Michelle Ahlquist moved to Cary in 2007 from Chicago, Illinois. Michelle started playing tennis in 6th grade when her family lived in Koenigswinter, Germany as something to do as a family activity. After returning to the states, she tried out for her high school tennis team where she learned how to keep score and play matches. Her love of the game, dedication, and hard work led her to a full ride scholarship at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. At Purdue she earned Academic All-Big Ten 1988-1991. She ranks 3rd in total single’s wins in a season & ranks 15th in overall career double victories in Purdue’s program history (as of 2022). Michelle graduated from Purdue with a Bachelor of Science in Management with a minor in German.

Michelle continues to enjoy tennis as an adult. She was her sisters traveling tennis coach for many summers, she plays USTA league tennis where she’s made it to National’s many years – winning the national title in 2016. She has also recently become a USTA certified official working junior USTA tournaments.Michelle recently retired from a career in IT Management with a passion to mentor females. Michelle hopes to leverage this skill to help young athletes on and off the court. When Michelle isn’t working out or playing tennis you can find Michelle traveling or planning her next travel opportunity.

Coach Michelle is married to Steve, and together they have two children, Alexander (23) and Kayleen (20). Fun fact – Kayleen was part of the first graduating class at Green Level High School. Michelle is excited to be part of the Gator Team!