MCTA was established after recognizing the need for equitable, affordable, and accessible youth tennis opportunities in McMinnville, Oregon. While our immediate focus is on the need to create and maintain summer youth tennis programming, our vision is to create a sustainable organization that grows the sport of tennis in Yamhill County for all ages.
Who We Are
Board Members:
Erica Anderson (secretary), Doug Barsotti (treasurer), Marianne Mills (vice chair), Erin Stephenson (chair)
Executive Director:
Lisa Macy-Baker
INSTRUCTORS:
Alexa Anderson
Alexa is a senior at McMinnville High School. She grew up playing tennis with her mom. It wasn’t until her freshman year that she found her passion for tennis. Her love of tennis prompted her to take lessons at George Fox University during the off-season. Alexa has made many fun memories and friendships playing tennis and is excited to introduce others in the community to her favorite sport.
Illeana Barsotti
Illy started playing tennis with her tennis-loving family and is currently a member of the Grizzly Varsity squad. She also swims and players soccer. In addition, Illy is bilingual (English and Spanish), leads the high school Environmental Club and is actively involved in leadership. A lover of all things outside, Illy brings a mellow vibe that gels with kids. This will be be Illeana’s second summer as an instructor for MCTA.
Henry Berger
Henry grew up playing tennis with his parents. He continued his tennis journey by honing his skills at George Fox Tennis Center and Illahe Hills Tennis Club as well as competing in several UTR tournaments. Henry is about to complete his third year on the Varsity Grizzly squad. Last season, he placed 5th in doubles at the district tournament. He’s enjoyed learning from MCTA programs in the past and is looking forward to his second summer coaching.
Nylan Bills
Nylan started playing tennis his freshman year of high school but quickly picked up the sport, swinging JV/Varsity his first year and officially earning a spot on varsity his sophomore year. Since then, he has represented MHS well in both singles and doubles and even competed in the District Conference Tournament last year, making it to the 2nd round in singles. He has enjoyed participating in MCTA’s advanced classes as well as clinics at George Fox and Illahe Hills over the years and is excited to join the team as a coach for the first time this summer.
Mackenzie Fraser
Mack is the head instructor for our evening sessions. Mack graduated with honors from Linfield University in 2017 with a degree English and double minor in Spanish and gender studies. Mack was a stellar doubles’ player for the Wildcats and held a very high win percentage in singles. Mack grew up on the courts of Salem Tennis and Swim Club where her mother was a pro. Mack was a 4 time state qualifier in doubles at Spraque High School, winning the district title her senior year and finishing in 3rd place at the state tournament. Mack served as an assistant coach for STSC’s junior tennis summer program from 2009-2019. Since graduating from Linfield, Mack served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Costa Rica before returning to Yamhill County where she works as an academic advisor at Chemeketa Community College's McMinnville campus. In addition, Mack helps coach at MHS. This is Mack’s third summer as an instructor for MCTA.
Tommy Gabrielsen
Tommy began his illustrious tennis career on the courts of Lower City Park at the age of 2. Following in the footsteps of his mother who was a District Champ herself, Tommy has made a name for himself at MHS. After placing 2nd in doubles last year, Tommy and Jameson went on to win the District title this year and their first round at State. Tommy is a tennis addict and court rat. If he’s not on the tennis court, you might find him on the pickleball court. Tommy is a current player for the Linfield men’s tennis team. This will be Tommy’s third summer as an instructor for MCTA.
Madeleine Hendricks
Maddie comes from a long line of tennis greats, including her grandmother and board member, Marianne Mills. She fell in love with the sport at age 6 and hasn’t looked back. Another tennis addict and competitive tournament player, Maddie brings knowledge gleaned from a variety of private coaches, including former MCTA instructor Ella Riddle. She is currently the #1 singles for the Grizzlies and last season, placed 3rd in Districts, doubling up with partner Emma Lane. They went on to win their first match at State. This will be Maddie’s third summer working for MCTA.
Cody Pickar
Caroline Rickards
Caroline grew up playing tennis with her dad and brother Jameson. She’s learned from a variety of coaches at George Fox Tennis Center and Illahe Tennis Club. Caroline regularly participates in UTR tournaments and plays for the McMinnville High School varsity tennis team. She has enjoyed participating in past MCTA programs and is excited to be a part of MCTA’s staff this summer.
Jameson Rickards
Jameson grew up playing tennis with his dad and local pickleball pro and legendary tennis coach, Wes Gabrielsen. Jameson started playing USTA and UTR competitive tournaments two years ago and during his freshman season as a Grizzly, placed 2nd at the district doubles tournament and won his first round at the state tournament. Last year, he won the District title with Tommy and went on to win another round at the state tournament. Jameson brings a deep knowledge and passion for game along with his very personable approach. Jameson will be teaching the younger groups this summer as well as assisting Coach Mack during the evening middle level sessions.