About Ozark Tennis Academy
Our Story
OTA is a tennis and pickleball company serving Northwest Arkansas since 2005 with experienced coaches and fun events. We are driven by a passion for tennis and pickleball, and a commitment to providing excellent training and coaching. Our academy offers expert instruction tailored for all ages and skill levels. Through innovative techniques and personalized training, we aim to enhance players' abilities while fostering a deep love for the sports.
Our Coaching Team
Meet Our Coaches
Our dedicated team of experienced coaches at Ozark Tennis Academy is here to guide and support you on your tennis and pickleball journey. With a wealth of knowledge and a focus on personalized training, our coaches are committed to helping you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.
Beau Basham -Head Coach/Owner
Beau Basham was one of the top ranked juniors in Arkansas, and ranked Top 50 in the Southern Section. He was the recipient of the Hershal Friday Award presented by the Arkansas Tennis Association to the top junior in the state. He went on to play for the University of Arkansas – Ft. Smith on a full scholarship. Upon finishing his playing career, he immediately began a career as a teaching professional with OTA. Beau has taught players of all ages as well as a summer in New South Wales, Australia under former Arkansas National Champion Peter Doohan. Prior to becoming the owner of OTA, Beau served as Head Pro for 8 years, where he developed many top-ranked junior players. In addition to teaching lessons and drills, he also traveled with junior players to tournaments throughout the South. He currently enjoys teaching players of all levels, from beginner to advanced, including both juniors and adults.
Ben Allison
Ben Allison played collegiate tennis at Hardin Simmons University, Abilene Texas, prior to joining the US Navy in 1994. He has an Undergraduate Degree in Elementary Education from West Texas A&M University and a Masters Degree in Education Administration from Wayland Baptist University. Ben coached for 10 years in Texas and Colorado, winning multiple Regional and State Tennis Titles at the High School level (both in Teams and Individuals competition).
Ben joined the OTA team in 2015 and has now shifted his focus to pickleball. He has been certified PPA level I as Certified Professional and has most recently finished PPR level II certifying Ben to coach and teach higher level players. His new goal is to complete level III once that certification has been made available. Ben loves coaching as his 25 years of experience provides exceptional insight to the game of pickleball.
Matt Tabler
Matt Tabler hails from an entire OTA family! Older brother Martin and younger sister Mallory also came through the program, both top-ranked Arkansas juniors who went on to play college tennis. Matt was a 3-time state champion at BHS, winning the 7A doubles title as a sophomore, and the overall doubles title as a senior. He attended UA-Ft Smith, where he was named All-Conference as a freshman. In addition to being an OTA summer coach, Matt has taught 3 years at the Tiger Tennis Academy at Ouachita Baptist University.
