Koua Yang
My name is Koua Yang. I am a USPTA and PTR certified teaching professional and a youth tennis coach. I was the boys and girls head tennis coach at Harding High School for 15 years before becoming the athletic director at Como Park Senior High. I have also worked for St Paul Urban Tennis (SPUT) for over twenty years. These experiences have led me to the belief that young players need more opportunities for affordable, competitive, match play.
Ricky Moua
Tournament and Administrative Director
Hmong Asian American – He/Him/His
BA: Metro State University / Individualized Studies: Sports and Psychology for Youth and Community Development
Certifications:
-USPTA: P2
-PTR 10&U: Instructor
-PTR 11-17: Instructor
I am a byproduct of St. Paul and an educator working in St. Paul Public Schools providing youth enrichment opportunities, athletic programming, and working as an Assistant Athletic Director. My passion stems from personal experiences I underwent leading to my mission, teaching in experiences of regret and empowering young leaders. These experiences led my journey to being a High School Tennis Coach, Tennis Outreach/Education Specialist, St. Paul Urban Tennis Coordinator, Behavior and Academic Specialist, and now an Assistant Athletic Director. I’m currently in grad school at St. Mary’s University pursuing my Masters in Educational Leadership.
My tennis and athletic journey began after high school when I found my first job at St. Paul Urban Tennis. I taught tennis lessons while working with youth. After 8 years and currently still employed in SPUT now as a coordinator, being able to see the kids grow and experience mistakes, I knew it was my goal to provide my servant leadership. Receiving my professional coaching certifications, I was able to bring my knowledge voluntarily back to my community at Harding Senior High’s Tennis program as the Head Coach in 2018. I branched out and brought my knowledge to many St. Paul Schools such as Johnson Sr, Central Sr, and Como Sr.
My tennis philosophy is to provide 100% of quality coaching to my best capabilities for anyone wanting and willing to learn regardless of their race, gender, and class.
Brandon Kuether
Tennis Professional
He/Him/His
BA: Hamline University / Education and Sociology
Tennis Coaching Certifications:
USPTA
PTR
Brandon Kuether’s journey as a tennis professional began when he joined the Saint Paul Urban Tennis staff as a head coach in 2014. As a standout staff member earning the Rookie Coach of Year Award, he has since seen his role continue to grow as the Tennis Program Manager. Originally from Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Brandon moved to Saint Paul once he moved on campus at Hamline University, and hasn’t left since. A Piper graduate in 2018, Brandon received a degree in Sociology and Education. A former captain of the Hamline Men’s Tennis Team, Brandon’s passion for tennis continues to grow and develop as he is now a certified teaching professional through USPTA as well as PTR. Brandon is excited to continue to use the power of sport to teach life and leadership skills to the young minds of Saint Paul.
My coaching philosophy is that creating better players is about creating better leaders. There are many characteristics of leaders that will directly translate into better performance on the court. A tennis instructor feeds balls, but as a coach, we are mentors.
Tom Boulay
BA: University of Minnesota / Secondary Education: Native American Studies
Tennis Coaching Certifications: USPTA P1
Tom has an extensive amount of experience coaching all levels of tennis. He started his coaching career in the former Minneapolis Indoor Tennis Club and moved to Omaha, Nebraska to be the Director of Tennis at Westroads Indoor Tennis Club for two years.
Tom is currently a teaching pro at White Bear Lake Lifetime Fitness and have been there since 2008. Additionally, he is valuable member of Saint Paul Urban Tennis pioneering the Warrior Leadership Academy. During the high school season, Tom serves as the JV and C team coach for Stillwater High School.
Amazingly, he owns his own business called Thunderbird Marketing and recently became a certified Life Coach. He is fully committed to the growth and development of young adults.
