About Wyatt Russell

Wyatt is the founder of OC Tennis

Originally started as Wyatt Russell Tennis in 2016, the brand is new but the mission and vision remain unchanged.

Early Days

Wyatt started playing tennis around age 6 in the Midwest. With a true 4 season climate Wyatt grew up playing indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer. He grew up in a tennis family with aunts, uncles, and a brother James Russell who all played division I level tennis. His father was a 5.0 player and coached Wyatt and James quite a bit.

He played at a high level as a junior in the pacific northwest. Shortly after high school and while working on a bachelors degree he was brough into the coaching world at a private club outside of Seattle.

Early Coaching

In 2008, Wyatt began his coaching journey under the guidance of top-tier professionals, quietly learning the ins and outs of tennis instruction. He started with just a few hours a week assisting with the club’s junior team program. Within a couple of years—and now working full-time—a senior leader left for a new opportunity, taking a sizable portion of the business with them, as often happens when great pros move to nearby clubs.

Wyatt stepped up as the new Head Professional and took over most of the programming. He focused on building a strong junior program rooted in solid fundamentals and a fun, positive learning environment. Within two years, the program grew by over 40%.

He was fortunate to coach several juniors who went on to play collegiate tennis—some of whom later became coaches themselves.

Wyatt also led adult USTA teams to playoff appearances and division titles. Over these seven pivotal years, he not only developed as a coach but gained deep insight into the operations and day-to-day mechanics of running a successful tennis club.

Move to California

By 2015, Wyatt had followed love to California, relocating to Newport Beach with his then-girlfriend. He began working at several local clubs but quickly grew disillusioned with the management and culture he encountered. Determined to create something better, he launched his own company—Wyatt Russell Tennis.

In 2016, he began contracting with the City of Laguna Hills, starting a grassroots program focused on building strong fundamentals for both kids and adults. Later that same year, he expanded to a second location at Halecrest Park Swim and Tennis Club in Costa Mesa. Neither site had any prior tennis programming.

Over the next few years, both programs flourished. Kids enjoyed the fun and supportive atmosphere, and parents appreciated the structure, quality, and community that Wyatt and his staff brought to the courts.

Today

Today, Wyatt continues to lead OC Tennis while also consulting with tennis and pickleball clubs—ranging from established businesses to startups—helping them maximize their potential. He brings a deep passion for delivering exceptional customer service and is committed to creating meaningful experiences for both clients and the broader community.

Personal Life

Wyatt currently lives in Costa Mesa with his wife Kristin, son Tyler, daughter Katelyn, Kaia (dog) and cat (cat). When he isn’t working or playing tennis he enjoys listening to music, mountain biking, cruiser biking, golfing, and of course spending time with his family.