Branson coach Sean Kembell shares passion for tennis across the community
When a community gets much of its revenue and relevance from the tourism industry, it’s easy for the residents to feel overlooked.
That will not happen in Branson, Mo., if Sean Kembell has anything to do with it.
Kembell is the boys’ tennis head coach at Branson High School, a program he started 20 years ago. The team has been successful over the years, including winning multiple district championships and advancing to state on numerous occasions.
Kembell is also the assistant coach of the girls’ tennis program, where his oldest daughter, Ellice, was the No. 1 singles player last season as a freshman. She’ll likely be the No. 1 singles player as a 15-year-old sophomore this fall season.
His middle daughter, Channing, is 12, and she’s the No. 1-ranked singles player in USTA Missouri for her age group. His youngest daughter, Anniston, is 8. She is just starting to get into the competitive side of tennis. She will play in her first tournament in September.
Growing the Game
Kembell has experience running tennis tournaments. Four years ago, he started a youth program at Branson Hills Golf Club, one of the local country clubs. It’s a seven-week program that serves approximately 50 kids during the summer.
He ran a similar program at Hickory Hills Country Club in Springfield, Mo., a number of years earlier when he was the assistant tennis pro. When he took over at Branson Hills, he brought the program with him.
Kembell also runs an adult program called Cardio Tennis.
“The adults love that class,” he said. “It’s kind of high energy. You don’t have to be a great tennis player to attend. You’re going to get a good workout. There’s lots of enthusiasm, fun drills and plenty of laughter.”
Sean Kembell's family is heavily involved in tennis in Branson, Mo., including his wife, Cheri, and three daughters: Ellice, Channing and Anniston.
Sean Kembell started a youth tennis program at Branson Hills Golf Club, a seven-week offering that serves approximately 50 kids during the summer.
Sean Kembell runs advanced tennis clinics. His oldest daughters participate as does his nephew, Joseph Coder, a standout Kickapoo High School player who is set to compete at Drury University.
- Sean Kembell's family is heavily involved in tennis in Branson, Mo., including his wife, Cheri, and three daughters: Ellice, Channing and Anniston.
- Sean Kembell started a youth tennis program at Branson Hills Golf Club, a seven-week offering that serves approximately 50 kids during the summer.
- Sean Kembell runs advanced tennis clinics. His oldest daughters participate as does his nephew, Joseph Coder, a standout Kickapoo High School player who is set to compete at Drury University.
Dream Doubles
Kembell played collegiate tennis at Missouri State University, but he’s quick to remind you that it was a quarter century ago. So when Ellice approached him about playing mixed doubles in a tournament in Overland Park, Kan., near where he grew up, he knew he’d have to step up his game.
“I work out seven days a week, but I am 46,” he said. “But Ellice is at the age and ability where she can compete with collegiate-level players. We went in it to win it. We played some practice matches and did really well. She’s a great doubles player. It was an amazing experience. We got several games off of a team that was extremely experienced. I was proud of us, but we did not win the tournament.”
The June 19-21 Level 5 Open tournament took place on clay courts at Overland Park Racquet Club and was part of the USTA Missouri Valley ‘Valley Cup’ series. The Valley Cup is a prize-money circuit for open-level players and includes seven adult tournaments.
“I didn’t realize that the Valley Cup series brought out the very best players in the Kansas City area,” Kembell said. “They’re all practically former Division I players and a lot younger than I. It was just a different pace. The Division I tennis pace is very fast.
“Still, it was a dream come true to compete with my daughter.”
Kembell noted that the Valley Cup tournament was their first together, but it’s something that likely will be repeated, if not frequently.
“Tennis is definitely a passion of mine,” Kembell said. “I believe it’s a great sport for people of all ages, and I love the fact that my whole family is into it. I look forward to competing with my daughters for years to come.”
But it’s not just for his family. It’s his desire to share his passion with the entire Branson community.
“Tennis is a great community builder,” Kembell said. “We’re not doing it for the tourists, but just our small community and in particular the Branson Hills Golf Course community. We serve a lot of those families.
“It’s just fun to bring my passion for tennis and our unique, fun style of teaching it. It’s effective, and these kids are really becoming future star players.”
View a previous USTA Missouri story on the Kembell family’s impact here. Check out additional back-to-school stories from across the USTA Missouri Valley here.
Related Articles
-
![Visit the Branson Tennis Leader page]( "Sean Kembell, Branson High School boys' and girls' tennis coach, started the Branson tennis program 20 years ago and runs tennis programming for adults.")
Branson Tennis LeaderAugust 06, 2026Sean Kembell is growing tennis in Branson through youth programs, family involvement and a passion for creating opportunities that inspire players of every age. Read More -
![Visit the Joplin Interstate Tourney page]( "The Joplin Interstate Championships girls' tennis high school tournament includes 32 teams from across Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois.")
Joplin Interstate TourneyJuly 22, 2026A total of 32 high school girls' tennis teams from Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois will compete in Joplin, giving players an early-season test against opponents they rarely face. Read More -
![Visit the Higginsville Courts Shine page]( "Fairground Park in Higginsville, Missouri, had its four tennis courts refurbished thanks in part to a USTA Tennis Venue Services grant.")
Higginsville Courts ShineJuly 10, 2026A USTA grant and strong community partnerships helped Higginsville refresh four tennis courts, ensuring a longtime tennis tradition continues for local players of all ages. Read More
Sign up for our Newsletter
Download the USTA App
