certified Tennis Professional

Available for private lessons.

Shannon Anderson

Tennis Professional

  • Raised in Ogden, Utah; began tennis at age 5 at the Ogden Athletic Club
  • Trained at multiple clubs across the Wasatch Front
  • Competed in USTA Level 3–4 sectional tournaments throughout the Intermountain region
  • Ranked top 10 in Utah and top 25 in Intermountain (Girls 12s–18s, 2015–2022)
  • Winner of the 2017 G14s Grand Prix Point Challenge
  • Played #1 Varsity singles all four years at Farmington High School (6A) under Coach Kristina Maggio (former BYU player)
  • Traveled nationwide for college recruiting before choosing to stay in-state
  • Attends the University of Utah on a full-ride academic scholarship
  • Current junior double majoring in biology and health policy; preparing for the MCAT
  • Assistant coach at BYU summer tennis camps under Head Coach Holly Hasler
  • Head coach for the Utah Youth Tennis program
  • RSPA Certified Tennis Professional

Available for private lessons.

Dane Lalliss

Tennis & Fitness Professional

  • Born and raised in Riverton, Utah, with a strong early passion for sports, especially football
  • Began playing tennis in high school and quickly developed a deep passion for the game
  • Largely self-taught, gaining unique insight by acting as his own coach
  • Brings a player-centered perspective to development based on personal experience
  • Worked as a Tennis Pro at Cottonwood Country Club, coaching players of all ages and skill levels—from toddlers to beginners in their 80s to state champion high school athletes
  • Played Varsity Singles during his final two years of high school
  • Helped lead his team to a #4 finish at the 6A State Championship in his senior year
  • Currently ranked among Utah’s top players: top 45 in singles and top 25 in doubles
  • Junior at Utah State University, pursuing a double major in Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition
  • Emphasizes a holistic approach to tennis performance, focusing on training, health, and overall well-being
  • RSPA Certified Tennis Professional

Available for private lessons.

Our Management Team

Tony Trabert

General Manager

Anthony “Tony” Trabert brings more than 17 years of teaching, coaching, tennis management, and program development experience across California, Florida, and Utah. As a junior player, he achieved rankings of No.4 in Utah and No. 92 in California in the Boys’ 18s division.

The grandson and namesake of Tennis Hall of Famer Tony Trabert, Tony was introduced to the game at an early age through his father, Mike Trabert, a longtime teaching professional and founder of the familyoperated tennis camp in Pebble Beach, California. He began his coaching career there and further developed his teaching experience at Carmel Valley Tennis Camp.

Tony competed in Division I tennis at Weber State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion. He later returned to his alma mater as the Women’s Assistant Coach under Head Coach RuthAnn Allen, helping lead the Wildcats to the 2022 Big Sky Conference Regular Season Championship, the 2023 Big Sky Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance, and a Conference Finals appearance in 2024.

Tony is currently a USTA Certified Coach, demonstrating his commitment to coaching excellence, player development, and growing the game of tennis.

Throughout his career, Tony has worked alongside respected coaches, including Brian Gottfried and Claudio Pistolesi at the Bolles Junior Tennis Champions Center in Jacksonville, Florida. His professional experience also includes Quail Valley River Club in Vero Beach, Florida, The Salt Lake Tennis & Health Club, Ogden Athletic Club, and Eagle Ridge Tennis & Swim Club.

In addition to coaching players of all ages and skill levels, Tony has extensive experience in tennis instruction, program development, leagues, tournaments, and special events. He has proudly served as a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff for nearly a decade, reflecting his continued commitment to the growth and advancement of the sport.

Cara Kasparian

Accountant

Pam Wells

Assistant Manager

Lora Cobabe

Front Desk Manager

Chelsea Wilson

Marketing Manager

Jordan Coutinho

Director of Player Development | Pickleball Professional

  • Born and raised in South Africa, Jordan Coutinho has a strong background in both tennis and academics
  • Achieved a top junior ranking of No. 8 in South Africa
  • Selected to compete in the National Junior Master Championship
  • Won ITF Singles and Doubles titles in Botswana
  • Reached a career-high ITF ranking of 444
  • Traveled extensively across Southern Africa and Europe on the junior circuit, including training in Mallorca, Spain
  • Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Professional Sales from Weber State University
  • Began his coaching career in South Africa and continued at Northeast Mississippi Tennis Academy and the Country Club of Darien in Connecticut
  • RSPA Certified Tennis Professional

Christopher Gunnell

Director Of 10 & Under Tennis | Pickleball Professional

Certifications:

  • Tennis Serve Specialist Certification (April 2020)
  • Professional Pickleball Registry Certified Professional (December 2019)
  • United States Professional Tennis Association Elite Professional (September 2019)- Now called RSPA-Racquet Sports Professionals Association
  • International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association Certified Professional (May 2019)
  • United States Professional Tennis Association Certified Professional (November 2018)- Now called RSPA-Racquet Sports Professionals Association
  • Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, California State University, Fullerton (December 2014)

Brief Tennis Background:

  • Extensive experience as Head Tennis Professional and Junior Matchplay Coordinator at Seth Korey Tennis Academy (February 2022-May 2025)
  • Background in teaching both private and group lessons, and coordinating junior and adult tennis programs in California, Arizona, and now Utah.
  • Attend multiple Coaches trainings and events throughout the year to learn from the best.
  • Played high school and college tennis in Southern California.
  • Coached high school tennis in California.
  • Coached middle school tennis in Arizona.

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Developing Better Tennis Players On and Off the Court

TAOU Mission Statement

TAOU exists to develop champions on and off the court. Through purposeful training, meaningful competition, and a strong community, we help players build character, confidence, discipline, and lifelong relationships. We are committed to creating an environment where players, coaches, parents, and families grow together through tennis.

1

Compete To Grow (Purpose)

Competition Reveals and Develops Character
More than wins and losses, we build integrity, resilience, and discipline
2

Own Your Response (Mindset)

Control Your Attitude, Effort, and Focus
Choose how you respond to every challenge
3

Train With Purpose (Process)

Train With Intention – Improve Every Day
Commit to growth through disciplined practice
4

Serve With Excellence (People)

Create Exceptional Experiences Through Care, Respect, and Service
Every interaction leaves a positive impact
5

Family Through Tennis (Community)

Develop Lifelong Relationships
TAOU is a community where players, parents, coaches, and families support, encourage, and challenge one another, creating lifelong relationships

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