Willis Mbandi

Willis Mbandi is a highly respected tennis coach, educator, and community leader, known for his unwavering dedication to expanding access to tennis in underserved communities. However his journey began on the courts of Mombasa, Kenya, where at 10 years old he discovered the sport and quickly rose through the junior ranks thanks to a combination of raw talent, discipline, and an unshakable belief in the power of sport. His success earned him a scholarship to Alabama A&M University (AAMU), where he became a standout player and team captain before graduating in 2006.

 

Today, he serves as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at AAMU, where he has revitalized the programs with strong leadership and a focus on player development. His efforts have culminated in major milestones such as winning the Men's SWAC Championship (2021), SWAC Coach of the year (2021) and most recently the Women's HBCU National Tennis Championship (2024) all under his guidance.

​

In addition to his collegiate coaching accomplishments, Mbandi is deeply committed to community-based tennis initiatives. He is the head coach for the Huntsville chapter of Dream Court, a nonprofit that provides adaptive tennis programs for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Partnering with the organization, Mbandi helps run clinics at the Bulldogs Tennis Courts on the AAMU campus, making tennis accessible to people of all abilities.

​

Mbandi also directs the Dublin Tennis Center in Madison, Alabama, where he mentors young players and supports grassroots tennis initiatives. He frequently hosts coaching clinics, sharing his insights on player motivation, skill development, and inclusive coaching practices with professionals from across the state. His contributions to tennis extend beyond competition, he champions the sport as a tool for personal growth, discipline, and opportunity.

​

Coach Mbandi’s mission is simple but powerful: to use tennis as a vehicle for equity, empowerment, and opportunity. Through free and low-cost programs, inclusive coaching, and mentorship, he opens doors for underserved communities that might otherwise remain closed.

​

As the Founder & President, Coach Mbandi provides the overall strategic direction and vision for the Mbandi Tennis Foundation. He serves as the public face of the organization, focusing on high-level growth, strategic partnerships, advocacy, and long-term sustainability. His role is centered around expanding the Foundation’s network and influence to maximize impact.

​

Looking ahead, Coach Mbandi envisions the Mbandi Tennis Foundation growing into a nationally and internationally recognized model for grassroots sports development. His goal is to build a robust pipeline that connects children from underserved communities in Kenya to educational, athletic, and professional opportunities through tennis. This includes expanding the Foundation’s reach to more regions across Kenya, increasing the number of scholarships and international tournament opportunities, and establishing long-term partnerships with schools, sponsors, and global tennis organizations. Above all, he hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders who carry forward the values of discipline, resilience, and giving back; both on and off the court.

​

Your donation helps keep those doors open. With your support, Coach Mbandi can continue to provide equipment, scholarships, training, and a pathway to brighter futures—ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive through tennis.