RRC Rafael Racquet Club

Mike Downs

Head Tennis Pro & League Director

Mike was born and raised in San Rafael.  His family home in Lucas Valley had two tennis courts right across the street, so naturally he took up tennis. Mike grew up playing tennis at RRC under the tutelage of Hal Wagner. He won his first tournament at the age of 11, and was a prominent Northern California Junior, earning a #10 ranking in boys 18 and under.  At Terra Linda High he was a four-year Varsity Letterman and helped the Trojans to two MCAL Co-Championships.

Mike was a walk-on at UC Irvine and as a freshman he earned a position as a starter in both singles and doubles.  The following year he was awarded a scholarship. In 1985 he worked as an assistant coach for the U.S. Junior Davis Cup Team. He also worked at various Adidas/Nike tennis camps throughout California.  He graduated from UCI with a degree in Economics.

After college, Mike competed in local tournaments, winning numerous Open Titles including Mixed Doubles wins at the Wagner Memorial with Lisa Barry Berg. In 1992, Mike began teaching tennis at Mt. Tam Racquet Club. It was there that he met his wife Angela, who continues to be his most loyal student! She is a personal trainer and indoor cycling instructor at Mt. Tam.  They have three children, Zoe, Bella and Luke.

Mike has coached the Men’s Team at Dominican College, as well as the San Rafael High School Girls.  The past couple of years he has run afterschool programs at Marin Primary and Middle School, Vallecito, Glenwood and Sun Valley elementary schools.  During that time he also ran the Unlimited Tennis Summer Camps at Terra Linda High School.

As you can see Mike has had a lifetime love of the game of tennis.  His experience learning and playing the game has helped shape his teaching style, blending skills, tactics and conditioning.  He is excited to bring this passion to all the members at RRC.

Mike Downs

 

415-302-7974