A love for tennis was sparked early on for brothers Spencer and Marshall Mackoff. First introduced to the sport in public parks as young children by their mother, they began playing more seriously at UBC tennis camps. Eventually becoming coaches themselves, they founded Summer Smash Tennis together in 2012 – and haven’t looked back.
Operating year-round today, Summer Smash Tennis teaches some 2,000 students annually through community centres, schools and First Nations. Spencer, drawing from his varsity athlete experience and multiple academic degrees (including a B.Ed. from UBC), oversees the company’s programs and coach development. Marshall, who competed for the UBC men’s tennis team while completing his law degree and represented Team Canada at the 2023 ITF Team Tennis Championships in Turkey, is Summer Smash’s director of tennis.
For Spencer, tennis is more than just a sport – it’s a skill that anyone can learn and enjoy for a lifetime. “You do not have to be a natural athlete to enjoy tennis. Whether you are six or 60, with the right guidance, anyone can step onto the court and discover how rewarding this sport can be,” says Spencer (below left in photo), who began coaching at the Kerrisdale Community Centre in 2007.
Marshall’s coaching philosophy is rooted in accessibility and community. “We grew up playing on public courts and now work to bring tennis to as many people as possible – from local centres to fully subsidized programs on First Nations reserves,” says Marshall (below right in photo), a certified coach who balances his legal background with his passion for the game.
Growing up in West Point Grey, the brothers now both live in Kitsilano. Only two years apart in age, they still play tennis and compete together.
Learn the lifelong sport of tennis this summer by signing up for an outdoor Summer Smash Tennis program or camp! Check out and register for classes for all ages and abilities in our Summer 2025 Guide (p. 18) or by visiting Vancouver Recreation.
Find out more about KCC instructors on our Instructor Biopage. This page will continue to grow as more instructors submit their profile information.
