WMCT STAFF & Board Of Directors

Justin Beckstrom / General Manager of West Michigan Community Tennis Center

Born and raised in West and Northern Michigan, Justin has always been passionate about sports. During high school, he excelled in basketball and tennis eventually continuing his tennis career at Grand Valley State University, where he competed on the varsity team for four years. Justin turned his love for tennis into a lifelong profession. With over 30 years of experience as a professionally certified tennis instructor, he has seen firsthand the positive impact the sport can have on individuals of all ages and skill levels. Now, as General Manager of the West Michigan Community Tennis and Premier Tennis Center, he is dedicated to fostering a passion for the game and expanding its presence within the West Michigan community. justin.beckstrom@wmctpremier.com

Mickey Mikesell / Executive Director of Strategic Growth

For 35 years, tennis has been a big part of Mickey’s life. Tennis has given him some great opportunities after making All American at Grand Rapids Community College. Mickey moved to California where he trained and traveled with nationally ranked juniors for 7 years. Over the last 25 years, Mickey has been lucky enough to play and coach in Europe and South America, manage at different tennis clubs, coach at Calvin College, Davenport College and currently at East Grand Rapids High School. In 2015, Mickey helped create West Michigan Community Tennis and also started Grand Rapids Tennis Academy. Mickey continues to serve the nonprofit by overseeing the strategic growth of the organization. mickey.mikesell@wmctpremier.com

Erica Wysocki / Assistant General Manager and Director of Fitness

Erica is a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in coaching. She has always had a passion for fitness as she was a collegiate diver at Saginaw Valley State University. She furthered her passion for the sport through coaching middle school and high school diving at Byron Center schools. Erica has a passion for making people feel confident inside and outside the gym. Erica likes to utilize barbells and free weights in her programming to ensure the mind and body are being challenged and moving effectively. erica.wysocki@wmctpremier.com

Andrew Darrell / Director of Tennis

Andrew has been actively involved in tennis since age 8, when he started playing at the Maple YMCA in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Andrew went on to be All State in high school at Loy Norrix and First Team All-GLIAC in college at Grand Valley State University.

Andrew first coached tennis at Camp Walt Whitman in New Hampshire and Nike Summer Tennis Camp at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He has coached at Premier for 10 years and has grown to oversee all programming as the club’s Director of Tennis.

Off the court, Andrew enjoys golf, soccer, biking, running, reading, and playing games in his spare time.

Andrew.Darrell@wmctpremier.com

Ali Gallagher / Director of Community Outreach

Ali Gallagher started playing tennis in high school where she played varsity tennis for 4 years, along with 2 years at Grand Rapids Community College. After obtaining a Bachelor’s in Physical Education from Western Michigan University, she started coaching at Forest Hills Northern High school and currently coaches for the girls program at Forest Hills Central High School.

She has coached at the middle school, JV, and varsity levels but also has a passion for teaching youth this great game. Ali spent years with the YMCA running the youth tennis program and now oversees the community outreach programs of West Michigan Community Tennis.

At Premier, Ali coaches in junior tennis programming, as well as leading classes at our National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) sites. Additionally, she is an ITPA certified fitness trainer and leads some of our Performance Training classes.

ali.gallagher@wmctpremier.com

Caroline Phillips / Director of NJTL Education and Marketing

Caroline moved to the Grand Rapids area from Columbus, OH in the summer of 2024 to be closer to family. Caroline has previously worked as a school social worker, as well as a middle school and high school tennis coach. Caroline grew up attending clinics and lessons at her local tennis club and participating in USTA tournaments. She played 1st singles for Bexley High School and 1st singles and 1st doubles for Houghton University. Tennis has always been a major part of Caroline’s life. As WMCT and Premier begin incorporating the be nice. curriculum into our programs, Caroline is excited to coach our athletes in both tennis AND mental health. You will see Caroline around at Premier Tennis Center and our other National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) community sites. cphillips@wmctpremier.com

Jacquie Karr / Fund Development Director

Born and raised in North Muskegon, MI, Jacquie earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from the University of Michigan, which laid the foundation for her diverse professional career journey. Jacquie has embraced a variety of roles in volunteer leadership, community outreach, and management, always seeking new challenges and growth opportunities.

Jacquie is excited about working with WMCT because she is passionate about connecting communities in purposeful ways and helping people move forward to reach their dreams and achieve their goals.

Gunnar Peery / Tennis Pro

Gunnar is a Metro Detroit native who moved to Grand Rapids in 2013 to study and compete at Aquinas College. He competed at a high level in high school, capturing the Division 1 State Championship at 2 singles for Brother Rice. While at Aquinas he was a four-year starter on a team that qualified for the NAIA National Tournament twice, including years ranked #10, #13 and #17 in the nation. At Premier Tennis Center, you’ll see Gunnar in a variety of spaces. He helps lead adult and junior drills, provides private lessons, and assists in our weekly Wheelchair Tennis clinics. Along with his work with WMCT, Boys Varsity Head Coach at Grand Rapids Christian High School. gpeery@wmctpremier.com

Renata Castillo / Tennis Pro

Originally from Cancún, Mexico, Renata Castillo began playing tennis at age 9. She recently graduated from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Coaching. During her college career, she played #1 doubles and #2 singles. Renata combines her passion for the sport with her background in physical training to help players improve their performance and enjoy the game.

Faith Alvesteffer / Tennis Pro

Faith Alvesteffer is a Tennis Pro at West Michigan Community Tennis Center. She played 4 years of Varsity Tennis at Byron Center High school.

Faith grew up attending group and lessons at Premier Tennis Center. She is PTR certified and enjoys developing technique with Juniors and Adults.

Mark Hendrickson / Tennis Pro

Mark holds a UTR (Max) 9 for singles, 8 for doubles, and was ranked #1 in West Michigan USTA Men’s Tournament 4.5 Singles Player 2017 & 2022.

He currently holds two PTR certifications. While teaching, he adapts to their skill level, while educating them on the sport and helping them to enjoy it more. He also tries to improve his clients’ mental strength as he believes it is one of the most crucial skills at a high level.

Outside of Premier, Mark is the East Grand Rapids Assistant Varsity coach for Girls’ & Boys’ Tennis.

Eric Pell / Tennis Pro

Eric Pell is a PTR certified tennis professional with extensive experience as both a player and coach. He played four years of varsity tennis at Caledonia High School and was part of the 2007 OK Gold Conference Championship team before competing at Davenport University from 2010–2013, where he earned Academic All-American honors in 2010. Eric currently serves as an assistant coach at East Kentwood and East Grand Rapids High Schools. You may have seen Eric competing at WMCT/Premier on USTA travel teams, including his current 4.5 team and a 4.0 team that placed 5th at Nationals. Eric will support a variety of WMCT/Premier programs, including COURT Connections classes, and is passionate about sharing his love of tennis while helping expand the game into new spaces and communities.

Lynn Bender / Tennis Pro

Wheelchair/Adaptive/Parastanding instructor
Trainer with the USTA
Midwest Regional youth tennis provider
Local high school tennis coach
USPTA Tennis professional
USPTA Michigan Pro of the year

Kim Gates / Tennis Pro

Kim Gates, a highly decorated tennis player from Grandville, Michigan, has built an impressive career both on and off the court. She was the #1 ranked player in the nation in the 14s and 16s divisions and went on to achieve international success. Today, she channels her passion for the game into a rewarding coaching career, where she is committed to helping others reach their full potential.

Career Highlights

Ranked #1 nationally in the 14s and 16s divisions
Captured the USTA National Hard Courts title in the 16s at just 13 years old, earning the prestigious Gold Ball
Secured a #4 ITF world ranking while competing on the international stage
Recorded wins over top players such as Anna Kournikova, Amelie Mauresmo, and Serena Williams
Competed in elite Grand Slam events, including the Italian Open, US Open, and Junior Grand Slams

Collegiate Achievements

Earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Texas before transferring to the University of Tennessee
Named All-SEC at Tennessee and played a pivotal role in leading the team to the 2001 NCAA National Championship final

Coaching Experience

Coached at numerous prestigious tennis clubs and country clubs across the nation
Served as Assistant Coach at Western Michigan University, helping the team achieve a 2nd place finish in the MAC
Passionate about developing players of all levels, focusing on maximizing potential and fostering a love for the game

Anna VanderHyde / Tennis Pro

Anna VanderHyde is a PTR tennis professional with many years of tennis experience. Starting classes at WMCT at age 10, Anna then continued to play #1 singles for the Jenison Wildcats capturing the OK Red Conference singles championship and all-state honors. Anna now plays collegiate tennis at Holy Cross College which ranks among the top 10 NAIA teams in the nation.
Anna specializes in player development at all levels to include junior, adult and adaptive tennis while also ensuring an enjoyable learning environment. You will see Anna on court leading adult drills, junior programs, and private lessons.

Board Members

Win Irwin – President

Christy Buck – Vice President

Hope Margherio – Secretary

Tripp Corl – Treasurer

Wayne Lawrence, Roberto Martinez, Jill Mulaney, Steve Van Kooten, Andrea Wolfe, Michelle Krick

Key Advisors

Justin Beckstrom, Mickey Mikesell