Private Lessons & Coaches in Wauconda, IL

Football has been my passion since early childhood. I grew up learning the basics of the game, living it every day — playing it, studying it, and enjoying every match I watched. Football is not just a sport to me; it’s a way of life. Over the years, that passion naturally evolved into coaching. I believe in developing players not only technically, but mentally and emotionally — building confidence, discipline, and love for the game. I come from Africa, where football talent runs in our blood and skills are developed instinctively from a young age. I combine that natural foundation with structured training to help young players grow, improve, and reach their full potential. Let’s build strong, smart, and confident players together.

I bring over a decade of coaching experience in tennis and pickleball, helping athletes reach their full potential through focused, athlete-centered training. After competing in tennis at the highest level, I now actively compete in pickleball tournaments, combining high-level insight with a fun, competitive environment.

When I started playing pickleball three years ago, I had not idea it would become such a big part of my life! I am passionate about sharing my love for the game and find it incredibly rewarding to see my students learn and improve. My beginner students can expect a fun learning environment that uses patience and humor as we learn the golden standards in techniques and solid fundamentals. More advanced students, get ready to sharpen those skills through drills and strategy. Let's pickle!

For two decades, I've fostered basketball skills and passion in players of all levels. My experience allows me to tailor training for individual success while keeping it fun and engaging. Let's elevate your game!

With over 45 years immersed in tennis, from college coaching to teaching, I cultivate skill and passion. My focus is on personalized growth, fostering confident, well-rounded players. Join me to elevate your game!

"Fantastic tennis instructor and Coach/Mentor. Very knowledgeable and detailed minded in the 2 years I've been taking tennis lessons. My all around tennis game has greatly improved!!!

Hi, I'm Ki. I'm so glad that you've decided to learn the guitar! With each lesson, I pull from my 13 years of professional experience to equip students with what they need to build confidence in their guitar playing. Lessons are tailored to you and include theory, technique, and learning popular songs. If interested, we can even cover the basics of home recording and songwriting. Book your lesson now and let’s get started together :) I offer tailored lessons for beginner to intermediate learners, blending technical skill with creative exploration.

"I liked that every step is broken down and that she has the patience to work with me before moving on. I really enjoy the cultural aspect of the lessons she gives about performing, and the different styles of music she’s experienced in. Her lessons have helped me apply even very basic knowledge to challenging situations.

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.

With 15 years on the pitch, I cultivate skills and passion for soccer. My dedication fosters growth in a supportive environment. Let's elevate your game with expertise and enthusiasm! I can also teach goal keepers incredible skills of goalkeeping

I played soccer recreationally in weekend leagues for 10 years, coached my son for six and rose to advanced AYSO coach and a member of the AYSO Evanston board before stepping way from the game. I have since returned, passing the IHSA coaching course in 2025 and working with Super Soccer Stars as a coach and assistant coach, teaching children ages 5-12.

I am a former Professional and International soccer footballer and have individually trained athletes for about 19 years now. I have coached football development academies for boys/girls ages 7-18. I've coached ages 2-5 with Soccer Shots, all ages of club level, coached at the high school level and I was an assistant coach at the collegiate level. I have also coached abroad in Australia and Iceland. I also served as a trainer and mentor for the Philippines Youth National Football Team in 2024.

""Coach Tahnai was great. I'd recommend Coach Tahnai to anyone looking to improve and develop their soccer practice."