The Ascension Project

Jeremiah Walsh | Founder

Ascension was the brainchild of Jeremiah. His primary focus is providing the vision and strategic leadership for Ascension. Through his insights both into people and the world of tennis, he is uniquely positioned to drive the future of this exciting organization. His breadth of knowledge and experience is unparalleled and provides the foundation for success of the programs. Something else…

Although he was born and raised here in Redding, much of his training and experience has come from outside this immediate area. His credentials include 1. Attending the Van Der Meers Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina 2. Being the Head Coach of the Virginia Military Institute Men’s Tennis team making him the youngest Division I Head Coach at the age of 24. 3. Starting a tennis facility management company where he received the USTA National Programming Award for Excellence. 4. Leading the University of Northern Colorado men’s tennis program through the transition to Division I and the Big Sky Conference. 5.. Before returning home to Redding, he was the Head Coach at Southern Oregon University where the team set a new school record for single season win percentage.

Jeremiah is the proud father of two young sons, Wyatt and Gradyn.

Austin Kische | Head Coach

Austin Kische serves as the Head Coach for Team Ascension and contributes to the Ascension Project Board, embodying the very principles the organization stands for. His connection to Team Ascension began in June 2011 as a player, where he honed his skills throughout his high school and college summers. This foundational experience was pivotal, leading to League MVP and All-Section honors. Austin furthered his education and tennis career with a year at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania before transferring to Montana State University in Billings, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.

In 2016, Austin’s passion for tennis transitioned into coaching when Jeremiah Walsh, his former coach and Team Ascension’s founder, offered him a coaching position at Sun Oaks. Now, as Head Coach of Team Ascension, Austin is deeply committed to the organization’s core philosophy: “develop the player, and the player will follow.” This principle has always resonated with him, inspiring him to become a central part of the Ascension community.

Steve Kinder | Tennis Coach

Steve brings a plethora of business management and tennis experience. His tennis playing began in North Virginia and then he went onto play collegiate tennis for two years in Honolulu, Hi, where he was ranked in the Men’s Open Top 100 in both singles and doubles.

Steve was the Head Coach for the Men’s Tennis Team at Leeward College in Hawaii, and subsequently was the Head Coach for the Boys and Girls teams at Foothill High School, in Redding.

His business experience includes being Operations Manager at the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association, Sales and Marketing Manager at Best Western Hilltop Inn/CR Gibbs American Grille and General Manager of Gaia Hotel and Spa and Woodside Grill.

Steve is the father of two sons, Gabe and AJ.

Izzy Bahr | Marketing Volunteer 

Isabelle or better know as Izzy grew up in Redding, CA. She was introduced to Sun Oaks tennis at age 6 and grew up in the program. She attended all classes and committed herself to pursing her college dreams. Izzy signed with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2020 on a full ride to play Division 1 tennis.

At UTRGV, Izzy earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Sports Management while playing all 4 years on the women’s tennis team. Winning awards for doubles and singles WAC player of the week throughout her 4 years, she also recieved Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year.

Returning back to her roots, Izzy is excited to help the next generation of Ascension players. Her passion for hard work and mental strength is something she wishes to bring to the team.

Shmuel Tarnor | Strength and Conditioning Coach

Raised in Redding and graduated from Enterprise High School in 2013 after which I enlisted in the Marine Corps for five years. Afterwards I gravitated towards the fitness industry where I”m currently a certified International Sports Sciences Association Master Trainer, specializing in Strength and Conditioning, BodyBuilding, Boxing, Yoga, Post Surgery Rehab and Corrective Exercise. I love to work with people who are enthusiastic about fitness. For hobbies I like to ride horses, fish, shoot guns and bows and always looking to learn something new and exciting.

Shmuel has been the strength and conditioning coach for 4 years. He has continued to keep players strong and healthy.