Meet Our Coaching Team

FIND YOUR PROGRAM ➞

Leadership

Advantage YOU is led by a hands-on leadership team that combines deep tennis experience with strong operational direction. As Co-Founders, Peter Richman and Kristin Janos work together to ensure every program reflects the same high standards, thoughtful coaching, and welcoming environment across all locations.

Peter focuses on coaching education, player development pathways, and maintaining consistent training standards, while Kristin oversees operations, programming logistics, and the overall experience for players and families. Together, they guide the growth of Advantage YOU with a shared commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term development.

Peter Richman

Co-Owner and Director of Coaching

Peter brings a lifelong passion for tennis and player development to Advantage YOU. Raised in Toronto, Canada, he began playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose to the top of Canadian junior tennis, competing nationally and internationally.

Peter played Division I collegiate tennis at LSU, serving as the team’s number one player and helping lead the program to a top-10 national ranking. After transitioning into coaching, he found his passion in developing players and mentoring coaches.

As Co-Founder and Director of Coaching, Peter leads coaching education, curriculum development, and program standards across all Advantage YOU locations. He plays a key role in shaping the long-term growth of Advantage YOU by building strong coaching systems, clear player pathways, and a unified training philosophy.

Kristin Janos

Co-Founder & Director of Operations

Kristin brings passion, leadership, and a strong sense of community to Advantage YOU. Originally from Michigan, she moved to Colorado more than twenty-five years ago and built a successful business before turning her passion for tennis into her profession.

After selling her business in 2019, Kristin earned her USPTA Professional Certification and has coached adults and juniors in both group and private settings. She has served as a high school coach and USTA League Coordinator and continues to grow her own game through ongoing training.

As Co-Founder and Director of Operations, Kristin oversees the day-to-day operations and long-term vision of Advantage YOU, ensuring programs run smoothly while creating a welcoming, organized, and professional experience for players and families

Ginger Angell

Director of Tournaments

Ginger brings energy, encouragement, and a strong commitment to player development to the Advantage YOU team. With a background as a multi-sport athlete, she understands the importance of discipline, confidence, and a positive mindset both on and off the court.

After discovering tennis as an adult, Ginger began her coaching journey in 2018. She is PTR certified, USTA Safe Play certified, and CPR certified, and is actively involved in the tennis community through coaching, organizing events, and officiating.

Ginger has led USTA teams to multiple District and Sectional Championships and is known for creating a positive, motivating environment where players feel supported and encouraged to grow.

Valerie Negin

Tennis Coach

Valerie brings energy, positivity, and a strong connection with players to the Advantage YOU coaching team. She has been part of Advantage YOU for more than three years and is known for her ability to work with players of all ages and skill levels.

A former 5A State Champion and 2019 Sportswoman of Colorado, Valerie played Division I tennis at Creighton University, earning over 100 career victories, BIG EAST Freshman of the Year honors, multiple All-Conference selections, and a national ITA doubles ranking.

Valerie currently leads the Governor’s Ranch Tennis program and oversees seasonal programming at that location. She enjoys helping players grow their skills, confidence, and love for the game

Jayanne Palma

Tennis Coach

Jayanne brings a thoughtful, disciplined, and encouraging approach to the Advantage YOU coaching team. She has been part of Advantage YOU for over a year and continues to be a valued member of the team.

Jayanne has coached at community and club programs in the U.S. and the UK, including Crestmoor Community Association, JCC Tennis, and Heaton Tennis and Squash Club. As a player, she competed at a high level internationally and collegiately, playing Division I tennis at the University of Idaho and currently competing at the Division II level at Hawai‘i Pacific University.

Jayanne enjoys meeting players where they are and creating a supportive environment that encourages growth and confidence.

Joey Burkhart

Tennis Coach

Joey brings a calm, knowledgeable, and approachable presence to the Advantage YOU coaching team. While his background includes elite playing and coaching experience, Joey is known for being clear, supportive, and down-to-earth in his instruction.

Joey was the number one junior player in Florida and ranked in the top ten nationally as a junior. He played collegiate tennis at the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina. His coaching experience includes roles at Michigan State University, USTA Player Development at the USTA National Campus, and coaching on the professional WTA Tour. Joey is USPTA and USTA High Performance certified.

Joey enjoys helping both high-performance juniors and recreational players improve through clear, engaging instruction.

Jen Armstrong

Tennis Coach

Jen brings a positive, growth-focused approach to the Advantage YOU coaching team. She believes setbacks are an important part of learning and enjoys helping players build confidence, resilience, and a love for the game.

Jen is USPTA certified in both tennis and pickleball and has proudly represented Colorado in the National NTRP Singles Competition. She has eight years of experience coaching high school tennis in both the 4A and 5A divisions, has served as Head Director for the RORY program, and has coached multiple Junior Team Tennis teams to State Championships and State Finals.

Jen enjoys giving back to players at every level and helping them feel confident both on and off the court.

Emily Hafner

Tennis Coach

Emily brings a thoughtful, enthusiastic approach to coaching and a deep love for the game to the AdvantageYOU team. Her tennis journey began in Southern Germany, where she fell in love with the sport at a young age and began coaching early.

Emily earned her Bavarian Tennis Association coaching license before moving to the United States to play college tennis at the University of Montevallo and Metropolitan State University of Denver. She earned PacWest Conference Newcomer of the Year honors, achieved a top-10 national singles ranking in Division II singles, and received All-American recognition.

Emily later served as assistant coach for the MSU Denver men’s and women’s teams and has coached players ranging from nationally ranked juniors to adult beginners. She enjoys helping players of all ages grow their game through thoughtful instruction and encouragement.

Lila Barroso García

Tennis Coach

Lila brings over 20 years of international coaching experience to Advantage YOU. She has worked with players of all ages and levels across Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States, with a strong focus on youth development, adult programming, and competitive training.

Lila has coached at respected clubs and academies including the Sánchez-Casal Tennis Academy and the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, and has experience working with professional-level athletes. Her coaching approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, structured progression, and building confidence through consistent, purposeful training.

What consistently stands out is the energy Lila brings to the court. Her enthusiasm, positive presence, and ability to engage players create an environment where athletes feel motivated, supported, and excited to improve.

In addition to her tennis background, Lila values overall wellness and mental performance, helping players develop both physically and mentally in a supportive setting. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and French and brings a global perspective to every Advantage YOU program she leads.

Jason Eckles

Tennis Coach

Jason brings deep experience and a genuine passion for player development to the Advantage YOU coaching team. His love for tennis began at just four years old when his mother shortened the handle of a wooden racquet so he could swing it properly. From that first rally, he was hooked.

Jason played collegiate tennis at St. Mary’s of the Plains College before continuing at Kansas State University. His coaching career has included collegiate roles, nine years as Junior Tennis Coordinator at Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club in New Jersey, and five years as a teaching professional at Colorado Athletic Club Inverness. Jason coaches with Advantage YOU and also works Denver Tennis Park during the winter months.

Jason is known for creating a positive, high-energy environment where players feel supported and motivated. He especially values the moment when something finally clicks for a player, whether it’s a technical adjustment or a boost in confidence. His coaching philosophy centers on persistence, positivity, and time on task, helping players build both skill and belief in their game.