Denver’s High-Level Tennis Training
Whack-It Racket LLC
Meet The Coaches
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Genuine Passion for the Game
(and for People)
This is what separates a technician from a true coach. Someone who loves tennis but doesn't love developing people will burn out young students or bore adult ones. The love has to be for the growth, not just the sport.
Tobias Ortegon
Tobias brings over 25 years of tennis coordination and coaching through his Denver Parks and Recreation experience and is a former Metro State College player. Many families already know Tobias for his positive coaching style, professionalism, and commitment to helping players grow both technically and personally through tennis.
Krysta Szeto
Krysta was born and raised in Richmond, CA and began playing tennis at age 12, quickly developing a passion for the game. She coached middle school, high school, and training camps throughout the San Francisco Bay Area before bringing her tennis experience to the Colorado School of Mines, where she majored in Biochemical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering.
While at Mines, Krysta served as a tennis club officer and captain on the traveling team. She was a tennis professional at Meadow Creek Tennis Club from 2023–2025. Krysta brings tremendous energy, positivity, and passion for player development.
_JPG.jpg)
Bram
Bram
.jpg)
Emma Stavely
Emma
_JPG.jpg)
Cooper Chalker
Cooper
Linda Till
Founder with over 25 years of coaching experience, NOLS Graduate, and 40 years of USTA membership, we take pride in our successful coaching history, including leading multiple high schools to state championships.
Payne Davidson
Emma Grey
Avery Dorn
Evan Wurst
Other Coaches
Golden Scott
Why We are Different
Age Appropriate Communications
Great coaching means meeting every player exactly where they are, turning lessons into play for beginners, building strategy and confidence for juniors, and skillful fun for youth, and delivering focused, respectful training for adults. At Whack-It Racket, our coaches pair patience with high standards, adapting to how each player learns best. Because real coaching isn't just about better swings, it's about building the confidence and mental toughness that last far beyond the court.
Patience Paired With High Standards
A great coach doesn't lower expectations for young or new players — they simply adjust how those expectations are communicated. Patience isn't about going easy; it's about explaining things three different ways until it clicks, without frustration showing.
Individualized Attention
No two players learn the same way. Some are visual learners, some need to feel the motion physically, some need verbal cues. The best coaches diagnose how a specific student learns, not just what they need to learn.
Strong Fundamentals Knowledge
Especially critical early on a 5-year-old who learns poor grip or footwork habits will fight those habits for years. Coaches matter here because certification ensures a baseline of proper technical training methodology.
Mental Coaching, Not Just Physical
The best coaches teach resilience, focus, and how to handle losing — skills that transfer far beyond the court. This is especially true for competitive juniors and adults chasing rankings.
Consistency and Trust-Building
Kids and adults alike improve fastest with coaches they trust. Consistency in coaching style, encouragement, and follow-through builds that trust over time — which is why continuity (same coach, ongoing relationship) often outperforms one-off lessons.
About Us
Our Passion for Tennis
Our commitment to excellence and individualized coaching sets us apart, ensuring a rewarding and effective learning experience for all our clients.