Private Lessons & Coaches in Sausalito, CA

On the court, I believe in fostering a fun, growth-oriented environment built on a foundation of respect and teamwork. For 10 years, I've honed my skills, developing a coaching style that blends technical expertise with an emphasis on personal development. My passion lies in unlocking each athlete's potential.

I'm a basketball coach with 15 years of experience igniting passion and developing talent on the court. My coaching style blends technical expertise with a focus on building confidence and teamwork, creating a fun yet challenging learning environment. I'm dedicated to helping each player reach their full potential.

With eight years of playing experience—from youth levels to the college stage—I now focus on helping others grow through skill-based basketball training and game understanding. As a point guard and current player for KK Forza Novi Sad, I bring leadership, court vision, and deep respect for the fundamentals of the game. My training is built around: • Ball handling, shooting, and footwork • Game IQ and decision-making • Understanding the difference between 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 basketball • Developing the right mindset toward teammates, coaches, and the game itself Many players grow up playing 3-on-3 and don’t fully understand the responsibilities and spacing in 5-on-5. I help players recognize that they’re not alone on the court—you have four teammates, and knowing how to move, communicate, and adapt to them is key. I share personal insights on how to approach your teammates and coaches the right way—something that’s just as important as skills. The first training session is usually an evaluation, where we see where you’re at technically and physically. Based on that, we build a focused plan tailored to you. I also offer game film analysis when available, and if I’m in San Francisco and you’re playing, I’ll try to come and watch in person. I was the 5th-best assist leader in my league, and I always play with the intent to guide and create. That same philosophy carries into my coaching. Our work continues until I see that there’s nothing more I can give you—that’s when we know it’s time to move forward on your own. Let’s elevate your game together.

Music has been my lifelong passion, and sharing that passion as a professional pianist and dedicated educator for over 30 years brings me immense joy. My teaching philosophy centers around fostering a deep appreciation for music while nurturing each student's unique talents and goals. Let's embark on a rewarding musical journey together. Originally from Madrid, Spain, Maria Garcia Plaza started to play the piano at the age of 5. She attended the Conservatory of Music Arturo Soria in Madrid at the age of 7 and began her violin studies at the same time with Maestro Hermes Kriales. Maria has been teaching piano since she was 18 years old and it is one of her passions. She loves working with kids, introducing them at an early age to the love of music through games, making the class fun and enjoyable. At an early age she began performing and won 1st prize at the Polimusica Youth Awards at the age of 12. This allowed her to obtain a scholarship to perform with the JONDE (National Youth Orchestra of Spain) for two consecutive years. Since then she has played with several orchestras (Symphonic Orchestra of Madrid, Symphonic Orchestra of La Rioja, Camerata Musicalis), traveling through Spain, France, Italy and Germany. Maria arrived in San Francisco in 2012 and taught piano at several schools around San Francisco and San Mateo. She also teaches in Spanish. Maria is currently part of the Awesöme Orchestra based in Oakland. Her last performance was at Fox Oakland Theatre in 2016 with the band Green Day on its 20th anniversary, playing their album Dookie with Awesöme Orchestra.

Hey my name's Derek Schmidt and I'm a musician, sound designer, and music educator living in SF. I have a Masters in Music Composition and decades of performing experience.I've played piano for over three decades, for performance, production, and composition. I come at piano from an composer/songwriter perspective, so I can ground the lessons in music theory to help it all make sense, no matter what instrument you decide to play. I best teach beginning and intermediate students who want to explore different musical styles.

With 30 years of experience nurturing voices, I empower students to unlock their full potential. As a concert performer, I bring a wealth of knowledge to help you achieve your vocal goals, fostering both skill and artistry. Let's embark on a journey of musical discovery together! Meet Anna Lissa Jack, a talented singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and engineer and sometimes vocal coach from the San Francisco Bay Area. Anna has been singing and writing songs since she was a little girl. Her musical journey started at the Ephesians C.O.G.I.C in Berkeley, California, where she was pastored by the late Bishop EE Cleveland.  As she grew older, Anna developed a deep passion for harmony and experimenting with different vocal styles and musical genres. Anna’s talent really shone when she joined Castlemont High School’s Castleer’s. Under the guidance of the late great Phillip Lee Reeder, the Castleer’s became more than just a regular high school choir. He inspired many famous recording artists, who all credited Mr. Reeder for their musical journey. Some of Anna’s early musical influences include legendary artists like James Taylor, the Andrew Sisters, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Andre Crouch, the Matthew Sisters, Walter and Edwin Hawkins, the Jackson 5, Emotions, Carpenters, Carol King, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, The Beatles, Doobie Brothers, Bee Gees, Fifth Dimension, Switch, and many more. A close friend and brother, Larry Batiste, helped Anna get into AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Recording Artists) and introduced her to professional studio backup singing.  Anna has had the pleasure of working with many talented artists and has made a name for herself as a go to background singer.

With over 28 years of soccer experience, I bring a lifelong passion for the game to every team I coach. I played competitively at Miramonte High School and have spent my life immersed in youth soccer—as both a player and a dedicated coach. My coaching philosophy centers around building strong fundamentals, fostering teamwork, and helping players develop confidence both on and off the field. Whether working with beginners or experienced players, I focus on creating a positive, disciplined, and high-energy environment where young athletes can grow and thrive. I don’t just coach the game—I build players who love it, live it, and leave it all on the field.

"Francesco’s coaching helped me step up as a leader in ways I never expected. He showed me how to take responsibility, motivate others, and lead by example. Because of him, I’m more confident guiding my team and handling challenges both during games and in everyday life.

Russ is an experienced coach with over 25 years of leading athletes at the high school and youth levels. As a player, he spent two years competing in college after three standout years on his high school varsity team, where he helped capture a state championship and two league titles. His coaching career includes 25 years of high school varsity and JV football, as well as five years in Pop Warner. Currently, Russ brings his leadership and passion for the game to coaching high school boys flag football, where he continues to mentor and inspire student-athletes.

Josh, a Class A PGA Professional since 1995, has gained invaluable experience working at some of the world's top golf clubs in Australia, Asia, and Europe. With six years of competition on the Australasian, Asian, and South African PGA Tours, Josh now shares the knowledge gained from his touring career to benefit his students. His extensive background in both playing and teaching enables him to offer a unique perspective that helps golfers of all levels refine their skills and achieve their goals.

With five years of coaching experience and a background as a college-level player, I'm dedicated to helping students of all skill levels achieve their tennis goals. I bring passion, expertise, and an enjoyable learning environment to every lesson.