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 world-class 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.

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Our Coaches

Our world-class 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.

D. Yhale Scott

Owner and Managing Partner

Yhale is the Owner and Managing Partner of The TAOU. He also owns Oʻahu Tennis Academy, Kauaʻi Sports Academy, Oʻahu Sports Academy, Island Sports Academy, and the Oʻahu Tennis Association across the Hawaiian Islands.

Yhale has competed in numerous ITF Pro Circuit and USTA Pro Circuit events, as well as multiple junior tournaments around the world. He is the developer of the Core Four System™. Throughout his career, Yhale has coached many players to the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as NCAA Division I scholarship athletes, USTA nationally ranked juniors, and ITF-ranked juniors. His core passion is developing players through a structured pathway, fast-tracking their progress with a tailored approach designed to produce results at every level of the game.

Yhale is a graduate of UCLA and a certified tennis professional with RSPA and PTR. He holds USTA Sports Science Level II certification and is recognized as a USTA High Performance Elite Tennis Coach. He is also an ITF Certified High Performance Professional, a PTR Certified Level 1 Professional, and an RSPA Elite Tennis Coach and Master Pro Candidate.

Available for private lessons.

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

D. Yhale Scott

Owner and Managing Partner

Yhale is the Owner and Managing Partner of The TAOU. He also owns Oʻahu Tennis Academy, Kauaʻi Sports Academy, Oʻahu Sports Academy, Island Sports Academy, and the Oʻahu Tennis Association across the Hawaiian Islands.

Yhale has competed in numerous ITF Pro Circuit and USTA Pro Circuit events, as well as multiple junior tournaments around the world. He is the developer of the Core Four System™. Throughout his career, Yhale has coached many players to the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as NCAA Division I scholarship athletes, USTA nationally ranked juniors, and ITF-ranked juniors. His core passion is developing players through a structured pathway, fast-tracking their progress with a tailored approach designed to produce results at every level of the game.

Yhale is a graduate of UCLA and a certified tennis professional with RSPA and PTR. He holds USTA Sports Science Level II certification and is recognized as a USTA High Performance Elite Tennis Coach. He is also an ITF Certified High Performance Professional, a PTR Certified Level 1 Professional, and an RSPA Elite Tennis Coach and Master Pro Candidate.

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.

Proud Partners

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Core Four™

A successful tennis player is not defined by talent alone, but by their commitment to mastering the essential habits that create consistency, control, and confidence on the court. The “Core Four” principles form the foundation of this philosophy.

Junior Pathways
Adult Pathways
01

Split Step

At its core, tennis is a game of timing and positioning. The Split Step represents readiness: a deliberate moment of balance and anticipation that prepares the body and mind to respond to any shot. It reflects the belief that success begins before the ball even crosses the net.

02

Unit Turn

By moving efficiently and as one coordinated system, the Unit Turn demonstrates discipline and respect for proper mechanics. Preparation is not rushed or improvised — it is intentional, setting the stage for controlled and purposeful movement into the ball.

03

Contact Point

Meeting the ball at the Contact Point out in front emphasizes assertiveness and ownership of each shot — the player takes initiative rather than reacting passively, dictating play with technique leading movement, not following it.

04

Full Extension

Extension toward the target reflects clarity of purpose. Every shot has intention, direction, and follow-through. The player is not simply hitting the ball, but sending it with precision and confidence toward a chosen outcome.

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