For nearly two decades, Michael Marquez has been helping transform the landscape of the Central Coast, both on and off the tennis court.

Growing up in Ventura, Michael’s infatuation with tennis started at a young age, with his earliest memory dating back to attending junior clinics led by Wayne Bryan at Cabrillo Racquet Club. He began playing organized tennis when he was just six years old, participating in the “Tiny Tots” program at the Pierpont Racquet Club in 1987. Although his parents did not play the sport themselves, Michael’s competitive nature was inherited from his father, a former professional surfer. Competing in junior tennis throughout Southern California in his younger years, Michael’s skills kept evolving as he grew older and headed into high school.

Earning a spot on the boys team at Saint Bonaventure High School, he carved out a very successful athletic resume for himself, one that would provide him with the opportunity to play tennis at the collegiate level. Leaving his hometown shortly after his graduation, Michael headed north in 1999, where he would attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as a member of the men’s tennis team.

Under the leadership of Chris Eppright and then coach and now Executive Director of USTA Southern California, Trevor Kronemann, Michael was a member of the Mustangs’ squad from 1999-2003. There, Michael compiled 21 victories over his collegiate career while earning an All-Big West honorable mention in 2002. Trevor shared his sentiment on Michael as a player and now in his role as a tournament director. 

“Michael played a big part in our success at Cal Poly,” said Kronemann. “It’s great that he is now continuing his passion for tennis and providing programming for all tennis players. He is a known commodity on the Central Coast tennis scene and does a great job in his role at the Avila Beach Tennis Club.”

Graduating in 2004 with a degree in Journalism and a newfound love of his college town, Michael remained in SLO while building a prominent career for himself in the restaurant industry. Helping lead two of the town’s most frequented spots for food and beverage, he was first the Bar Manager at Firestone Grill until August of 2010 before working as a Managing Partner of Creeky Tiki Bar and Grill through May of 2014. Following these two stints, Michael’s background would come full circle, combining his passions of tennis, the restaurant industry and his two hometowns into the next steps of his career.

Taking on a new role in June of 2014, Michael became a Managing Partner of the Ventura County staple, Spencer Mackenzie’s Fish Company. Still living in SLO at the time, he simultaneously accepted a role that was too good to pass up, as he became the Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach at his alma mater, Cal Poly. Michael would remain in both of these positions for just over two years before accepting the role he is still in today, working as the Director of Tennis at the Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa. In this position, he has been in charge of overseeing all tennis-related activities at the club, has helped provide private lessons to club members and members of the public, and has worked as a tournament director, a role that has been in serious need of more help on the Central Coast. 

As a tournament director for the past eight years, the now 43 year-old has left his imprint on the growth of tennis on the Central Coast. Running his events with professionalism and class while promoting good behavior above all else for his players, he  has raised the standard of what a tournament director can be. A Southern California Sportsmanship Award winner at Junior Sectionals in 1992, sportsmanship has always been and still remains of the utmost importance to him. 

“Excellent sportsmanship means everything to our community on the Central Coast and the values of excellent sportsmanship carry on into other aspects of a players life far beyond the game of tennis,” stated Michael. “Maintaining a high standard of sportsmanship when attending one of my tournaments is expected.”

Being able to continue to revolve his life around the sport he loves so much has been a joy for Michael, who has always felt a special connection to tennis. For many people in life, there are things that drive them to make an impact. For Michael, tennis is and looks to always be that thing, and directing tournaments gives him the chance to do so. 

“Tennis has been the most valuable and positive aspect of my life. It allows me to make new friends on a daily basis and as a coach improve the lives of others in a positive and healthy way,” Michael shared. “What I like most about being a tennis director is watching the players improve from tournament to tournament or year after year as well as chatting with the families from all over California and telling them about the Central Coast. I will typically give them recommendations of my favorite places to visit or some of my favorite restaurants. The most enjoyable part of my job is helping build a fun, vibrant, and cohesive tennis community.”

Sharing with those who may be interested in following in his footsteps, Michael stresses the importance of directing tournaments. As a director himself, he has seen how much of an impact one person can have on the growth of play in an area, as well as the memories that can help be created for so many through his position. 

“My advice for anyone interested in becoming a tennis director is to definitely pursue it if you have a passion for tennis and competition,” added Michael. “The more tennis tournaments available in your local community will only improve the overall level of play and healthy competition, also strengthening relationships and friendships that could last an entire lifetime.”

With Michael once witnessing the joys of tennis first-hand as a junior player, he understood the ability that his coaches and mentors had in helping shape his and others skills, mindsets and mannerisms, on and off the court. As he leads tournaments and connects with players and their families, Michael has now imparted his wisdom and admiration for the sport that changed his life with the locals of his community. In leaving his mark, Michael does not stand alone, crediting the amazing people within his circle that work so hard to make a difference for tennis players not only on the Central Coast, but all throughout SoCal. 

“What I do is not possible without the countless hours of time and dedication from our community and the amazing tennis professionals such as Stefan Hardy, Hugh Bream, Korey Kolb, Zach Hilty, Hailey Terrones, Klara Milojkovic, Nick Carless, Jurgen De Jager, Bill Dunkle, Brett Van Linge, Paige Billingsley, Ellie Edles, Mike Edles, Dagne Ricci, Paul Fiala, Mark Schribner, Michael Gerard, Michelle Heidbrink, Devin Barber, Amy Barber, Darian Wright, Noah Ortiz and Jessica Blackburn,” said Michael. 

As we sit today, the Marquez household has recently seen the addition of two more possible tennis enthusiasts. Over the past couple years, Michael and his wife Natalie welcomed the births of Iris Jade Marquez (two years old) and Ivy Rae Marquez (seven months old) to their family. Beginning to find her footing, Iris has begun to swing a tennis racquet as well as take up skateboarding, while time will only tell for Ivy. With Natalie being an avid player herself in leagues at Avila Bay Club, there seems to be unbound potential for the two youngsters.

Continuing to help elevate youth tennis in the area, Michael has recently picked up another occupation in SLO, serving as a volunteer assistant coach for Mission Prep’s Boys High School’s tennis team. With the Royals, Michael has helped lead his squad to back to back CIF Team Championships in 2022 and 2023, and now looks to reach that level of success once more this upcoming season.