Kirk Orahood

Kirk Orahood, USPTA certified teaching professional, has been teaching tennis in Orange County for 47 years. Following a successful 2 years playing #1 at Golden West College, Kirk decided to become a tennis coach / teacher. Under the tutelage of Mark Elliott, world ranked doubles player, Kirk first taught at Park Newport before moving to Tustin Hills Racquet Club. Developing juniors into champions became his gift. 

After 6 rewarding years at THRC, Kirk took the head pro job at Mesa Verde Country Club. It was here that Kirk was introduced to the Briggs family, who entrusted him with the tennis development of their young sons, Steve and Michael. Mike was 5 years old when Kirk started teaching him tennis. Truly a gifted athlete, Mike loved tennis, worked hard and became the USTA national singles champ at ages of 12. Kirk continued coaching Mike through his high school years at Newport Harbor High School and traveling with him to national tournaments around the United States. Following successful collegiate years at UCI, Briggs turned pro and became a top ranked ATP doubles player with his UCI doubles partner, Trevor Kronemann.

Kirk also was responsible for the development of Devin Bowen, who receive a scholarship to Texas Christian University and also played 12 years of ATP professional tennis. Devin is currently the assistant men’s coach at TCU. In addition to a myriad of other top juniors, many of whom received college scholarships, several others besides Devin have followed Kirk’s dream of teaching and coaching tennis at clubs, high schools and colleges.

Most recently (last 14 years) Kirk has been the Tennis Director and Head Coach of both boy’s and girl’s teams at JSerra Catholic High School, running one of the most successful, true “No Cut” tennis programs in the county.

Outside of tennis, Kirk’s most meaningful accomplishment is raising two outstanding kids. His son, Hunter, was a five sport letterman at San Clemente High School and a Division I scholarship high jumper at U.C. Santa Barbara, graduating with a degree in film studies. He is now a master mixologist in New York / Colorado and helps design and build high end kitchens and bars for an international boutique hotel firm.

Daughter, Taylor, received a D-I tennis scholarship at South East Missouri State after lettering 4 years in high school. Upon graduating from college, Taylor helped coach at JSerra for 3 years, before moving back to Colorado where she earned her occupational therapist degree and is now a licensed practitioner in Montrose, CO.

When not on the tennis courts, Kirk enjoys spending any extra time at the beach, riding bikes, playing his guitar and shooting photography.