Great tennis. Good people.
Tennis lessons in Riverside, CA.
Group tennis clinics, private lessons and social play for all ages across Riverside and Moreno Valley. No tryouts, no pressure — just a welcoming place to learn, improve, and play with a USTA Safe Play approved tennis coach.
- All levels welcome
- Kids, adults & families
- USTA Safe Play approved coach
COACH MINDY · EMPIRE ACADEMY TENNIS
Meet your coach
Hi, I'm Coach Mindy.
I built Empire Academy Tennis around what tennis should feel like: small groups, great energy, and a court experience where everyone feels welcome. I've taught beginners through their first swing and helped players find confidence for league play, tennis teams, and tournaments. I work with kids, parents, retirees, and anyone ready to try something new or wanting to dust off their racquet from days past.
You won't find a ranking pipeline here. You'll find drills that stick, warm-ups that make you smile, and a community that keeps coming back. That's Empire Academy Tennis: quality over quantity, every session, every time.
- Riverside & Moreno Valley
- All ages & levels
- On court every week
Credentials
USTA Safe Play approved
Background-screened and Safe Play trained through the United States Tennis Association, so kids and parents can feel at ease on court.
USTA-ranked player
Coach Mindy still competes. Women's 60 final rankings, January 2026:
- Team doubles
- #1 Southern California
- #15 National
- Individual doubles
- #4 Southern California
- #15 National
USTA final ranking · 01/20/2026
Programs
What I offer
Pick your pace. Whether you're picking up a racquet for the first time or refining your game, every session offers small-group instruction, lots of touches, and a welcoming community. Not sure where to start? We'll help you find your fit.
- All levels
Group clinics
Weekly · 60-90 min
Drills, games, and live-point play in a small-group setting built on encouragement, camaraderie, and fun.
1-on-1Private lessons
By appointment
Lessons tailored to your goals, your pace, and your game, with coaching that is personal, purposeful, and focused on results.
AdultsAdult social play & leagues
Weeknights · sunset sets
Doubles, friendly competition, and a community of players who make every session something to look forward to.
KidsKids' community sessions
Weekends · ages 5-14
High-energy classes that make learning the fundamentals fun.
New to tennisBeginner intro courses
4-week blocks
Never held a racquet? You're in the right place. Four classes that introduce fundamentals, develop coordination, and build confidence on the court, sparking a love for the game.
- Level up
Intermediate & advanced courses
4-week blocks
Already rallying? Sharpen your strokes, serve, and court positioning with match-play drills built for league, team, and tournament players.
Now enrolling
Classes with the City of Moreno Valley
Coach Mindy also teaches through Moreno Valley Parks & Community Services. These classes are hosted by the City, and registration takes place on their website. Just tap a class to get started.
Youth Beginner Tennis
Morrison Park
Wed · 5:00-5:55 PM
Ages 6-9Enroll on city siteYouth Tennis II
Morrison Park
Wed · 6:00-6:55 PM
Ages 10-14Enroll on city siteAdult Beginner Clinic
Weston Park
Thu · 6:30-7:30 PM
18+Enroll on city siteSaturday Family Tennis
Morrison Park
Sat · 9:00-10:00 AM
All agesEnroll on city site
Calendar
Upcoming events
Clinics, socials, camps and special events, soonest first. Tap a highlighted day to see what's on.
Nothing on the calendar just yet
New clinics, socials and special events show up here as soon as they're scheduled. Private lessons are always open in the meantime.
Request a lessonWhy train here
Quality over quantity
Empire Academy Tennis stays small on purpose. Here's what that buys you.
01
Community first
Small groups, familiar faces, and courts that feel like home turf.
02
Commitment
We show up every week, rain or shine (mostly). Consistency is how players get built.
03
Excellence, human scale
Real fundamentals and honest coaching, without the pressure pipeline.
04
Quality over quantity
Fewer players per court, more swings per session, better tennis.
From the court
Class photos
Real sessions, real light. New photos land here after each class.
Coach's corner
Tips from Mindy
Short fixes that make the biggest difference, with a video worth watching for each.
- Video coming soon
Fix your toss first
Nine out of ten serve problems are toss problems. Release at eye level, palm open, like a waiter setting down a tray, and let the ball barely spin.
- Video coming soon
Soft hands at the net
A volley is a catch, not a swing. Shrink your backswing to zero, firm up the wrist, and let the ball rebound off your strings.
- Video coming soon
Footwork before power
Arrive early and balanced and the power shows up for free. Split-step every single time your opponent hits, no exceptions.
Before you book
Common questions
The things people ask most before their first session on court.
Where are your tennis lessons held?
- Lessons and clinics run in Riverside and Moreno Valley, California. Community classes are also offered through Moreno Valley Parks & Community Services, which you can enroll in on the city's own site. Request a time on court and Coach Mindy will confirm the exact location with you.
Do I need my own racquet?
- No. Bring water, a hat, and a racquet if you own one — if you don't, we have one for you to use. That applies to every program, so a first lesson costs you nothing but the time.
What ages do you coach?
- All of them. There are kids' community sessions and junior programs for ages 5 to 17, adult clinics and social leagues, and private lessons for any age. Families regularly learn together, and parents are welcome on court alongside their children.
Do I need any tennis experience to start?
- None at all. There are no tryouts and no pressure. Beginner intro courses run in four-week blocks and are built for people who have never held a racquet, while intermediate and advanced courses suit players already rallying.
How do I book a tennis lesson?
- Use the “Request a time on court” form on this page. Pick a date, a time of day and the kind of session you want, and you'll get a reference code by email. Coach Mindy confirms by email or phone, usually within a day. Nothing is booked until she confirms.
How long is a session?
- You can request 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Group clinics typically run 60 to 90 minutes, private lessons are arranged by appointment, and the four-week course blocks meet weekly.
Is Coach Mindy certified?
- Yes. Coach Mindy is USTA Safe Play approved, the United States Tennis Association's background-screening and safety standard for coaches, and is a USTA-ranked player in Women's 60 doubles at both sectional and national level.
Book a lesson
Request a time on court
Pick a lesson type, day, and time. Coach Mindy confirms every request personally.
How it works
- 1Pick a lesson type and a time that works for you.
- 2Mindy gets your request instantly and confirms by email.
- 3Show up and play. Racquets available to borrow.
Prefer to just ask?
Email Mindy directly. She's happy to help you find the right session.
From the community
People keep coming back
I hadn't picked up a racquet since high school. Three weeks in I'm rallying, and I've somehow got four new friends.
Dana R. · adult beginner clinic My kids beg to go to tennis. That's the whole review.
Marcus T. · tennis parent Mindy makes you feel like the most important player on the court, whatever your level.
Priya S. · social league
Say hello
Come hit with us.
First session's easy: bring water, a hat, and a racquet if you have one. If you don't, we do. Questions, requests, or just want to talk tennis? Reach out.