Leslie brings over 25 years of experience as an RSPA Elite Professional, coaching players of all ages and backgrounds in Phoenix and at Phoenix Country Club. Along the way, she has organized events, tournaments, and programs while building strong
She is the proud and dedicated Founder and Executive Director of Serve the Future AZ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth in the Phoenix area through tennis and education. With over 25 years of coaching experience, she made it her mission to create access, opportunity, and mentorship for the next generation—on and off the court. At Serve the Future AZ, she leads a dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to provide high-quality tennis instruction and life-enriching programs for kids who need it most. Her goal is to not only teach the game but to foster confidence, character, and connection through sport. When she created the Serve the Future foundation, she had no idea - the profound impact it would have on our community, particularly the most vulnerable and underserved children. Leslie’s intention was simply to help a few kids develop determination, perseverance, and self-confidence. She is fortunate to share the sport of tennis with them, which has not only helped me cultivate the same determination, perseverance, and self-confidence but also allows me to compassionately mentor these children, inspiring them to believe in a brighter future for themselves.
In 2022, she was honored to receive the USPTA (now RSPA) Star Award, recognizing her work in advancing diversity and inclusion in tennis and making a meaningful impact in multicultural communities. Beyond coaching, she serves as Media Director on the Southwest RSPA Board, using storytelling to uplift voices and grow the game. She also hold a Master’s Degree in History from Kent State University, which fuels her commitment to equity and understanding the deeper context of the work she does. She is not just a coach—she is an advocate, a mentor, and a believer in the power of sport to change lives.