Joel Hoffman: Program Advisor
Joel is a former collegiate and pro circuit player. He is known throughout the tennis industry as one of its most innovative tennis professionals. His background includes 6 years of national competition in the Juniors, a graduate of the University of Houston, 3 years of touring professionally on the Association of Tennis Professionals tour, and 25 years of experience directing tennis programs and managing tennis facilities.
Joel grew up as a nationally top 20 ranked junior tennis player from Topeka, Kansas and came to Houston to play college tennis at the University of Houston in the mid 1970’s. As a college senior, Joel was captain of the Top 10 NCAA Division I University of Houston Cougars and received the University’s top student athlete award. He received a Business Degree in Finance.
After college Joel played as a professional on the ATP Men’s Tennis Circuit for three years, achieving a World ranking of 127 in Men's Doubles and 329 in Singles. As a professional Joel had the opportunity to play over 10 Wimbledon Singles and Doubles Champions.
In 1984, Joel retired from the pro circuit and settled in North Houston as Head Tennis Pro at Wimbledon Racquet Club, a Tennis Magazine Top 20 tennis club. It was in North Houston that Joel developed one of the most successful junior tennis programs in Texas. In 1986, students from his tennis academy won 5 of the 8 Texas Junior Tennis Championships. Joel has also worked as a tennis professional at some of Houston’s most respected tennis facilities and country clubs including: Wimbledon Racquet Club, Olde Oaks Tennis Club and Raveneaux Country Club. In 1989 Joel started the Houston Tennis Buddies League (now called USA Tennis 123). This beginner program has introduced thousands of children to tennis over the past 25 years.
OUR STAFF
Top Professional Career Singles and
Doubles Wins Include:
Pat Cash
Brad Gilbert
Vince Van Patten
Sammy Giammalva
John Fitzgerald
Chris Hoffman: Owner
Chris Hoffman: Owner
Chris started tennis late at the age of 12. After playing 7 years of Ice Hockey, he made the switch to tennis and never looked back. He has had a successful Junior, High School, and NCAA tennis career.
USTA Junior Tennis Accomplishments:
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12's Texas Championship Level
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14's Texas Super Championship level
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16's Texas Super Championship Level: Highest Rank of 32,
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18's Texas Super Championship Level: Highest Rank of 48
High School Accomplishments:
Chris attended Clear Lake High School and was a 4 year varsity letterman. His freshman year he was the JV District Champion in singles and a member of the UIL 5A Team Tennis Regional Finalist. Chris' sophomore year he placed 2nd in the UIL 5A Boys Doubles Regional Tournament, placed 3rd in UIL 5A State Boys Doubles Tournament, and was a member of the UIL 5A Team Tennis Regional Finalist. Chris' junior year as co-captain he won the UIL 5A Regional Boys Doubles Tournament, reached the Quarter Finals in UIL 5A Texas State Tournament, and was a member of the most successful Clear Lake High School Tennis Team reaching the UIL 5A Team Tennis State Finals. Chris' senior year as captain placed 3rd in the UIL 5A Regional Boy's Doubles Tournament and was a member of a team that placed 3rd in UIL 5A Team Tennis.
NCAA Tennis Accomplishments:
Chris was a member of the United States Coast Guard Academy Tennis Team from 2010-2012: While at USCGA Chris was a valued member of the NEWMAC Conference Team Finalist during the 2010-2011 Season. During the Fall, after an undefeated singles and doubles season, Chris reached Men's Doubles Round of 16 in the New England ITA Regional Tournament, losing 9-7 to the NCAA Division III National Champions.
USPTA Teaching Professional
Currently Chris is a United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Elite Professional and teaches tennis while he maintains a career in Commercial Banking.
Bryan Walmsley: Tennis Director
Bryan Walmsley: Tennis Director
USTA Junior Tennis Accomplishments:
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2-time District Champion in Team Tennis
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District Champion in Mix Doubles
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3rd in District Singles
High School Accomplishments:
Bryan Walmsley has been part of the South Houston Tennis community since 2014. He graduated from Deer Park High School in 2017 where he was a 2-time District Champion in Team Tennis and a District Champion in mixed doubles, as well as placing 3rd in singles. Throughout high school he played many USTA tournaments around the state and even as far as the United Kingdom. After high school he started playing college D3 Tennis at Austin College in Sherman, Texas where he played for two and a half years. During the summers in college, he helped Coach Tommy Heim at Deer Park with summer camps, and he also coached at John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels. Since Bryan moved back from college he worked as a Tennis Professional at Golfcrest Country Club in Pearland where he was able to strengthen his connections in the tennis community. During his tenure at Golfcrest, he coached people from all ages ranging from 3 to 70 years old.
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