Private Lessons & Coaches in Elmhurst, IL

I’m a former collegiate & semi-pro player and current private soccer coach dedicated to helping athletes improve technical skill, game IQ, and confidence on and off the field. My training sessions combine precision drills, game-scenario work, and mindset coaching to help players stand out in competition and develop the habits of top performers.

I grew my love for the beautiful game playing in AYSO on the lakefront before moving on to play club soccer with Chicago Fire Juniors, Chicago City Soccer Club. I played D3 soccer at The College of Wooster, and since graduating I have still been very involved in the game. I coached with Surf Soccer Club while living in California for 2 years after graduating, before moving back home to Chicago and reuniting with my old club Chicago City as a coach/analyst.

History of tennis, racquetball, and pickleball. Aggie flight attendant.

I have 7 years of basketball coaching experience, with a range of coaching teams, clinics, and individual sessions. I cater my sessions due to the athlete's goals and expectations. I focus on the mastering the fundamentals, a disciplined approach, and supporting both skill and mental development. I make the learning experience fun and supportive!

Wendy Tesar is a dedicated bilingual educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She currently serves as a Bilingual Specialist Teacher in Illinois, supporting multilingual learners through engaging, student-centered instruction. Wendy holds a Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in Bilingual Education, ESL, and Reading, and earned a Master of Education in ESL/Bilingual Education and Reading from National Louis University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Linguistic Diversity and Equity, with a commitment to fostering academic success, language development, and inclusive learning environments.

I have a background in bioengineering and laboratory science, with experience mentoring peers, training new team members, and helping others build confidence in technical subjects. My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and tailored to each individual's goals and learning style. I enjoy working with students of all experience levels and focus on breaking down complex concepts into clear, practical steps that make learning engaging and approachable.

Igniting passion and skill on the court is my specialty. As a solid tennis and pickleball player, I taught highly regarded skills clinics in the local community. Most of my players experience rapid progress on the court and leave the clinic with much more confidence and enthusiasm for the game. I offer tailored instruction to elevate your game, making learning fun and effective. Let's achieve your goals together! I’m passionate about the sport and would like to help as many people learn and improve as possible. If you need a lesson outside of Wilmette in the north shore area, please send me a request. I’ll see what I can do. All my sessions will be tailored specifically to individual players. Here’s an overview of what we will do based on your levels: For Beginners: Building the Foundation The goal is to get you up and running so you can truly enjoy your new sport. I will focus on laying a solid technical foundation and teaching you the key strategies needed to start playing matches. By understanding the "how" and the "why" early on, you will see consistent, rewarding progress over time. For Intermediate Players: Breaking the Bottleneck I will identify exactly what is holding you back—the specific moments where you feel uncomfortable or lose points repeatedly. We’ll use purposeful, engaging drills to turn those weaknesses into strengths. Often, refining just one specific shot can transform your entire game. From there, we will progress into advanced shot selection and point construction. For Advanced Players: Mastering the Margins At this level, it’s about fine-tuning your unique style. I will analyze your game to sharpen your anticipation, balance, and footwork. Our sessions focus on high-level decision-making, precise targeting, and superior ball control. Finally, we’ll integrate the "secret sauce" of the competitive game: mental toughness and peak physical fitness.

"I’m an advanced tennis player. Playing pickleball is easy but also humbling as I level up when patience and strategy become critical. Wen helped me understand the key difference between the two sports and develop skills and intuition to play competitively in pickleball.

Former Junior/HS/D3 College Tennis Player Current Competitive Paddle Tennis Player and Instructor - Winnetka Series 4 Player/Prairie Club (Glenview Park District) Instructor Current Competitive Pickleball Player and Instructor - Morton Grove Park District, HP PD, GV PD, NS YMCA, D214 Extension Coaching beginners to tournament players

From crisp drills to decisive match moments, I blend precision and passion as a football coach. I bring years of playing, coaching, and teaching football, specializing in technique, tactical awareness, and player development. I deliver disciplined training, individualized feedback, and an encouraging, focused environment.

Head Coach Purdue Northwest University Tennis Expert collegiate and junior level teaching. Open to all the levels