Who We Are
AdvantageYOU was built on the belief that tennis should be structured, welcoming, and development-driven at every level.
We partner with communities, schools, and clubs to deliver programming that is organized, consistent, and aligned with long-term growth. Whether working with young beginners or adult league players, our focus remains the same: clear instruction, positive coaching, and an environment where players feel confident stepping onto the court.
Our Philosophy
At AdvantageYOU, our work is guided by four core principles:
Strong Fundamentals
We believe confidence starts with learning the game the right way. Proper technique, smart habits, and attention to detail create a foundation that allows players to grow without rebuilding later
Intentional Development
Every session has purpose. Players are grouped thoughtfully, challenged appropriately, and guided with clear direction so progress feels steady and earned.
Positive Coaching Culture
We coach with energy, clarity, and respect. Players should feel encouraged, supported, and motivated every time they step on the court.
Community & Character
Tennis is more than strokes and scores. We value sportsmanship, resilience, and connection. Our goal is to help players grow not only as athletes, but as confident individuals within their community.
Our Coaching Team
Our coaching team brings a wide range of experience and coaching styles, creating a supportive and structured environment for every player
Leadership and Coaching Standards
Our Director of Coaching, Peter Richman, establishes the technical framework and progression model that guides all Advantage YOU program
Our coaching team is trained to implement this system consistently across all locations. Coaches communicate regularly and work collaboratively to ensure development remains aligned and intentional.
All Advantage YOU coaches are background checked and Safe Play certified, reflecting our commitment to providing a safe and positive environment for every player.
Meet the Advantage YOU Team
Our coaching team is made up of experienced, passionate professionals dedicated to helping players grow, learn, and enjoy the game.
We believe great coaching starts with strong relationships, clear communication, and a welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels.
Each Advantage YOU coach follows consistent teaching standards and age-appropriate progressions, creating a safe, positive, and reliable experience for every player.
At the same time, every coach brings their own energy, personality, and passion to the court.
We’re proud of the community we’ve built and the positive experiences our team creates every day.
Peter Richman
Co-Founder & Director of Coaching
Designing pathways that turn players into competitors.
Peter brings elite playing experience and a systems-driven approach to player development at Advantage YOU. Originally from Toronto, he rose through the ranks of Canadian junior tennis, competing at a high level nationally and internationally.
He went on to play Division I tennis at LSU, where he competed as the team’s number one player and helped lead the program to a top-10 national ranking. Following his competitive career, Peter transitioned into coaching, where he developed a passion for building players and mentoring coaches.
Peter remains actively on court, working with players across all levels while developing coaches within the program. His approach emphasizes technical precision, consistency, and match readiness, creating clear pathways for long-term development.
As Co-Founder and Director of Coaching, Peter leads curriculum design, coaching standards, and player development systems across all Advantage YOU locations, ensuring a consistent, high-level training experience.
Kristin Janos
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Driving growth, operations, and player development across every level.
Kristin brings strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to growing the game to Advantage YOU. Originally from Michigan, she relocated to Colorado more than twenty-five years ago, where she built and successfully exited a business before turning her focus fully to tennis.
After earning her USPTA Professional Certification, Kristin established herself as a trusted coach across adult and junior programming. She remains actively on court, delivering both group and private instruction, with a specialization in adult player development from early learn-to-play stages through advanced competition.
Kristin is known for building inclusive, high-quality environments and has created a structured, judgment-free pathway that welcomes players at every stage. Since founding Advantage YOU, she has introduced and transitioned hundreds of adult players into tennis and league play.
As Co-Founder and Managing Director, Kristin leads day-to-day operations and long-term strategy while maintaining a direct connection to programming on court, ensuring a consistent, professional, and elevated experience across all locations
Jason Eckles
Tennis Professional
Developing disciplined players through structure, repetition, and smart decision-making.
Jason brings deep experience and a genuine passion for player development to the Advantage YOU coaching team. His love for tennis began at a young age, and he has been committed to the sport ever since.
He played collegiate tennis at St. Mary’s of the Plains College and Kansas State University before building a long coaching career that includes collegiate roles, nine years as Junior Tennis Coordinator at Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club, and five years as a teaching professional at Colorado Athletic Club Inverness. He also works at Denver Tennis Park during the winter months.
Jason is known for his structured, detail-driven approach to coaching, emphasizing repetition, consistency, and disciplined execution. He focuses on helping players make the right decisions on court, building strong fundamentals and match awareness. His philosophy centers on developing reliable habits over time, preparing players to compete with confidence and purpose.
Lila Barroso Garcia
Tennis Professional
Bringing elite international experience, energy, and a passion for player development to every session.
Lila brings a high-energy, elite coaching background with international experience across Spain, Venezuela, and the United States. She has worked at top programs including Sánchez-Casal Tennis Academy in Barcelona and Real Club de Polo, and has held leadership roles as both Head Coach and program coordinator.
Her experience includes coaching high-performance players, including professional player Rebeka Masarova. Lila’s coaching blends technical development, structure, and intensity, with a strong focus on building confidence and long-term player growth.
She is a certified Master Professional through RPT International and holds multiple international coaching and performance certifications, including mental toughness training. In addition to tennis, she brings a strong background in fitness and wellness, supporting both the physical and mental side of the game. Lila is known for her energy, organization, and ability to connect with players of all ages, creating an environment that is both challenging and supportive.
Sam Alexander
Tennis Professional
Leading dynamic programs focused on structure, growth, and engagement.
Sam brings a high-level, full-spectrum approach to racquet sports, combining strong technical coaching with proven program leadership. He has led and developed successful tennis and pickleball programs across private clubs and community facilities, working with players of all ages and levels.
With experience overseeing multi-sport programming, managing teams, and driving member engagement, Sam creates structured, energetic environments where players can improve while enjoying the game. His background includes leadership roles at Country Clubs, and the Tucson Jewish Community Center.
A former collegiate player at Southwestern University, Sam brings both competitive experience and a deep understanding of player development. His coaching style focuses on building confidence, consistency, and long-term success for every player.
Jayanne Palma
Tennis Professional
Developing disciplined, confident players through thoughtful coaching.
Jayanne brings a thoughtful, disciplined, and encouraging approach to the Advantage YOU coaching team. She has been part of Advantage YOU for over a year and continues to be a valued member of the program.
Jayanne has coached at community and club programs in both the U.S. and the UK, including Crestmoor Community Association, JCC Tennis, and Heaton Tennis and Squash Club. As a player, she has competed at a high level internationally and collegiately, playing Division I tennis at the University of Idaho and currently at Division II level at Hawai‘i Pacific University.
She focuses on meeting players where they are and creating a supportive environment that encourages growth, confidence, and long-term improvement.
Valerie Negin
Tennis Professional
Combining high-level experience with energy and player connection.
Valerie brings energy, positivity, and a strong connection with players to the Advantage YOU coaching team. She has been part of Advantage YOU for more than four years and is known for her ability to work with players of all ages and skill levels.
A former 5A State Champion and 2019 Sportswoman of Colorado, Valerie played Division I tennis at Creighton University, earning over 100 career victories, BIG EAST Freshman of the Year honors, multiple All-Conference selections, and a national ITA doubles ranking.
Valerie plays a key role in Advantage YOU programming and works across multiple locations, supporting seasonal programs and player development. She enjoys helping players grow their skills, confidence, and love for the game.
.Jen Armstrong
Tennis Professional
Helping players build resilience, confidence, and consistency.
Jen brings a positive, growth-focused approach to the Advantage YOU coaching team. She believes setbacks are an important part of learning and enjoys helping players build confidence, resilience, and a lasting love for the game.
Jen is USPTA certified in both tennis and pickleball and has proudly represented Colorado in the National NTRP Singles Competition. She has eight years of experience coaching high school tennis in both the 4A and 5A divisions, has served as Head Director for the RORY program, and has coached multiple Junior Team Tennis teams to State Championships and State Finals.
Jen is passionate about supporting players at every level and helping them succeed both on and off the court.
Emily Hafner
Tennis Professional
Blending international experience with thoughtful instruction.
Emily brings a thoughtful and enthusiastic approach to coaching and a deep love for the game. Her tennis journey began in Southern Germany, where she fell in love with the sport at a young age and began coaching early.
Emily earned her Bavarian Tennis Association coaching license before moving to the United States to play college tennis at the University of Montevallo and Metropolitan State University of Denver. She earned PacWest Conference Newcomer of the Year honors, achieved a top-10 national Division II singles ranking, and received All-American recognition.
She later served as assistant coach for the MSU Denver men’s and women’s teams and has coached players ranging from nationally ranked juniors to adult beginners. Emily enjoys helping players of all ages grow their game through thoughtful instruction and encouragement.
Ginger Angell
Director of Tournaments
Building competitive, supportive environments for player growth.
Ginger brings energy, encouragement, and a strong commitment to player development to the Advantage YOU team. With a background as a multi-sport athlete, she understands the importance of discipline, confidence, and a positive mindset both on and off the court.
After discovering tennis as an adult, Ginger began her coaching journey in 2018. She is PTR certified, USTA Safe Play certified, and CPR certified, and remains actively involved in the tennis community through coaching, organizing events, and officiating.
Ginger has led USTA teams to multiple District and Sectional Championships and is known for creating a positive, motivating environment where players feel supported and encouraged to grow.
Our Commitment
We are committed to helping players grow with confidence, build strong fundamentals, and enjoy the process of improvement.
Advantage YOU exists to make tennis accessible and meaningful within the communities we serve.