OUR TENNIS PROS
With decades of coaching experience, a wealth of knowledge, and a true passion for tennis, the certified professionals at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club will elevate your game to the next level. Our tennis pros can help you focus on everything from tactical play and stroke technique to mental toughness and athletic agility.
SCOTT LEIFER DIRECTOR OF TENNIS/REC. MANAGER
USPTA ELITE TENNIS PROFESSIONAL; PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL REGISTRY PROFESSIONAL
Director of Tennis at GOG for 7 years. Expanded Junior Tennis Program to one of the biggest programs in Colorado. Worked closely on the construction of the new 4 court indoor structure and is assisting in the new expanded outdoor tennis/pickleball construction planned for 2021. Scott has coached a rare #1 Nationally ranked junior, he has coached numerous College tennis players and ATP and WTA tournament player. He is most proud of the ability to grow tennis programs from the bottom up. He is as done that with every opportunity he has had as a Coach or Director of Tennis. Scott Leifer is very passionate about coaching tennis. Lastly, he is married to Shannon and proud father of three: Savannah, Samson and Scarlet.
MICHAEL MANNING HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL USPTA TENNIS PROFESSIONAL
Michael Manning was at the top of his class at Ferris State College in the professional tennis management program. He comes to us from Florida at the USTA headquarters in Lake Nona. Born and raised in Wisconsin. Michael is a terrific addition to our staff at GOG. Michael has helped build the strongest junior tennis program in Colorado Springs.
MIKE HUSS ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL
Mike Huss grew up in a tennis family, born in Aspen, Colorado where his parents developed The Aspen Tennis and Health Club in the late 70’s. His mother, Sally Moore Huss, was the head tennis pro there after retiring from the Virginia Slims Tour. She is a former Wimbledon semi-finalist and US Open quarterfinalist. As a top-ranked junior player in Southern California, Mike headed up the prestigious La Jolla High School tennis team where he was captain and played number one singles for two years. He went on to play for the Pac-10 Division 1 top-rated University of Arizona team under Coach Billy Wright. As a new resident of Colorado Springs, Mike joined several men’s leagues, and has remained undefeated in his first year. He helped those teams, including the Garden of the Gods 40-andover team, win their divisions, reaching the District Championships. Mike has a stress-free approach to the game. His teaching emphasizes fluid, powerful stokes, with a strong, positive and competitive attitude.
JOHN FIELDING
USPTR TENNIS PROFESSIONAL, IPTPA & PPR PICKLEBALL PROFESSIONAL
John Fielding is a USPTR Tennis Professional. He was formerly a Tennis Professional Broadmoor and the Director of Tennis Crested Butte. John played collegiate tennis at SMU and also coached SMU Ladies Team. Additionally, John coached ATP and WTA Tennis Professionals, Division 1 Tennis Players and many Colorado State Champions. John Coached and Played under the tutelage of Dennis Ralston and was Chris Evert’s hitting partner 1986-1989.
MIKE LOVATO
IPTPA LEVEL 2 CERTIFIED
Regis College tennis 1 singles and doubles 4 years, play 4.5+ level doubles PB in tourneys. Two gold medals and multiple bronze medals in men’s and mixed doubles. I love to coach sports especially pickleball and tennis.
SALLY MOORE HUSS
A former Wimbledon semi-finalist and National and Wimbledon Junior Champion, Sally Moore Huss has played tennis her whole life. Huss gathered championships and rankings during her younger years. Then through her work in dance therapy, zen and tai chi she created a unique way of teaching and playing tennis. Sally’s tennis improved so much that she went back on the major tour for a brief time, playing her happy go lucky form of tennis. This is how she was introduced to Colorado Springs. The Virginia Slims Tour took her here to play a very memorable match against the #4 player in the world, Wendy Overton, and she won. Sally Huss has a wealth of tennis knowledge that she must share with all athletes. We are honored to have Sally as part of the team at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club.
2021 SUMMER ADULT TENNIS PROGRAM
JUNE 1, 2021 - AUGUST 15, 2021
2.5 Program Learn to judge where the ball is going & improve court coverage. Participants should be able to sustain a short slow-paced rally with other players of the same ability. CO-ED. Thursday, 9am-10:30am, Member Drop-in: $25, Hotel Guest $35.
3.0 Program Adult players of this level are consistent when hitting medium paced balls, but not entirely comfortable with all strokes. The most common doubles formation is one up, one back. CO-ED. Friday 8:30am-10:00am. Member Drop-in: $25, Hotel Guest $35.
3.5 Program Adult players of this level have improved court coverage are developing teamwork in doubles. This player has dependable strokes but lacks depth and variety. CO-ED. Wednesday 9:00am10:30am. Member Drop-in: $25, Hotel Guest $35.
4.0 Program Adult players of this level have dependable strokes and have developed an all-around game that forces errors with the serve. Teamwork in doubles is evident. CO-ED. Tuesday 9:00am-10:30am. Member Drop-in: $25, Hotel Guest $35.
ZENNIS THURSDAYS Learn from Sally Huss to comprehend the strategy and tactics of the game within the game, program applicable for both singles and doubles play. Thursday, 10:30am-12:00pm Member Drop-in: $25, Hotel Guest $35.
10,000 REPS Repetition is the mother of skill. Get your reps in and improve your skills. Friday, 10:00am –11:00am, Member Drop-in: $20, Hotel Guest $35.
Cardio TENNIS (not for faint of heart) A fun CO-ED class that gives players of all abilities an ultimate high energy workout. If you are looking for a new way to get in shape and burn calories, you must try Cardio Tennis! Tuesdays, 10:30am-11:30am Member Drop-in: $20, Hotel Guest $30.
Saturday Drill Program COED, 2.5-3.0 8:00am-9:00am, $20, Hotel Guest $30.
3.0-3.5 9-10:30, $25, Hotel Guest $35, 3.5+ 10:30am-12pm, Member Drop-in: $25, Hotel Guest $35.
Friday Night
Round Robins
Mark your calendars and come join us on these Fridays for an evening of organized play, music, snacks and drinks!
Online registration required. $25 per player, Hotel Guests $35. 5:30pm - 7pm.
30 Aug 27
Flashback Friday Nights
Large group games, snacks, drinks, and your favorite music from decades past! Join us for a fun alternative to match play.
$25 per player, Hotel Guests $35. 5:30pm - 7pm.
10 Sept 6
Strawberries & Champagne Mixer
Join us for a Wimbledon themed round robin with special guest Sally Huss, a Wimbledon semifinalist back in the day.
$25 per player, Hotel Guests $35. 12pm - 2pm.
Woods n Whites Come play in our ‘throwback’ round robin, where we dress in all white and test our skills with wooden rackets (But inevitably switch back to our modern frames).
$25 per player, Hotel Guests $35. 10am - 12pm.
2021 SUMMER JUNIOR TENNIS PROGRAM
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS AT GOG
JUNE 2-JULY 28
Be a part of the biggest JTT program in Colorado Springs! This is a signature summer tennis program that helps keep junior players’ skills sharp year-round. Members $315 / $53 USTA Fee and T-shirt. 10 and 12 under COED Practices 11am - 12:30pm, Wednesdays and Fridays
- 10am, Mondays
Wednesday and
18 and under Boys and Girls Match Play 10am - 11:30am, Mondays State Championships Weekend of July 31st
ATP professional Richey Reneberg career high ranked #20 in the World in singles and #1 in doubles, was featured professional for sold out Memorial Day Weekend Tennis Camp.
FUTURE STARS SUMMER ACADEMY
JUNE 1 - AUGUST 2
This new summer program will equip your child with all the skills necessary to take their Tennis game to the next level. By the end of the summer, players will have built a great foundation to their games, while also learning about rules, scoring, and tennis etiquette. Members $350. Includes T-Shirts, Ages 6-9, Practices Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4pm - 5:30pm, Match Play on Mondays, 1pm - 2:30pm.
DAILY GROUP LESSONS
Rising Stars (4–6-year-old) Kick start your child’s tennis career with our introductory tennis program, focusing on hand and racquet-eye coordination, and fundamental technique.
3:30pm - 4pm, Tuesdays June 1-August 3 and Thursdays June 3-August 5, 10-week program $175 per player
Dutch and Crush (13 and above) Join us for music, games, and of course – Dutch Bros. To order drinks, text Michael Manning at 262-825-8379, before 4pm on day of the drill.
5:30pm - 7pm, Tuesdays June 1-August 3 and Thursdays June 3-August 5, 10-weeks, Drop In-$25 per player.
tennis events
June 25 to
June 27
M & M Tennis Tournament
Put your skills to the test in our summer USTA-sanctioned junior tennis tournament.
Online registration required. Ages 10-18.
June 15
June 17
French Open Futures Focus will be on lots of reps, fun, and games. No experience needed.
9am - 11am.
June 28 to July 2
Rackets and Clubs
Juniors will spend time learning the fundamental skills necessary to excel at both of these great sports.
July 20
July 22
Tuesday 9am-12pm, Thursday 9am-12pm, Friday 9am-10:30am. Wimbledon Ready Focus will be on lots of reps, fun, and games. No experience needed. 9am - 11am.
Aug 2 to Aug 6
US Open Prep Camp
Drills and skills in the morning, followed by match play in the afternoon.
9am - 12pm, 1pm - 2:30pm
FALL JUNIOR TENNIS PROGRAM
AUGUST 30TH - DECEMBER 12TH, 2021 | 15 WEEKS
Future Stars Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4:00pm-4:30pm, Ages 4-6
Stars Tuesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm, Ages 7-9, 15 weeks
All Star Novice Wednesday 4:30pm - 5:30pm, Ages 14 and under
All Star Intermediate Friday 4:00pm - 5:30pm, Ages 14 and under
High-Performance Academy Athletes can be in a higher tier based on ability. Director of Tennis must approve.
- Tier One (14 - 18) Monday 5:30pm-7:00pm, Tuesday & Friday Drop-in 5:30pm-7:00pm
- Tier Two (12 - 14) Monday or Thursday 5:30pm-7:00pm
SUMMER PICKLEBALL PROGRAM
JUNE 1, 2021 - AUGUST 8, 2021
OPEN HOUSE/ORIENTATION
Learn all there is to know about Pickleball at GOG! Watch the professionals play an exhibition on the outdoor pickleball court. We will cover: attire, equipment, offerings, how to make court reservations, rules and regulations, how to tape an indoor court, what tape to use, indoor court rate. Saturday June 19, Saturday July 24, and August 7, 10:00am-12:00pm. Sign up in advance through member central.
OPEN PLAY
15 weeks of play, outdoor play only, tape is included. May 31, 2021-September 11, 2021, Mondays 7:00am-8:30am & 8:30am-10am, Tuesdays 7:00am-8:30am & 8:30am-10am Wednesdays 7:00am-8:30am & 8:30am-10am, Thursdays 7:00am-8:30am & 8:30am-10am Friday 7:00am-8:30am, and Saturdays 7:00am-8:30am & 8:30am-10am. $1 per time you play, sign up in advance.
SKILLS N DRILLS
Tuesdays 9:00am-10:30am, All Levels, $25 per player, Hotel Guests $35, 2 player minimum, 4 person max
Fridays 9:00am-10:30am, Novice, $25 per player, Hotel Guests $35, 2 player minimum, 4 person max
Sundays 2:00pm-3:00pm, Novice, $20 per player, Hotel Guests $35, 2 player minimum, 4 person max
Sundays 3:00pm-4:30pm, All Levels, $25 per player, Hotel Guests $35, 2 player minimum, 4 person max
pickleball EVENTS
June 18
July 16
August 6
Friday Night Round Robins
Mark your calendars and come join us on these Fridays for an evening of organized play, music, snacks and drinks!
5:30pm - 7pm. Online registration required. $25 per player, Hotel Guests $35.
June 25
July 23
August 13
Flashback Friday Nights
Large group games, snacks, drinks, and your favorite music from decades past! Join us for a fun alternative to match play.
5:30pm - 7pm. $25 per player, Hotel Guests $35
- Tier Three (9-12) Monday or Thursday 4:00pm-5:30pm
FALL ADULT TENNIS PROGRAM
AUGUST 31ST - DECEMBER 12TH, 2021 | 15 WEEKS
Drills are essential for players at all levels because efficient technique is the cornerstone of every great player! However, drills for beginners are different than ones for an advanced player. Online registration required for all drills.
Saturday Tennis Drills: 2.5 & 3.0 | 8:00am-9:00am ($20) 3.0 & 3.5 | 9:00am-10:30am ($25) 3.5 & above 10:30am-12:00am ($25)
2.5 Program Learn to judge where the ball is going & improve court coverage. Participants should be able to sustain a short slow-paced rally with other players of the same ability. Thursdays, 9am-10:30am. Member Drop-in: $25
3.0 Program Adult players of this level are fairly consistent when hitting medium paced balls, but not entirely comfortable with all strokes. The most common doubles formation is one up, one back. CO-ED Tuesdays 9am-10:30am. $25
3.5 Program Adult players of this level have improved court coverage are developing teamwork in doubles. This player has dependable strokes but lacks depth and variety. CO-ED. Mondays 9am10:30am. $25
4.0 Program Adult players of this level have dependable strokes and have developed an all-around game that forces errors with the serve. Teamwork in doubles is evident. CO-ED. Tuesdays 9am - 10:30am. $25
High Adrenaline This CO-ED drill is nicknamed the grind, High-Intensity drills, not much time for chatting. Get ready to hit a lot of balls. Tuesdays 7:00pm - 8:30pm and Sundays 8:30am - 10am, $25
ZENNIS THURSDAYS Learn to comprehend the strategy and tactics of the game within the game, program applicable for both singles and doubles play. Thursdays, 10:30am-12:00pm, $25
10,000 REPS Repetition is the mother of skill. Get your reps in and improve your skills. Fridays 10:30am – 11:30pm, $25
Cardio TENNIS Not for the faint of heart! A fun CO-ED class that gives players of all abilities an ultimate high energy workout. If you are looking for a new way to get in shape and burn calories, you must try Rock N Roll Tennis! Fridays, 9am - 10:30am. Member Drop-in: $25
tennis and pickleball events
Oct 3 Heavenly Hope Healing Event
Pro-Am
12:00pm - 5:00pm
FALL ADULT TENNIS LEAGUES
AUGUST 30TH - DECEMBER 12TH, 2021 | 15 WEEKS
Clash of Titans Junior Tennis Tournament
Put your skills to the test in our fall USTAsanctioned junior tennis tournament.
DIRECTIONS TO THE M&M TENNIS CENTER
1005 HILL CIRCLE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80904
From I-25 S Garden of the Gods Exit:
• Turn right on Garden of the Gods Rd. and continue straight until you reach the stoplight at N 30th Street.
• Turn left onto N 30th Street and continue straight until you reach Mesa Rd., which will be on your left.
• Turn left onto Mesa Rd. and continue straight, passing the resort (which will be on your right), until you reach the roundabout.
From I-25 S Fillmore Exit:
• Turn right on Fillmore and continue straight until you reach Mesa Rd.
• Turn right on Mesa Rd and continue until you reach the roundabout.
• Take the first exit on your right, which will lead you to the security gate at Kissing Camels.
Online registration required. $40 per person. Ages 10-18.
Haunted House of Horrors Pickleball Round Robin
Celebrate Halloween by throwing on your costume and coming out to the courts for some organized play, food, drinks, and of course, the monster mash!
7pm - 8:30pm, $25
Juniors 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Adults 2:00pm - 4:00pm, $25 Oct 22 to Oct 24
Haunted House of Horrors Pickleball
Round Robin
3.0 Ladies Doubles Mondays, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Evening 3.0 Men’s Doubles Tuesdays, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
3.5+ Ladies Doubles Thursday Mornings, 8:30am - 10:00am
3.5+ Men’s Doubles Thursday Evenings, 7:00pm-8:30pm
3.5 Ladies Doubles Wednesday Nights, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Mixed Doubles Flex League All Levels
Flex Singles Ladies 3.0 or 3.5
Flex Singles Men’s 3.0 or 3.5 * $12 per match
FALL PICKLEBALL PROGRAM
SEPTEMBER 12TH - DECEMBER 11TH, 2021
Pickleball Open Play 7am - 8:30am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. $8 per playing time. January 25-April 2, 15 weeks of indoor play.
Wednesday Skills n Drills 10:30am - 11:30am. $20 per player, All Levels, 4-person max, 2-person minimum.
Tuesday Night Invitational 3.5+ League 7:00pm - 8:30pm. $15 per player, Professional Invite only.
Friday Skills n Drills 10:30am - 11:30am. $20 per player, All Levels, 4-person max, 2-person minimum.
Saturday start October 16 Skills n Drills 1:00pm - 2:00pm, Novice, Skills n Drill 2-3:30, All Levels, No Limits
Sunday Pickleball Flex Mixed Doubles League Set up your matches when it is convenient based on court availability. $12 per player, please send an email to sleifer@gardenofthegodsresort.com if you are interested in this league.
• Take the third exit on the roundabout, which will lead you to the security gate at Kissing Camels.
• Once you make it through the gate, continue straight on Kissing Camels Drive until you reach the 4-way stop sign at the end of the road. This stop sign is located past the golf hole that you will pass on the left.
• Continue straight through the stop sign and you have arrived at the Tennis Center
• Once you make it through the gate, continue straight on Kissing Camels Drive until you reach the 4-way stop sign at the end of the road. This stop sign is located past the golf hole that you will pass on the left.
• Continue straight through the stop sign and you have arrived at the Tennis Center.
