Book Private Basketball Lessons with Coach Tara

I am a UCI graduate with a degree in biology, combining my passion for understanding the human body with my dedication to teaching and fitness. My journey began in martial arts, where I started as a karate instructor in seventh grade and became a paid instructor in high school. During that time, I also played basketball, developing skills in teamwork and perseverance.

Now, I’m pursuing a career in orthopedic medicine, aligning my academic background with my passion for health, movement, and helping others. Over the years, I’ve honed my expertise in weightlifting, mobility training, and kickboxing, and my psychology studies have deepened my ability to inspire and guide others toward their goals.

Beyond fitness, I’m committed to building communities and fostering inclusivity. Through my involvement with non-profits like Growluv and Rotary, as well as ophthalmology and ergonomics research, I’ve learned that collaboration and service are key to making meaningful progress.

I can help someone improve their game by focusing on mental resilience and strategic thinking. By teaching athletes to stay focused under pressure, make quick decisions, and adapt to changing situations, I help them perform at their best.

Here is a basic plan, but we work together to find what tailors best to you!

10-15 minute warm-up: incorporating dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare both the body and mind for the workout ahead.

15-20 minutes of skill work: where we focus on refining key techniques such as strength exercises, mobility drills, or sport-specific skills tailored to the athlete's needs.

20-30 minutes: combining strength training, agility drills, or conditioning exercises designed to meet the individual's goals, including weightlifting, mobility training, or sport-related movements.

5-10 minutes on mental training: visualization or mindset exercises to enhance focus and resilience.

The best coach I ever had was my martial arts master, who also happened to be a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley. His unique combination of expertise in psychology and martial arts made his mentorship truly transformative.

He didn’t just teach me how to perform techniques or develop physical strength—he shaped my entire mindset. He used his understanding of human behavior to challenge and inspire me, pushing me to confront my limits and overcome them. Every lesson was intentional, designed not only to build discipline and resilience but also to help me understand myself on a deeper level.

Through his guidance, I learned that success isn’t just about talent or effort—it’s about understanding your thoughts, controlling your emotions, and channeling them into purposeful action. He showed me the power of self-awareness and how it could transform not just my training but every aspect of my life.

His mentorship was life-changing. It instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, humility, and perseverance, traits that have become the foundation of my character and continue to guide me in everything I do.

I view training as a partnership built on trust, communication, and mutual growth. My coaching philosophy goes beyond physical performance—I aim to help athletes develop mental toughness, resilience, and confidence that will serve them both on and off the field.

I believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and capable of achieving their goals. Whether it's helping someone refine a skill or overcome a challenge, I’m fully invested in their journey.

As a coach, I prioritize understanding the unique needs and aspirations of each athlete. My approach is adaptable, creative, and grounded in a belief that growth happens when you challenge limits with the right guidance and mindset. I’m not just here to coach, I’m here to empower athletes to realize their full potential.