Brie Rippner Parsons

Manager/ Head Pro

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Brie Rippner Parsons came to Austin, Texas in 2004 providing private and group tennis instruction for hundreds of players within Austin's enthusiastic tennis community. Brie has successfully implemented the gamut of tennis instruction services: private lessons, novice classes, intermediate and advanced clinics, junior classes and match-play classes. The result has been a loyal following of regular clients.

Brie possesses an exceptionally strong background in the game of tennis. Her many accomplishments as a player include 1995 US National Junior Champion, runner-up at the 1997 Junior Wimbledon championships, 2000 USTA Pro Circuit Player of the Year, competitor in 14 Grand Slam main draw events, and a WTA singles ranking of 57 in the world. Of course, success as a player and success as a tennis instructor are different endeavors. Brie's 1996 USTA national junior sportsmanship award attests to her personal characteristics which have kept so many of her clients always coming back.

During Brie's 6 1/2 year professional tennis career, stretching from 1997 to 2003, she competed against Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova, Venus and Serena Williams, Monica Seles, Jennifer Capriati and Justine Henin. She made it to the final 32 at the Wimbledon Championships.

Noah Rippner

Teaching Professional

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Noah Rippner has been teaching and playing tennis for most of his life. After taking his first tennis lesson at age 10, Noah began playing the USTA junior competitive circuit in Northern California. He was ranked highly in Northern California as a junior, but really hit his stride in college, where he won the California Community College State championship and NCAA Division III National Championship. As a sophomore in college Noah was ranked #3 in the Northern California men's open division and as a junior he finished the year ranked #1 in the nation in Division III doubles, and #3 in singles.  In 1995, at age 20, Noah's competitive playing career came to an end as the result of injury.

During his college playing days, Noah began training local junior competitive junior players. After college he established a clientele of adult and junior students on his family's backyard court. During this time he decided to head back to school to pursue the study of psychology. He completed a two-year internship to become a credentialed school psychologist in California, and completed a Masters degree in psychology in 2003. From 2001 to 2004 Noah gained invaluable experience working at a group home for youths with severe disabilities. In 2005 he moved on from his care provider job and accepted the position of Director of Tennis at the Chico Racquet Club and Resort. Noah managed all the tennis activities at a relatively large private tennis club. Included were lessons, classes, socials, and events.

In 2006, Noah left California for Austin with the intention of working with Brie to establish RippnerTennis at South Austin Tennis Center.  In 2010, he re-entered graduate school to study psychology, and in 2011 accepted a full-time school psychology position.  He continues to provide individual and group lessons on a part-time schedule.

John Hospod

Associate Teaching Professional

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

After playing tennis at Vassar College in New York, John started his
professional tennis career in 1996 as a tennis pro at Balcones Country
Club in Austin. During his tenure at Balcones, John rose to level of
Head Professional. In 2000, John left for a position as Director of
Tennis at the Georgetown Tennis Center. After several years splitting
time between professional photography and tennis, John has returned to
full time coaching at the South Austin Tennis Center.

John specializes in a mastery of the mechanics of the modern game and
keeping up to date with current cutting edge changes in stroke
production. His unique approach allows for the beginning student to
quickly obtain advanced techniques that may be refined over time.
Returning students benefit greatly from learning the contemporary
game. This method allows for the experienced players to work toward
the production of more effective strokes while keeping the focus on
injury prevention. The advanced student benefits from John's
meticulous attention to the subtleties of the modern stroke
production. This more flowing and relaxed style of play enhances
performance.

John honors his students' goals weather it's mastering the strokes of
the modern game or getting a good workout on the court. His extensive
knowledge of fitness and nutrition allows him to contribute to the
clients' complete fitness experience. He strives to create an
atmosphere where the student finds peace, clarity and enjoyment when
life becomes busy.

Tom Emery

Associate Teaching Professional

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tom Emery is passionate about tennis. As he says himself, "I love what I do." For over 14 years he has taught tennis everywhere including Europe, New Zealand, Japan, Seattle and now Austin. Tom has worked with a diverse group of students and tennis professionals, some of whom have gone on to become nationally ranked players.

Known as a high-energy tennis professional, Tom uses traditional methods mixed with modern techniques to increase players' levels quickly and easily. Through personal interaction and a passion for all aspects of tennis, he is the whole package. He doesn't litter and he has never turned down a slice of pizza.

Here at Austin's Rippner Tennis Center, he has expanded the programs by incorporating "Little Tennis" to its roster. "Little Tennis" caters to 4-8 year olds, giving them a solid foundation while offering young players a sense of fun.

Tom continues to enhance his own skills by attending conferences and specialty courses. In using what he has learned from beginners and world-class players of every generation. Tom delivers a well-rounded view of the game itself and how to be a skilled player.He keeps current with the latest in tennis technology and offers his students advice on the latest equipment as well as fitness regimens to the best fit each student's game.

Tom's enthusiam for tennis is contagious, and he works to help his students love the game as much as he does. Whether you are 4 years old or 94 years old, this is a lifelong sport, and Tom's coaching keeps it fun for the long haul.

Jo Atherton

Associate Teaching Professional

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

More information coming soon

Michael MacVay

Director of Junior Programing

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kent Franke

Associate Teaching Professional / Pro Shop Manager

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

More information coming soon