Member Spotlight April 2025

This month, TCSP highlights Yves Mizrahi, a longtime member whose journey with tennis started on Queen Anne Hill and has continued for decades. From playing at a firehouse court as a child to building lifelong friendships on the courts of TCSP, Yves shares his story of perseverance, professional success, and passion for the game we all love. 

From Paris to Queen Anne: Finding Tennis in Unexpected Places 

Born in Paris, Yves immigrated to Seattle at the age of five, growing up on Queen Anne Hill. It was there, next to the local fire station, that he first picked up a tennis racquet at 12 years old, playing with his best friend and even the neighborhood firefighters on occasion. 

As his love for the game grew, he played for Queen Anne High School and spent countless hours honing his skills at Lower Woodland with friends. Though he dabbled in other sports, tennis remained his overall favorite and primary. He continued playing singles throughout college at the UW Nordstrom Tennis Center, further developing his skill set. 

His transition to doubles came over a decade ago, thanks to an invitation from TCSP founding member Bates McKee. What started as a weekly Tuesday night match turned into a longstanding tradition—one that has strengthened both his game and his friendships. “I’ve been playing with the same group ever since, and they’ve become some of my best friends,” he shares.   

Lessons from the Boardroom and the Baseline 

With an MBA in Finance, Yves built a career navigating the high-paced world of business in the ’80s and ’90s, working with startups and large corporations alike. Not every venture was a success, but he took those lessons to heart. 

“Many companies faltered or failed, but I learned from their mistakes and applied those insights to future opportunities,” he says. This mindset led him to an instrumental role in Starbucks Coffee’s early management team, where he helped shape the company’s growth. Later, he founded his own strategic consulting firm, using his experience to guide businesses both locally and internationally. 

The lessons from his career mirror those found on the court. “Hard work, dedication, patience, and teamwork—whether in doubles or in life—are key to success.” 

An Active Life, On and Off the Court 

Now retired, Yves keeps an active schedule filled with tennis, gym workouts, and walks. If given an extra hour each day, he’d spend it hiking, biking, or enjoying more time with family and friends. 

Beyond TCSP, he thrives in mentorship, sharing his knowledge with students at the UW Graduate Business School. Another passion? Fly fishing—a sport that, much like tennis, requires patience, skill, and appreciation for the moment. 

Why TCSP Feels Like Home 

For Yves, TCSP is more than a place to play—it’s a community. “Other than home and work, TCSP has become a major social gathering spot for me and my tennis partners,” he says. The welcoming atmosphere, top-tier facilities, and professional staff make it an integral part of his weekly routine.   

A Question Worth Asking 

When asked what he wishes people would ask him more often, Yves doesn’t hesitate: “What are the top life lessons for leading a successful and happy life?” 

While no one could provide a simple answer here, Yves’ journey speaks volumes. Whether on the court, in business, or through mentorship, Yves embodies the values of perseverance, community, and continuous learning. His approach to both tennis and life offers us a glimpse into the mindset that has shaped his path, and how TCSP has had a role in that path.