David Ellis was born in Long Beach, CA, and grew up in Corona, CA. He came to Stockton to attend the University of the Pacific, and in 1965 he earned a BA degree. He then attended UC Berkeley, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Philosophy along with a Lifetime Secondary Teaching Credential. He was hired by Stockton Unified in 1969 and taught mathematics at Fremont Junior High and Franklin High School until retiring in 2006.
David began playing racquetball in 1973 in Stockton at the YMCA and then at Quail Lakes Athletic Club. He began coaching young players, including his son, John. John had a highly successful junior, amateur, and professional career, climaxing with a Gold Medal in the 1995 Pan American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In 2002, Dave began working with Racquetball Team USA as a Team Leader. Two years later, he was named Head Coach, a position which he held from 2004-08 and then again from 2012-19. His delegations won five World Championships and nine Pan American Championships (Tournament of the Americas). Dave was named Coach of the Year five times by the USOC.
Starting in 2003, he coached Stockton’s professional players, including Jose Rojas, Jose Diaz, Markie Rojas, Jose Serrano, and David “Bobby” Horn. He also coached many other players from Bolivia, Ecuador, and many other Central and South American countries. USA players from across the country have come to Stockton for extended training periods.
Dave has continued to be involved with racquetball with son John and Jody Nance. The three administer an In Shape Junior Program which continues to be successful. The program was awarded a grant from The Community Foundation of San Joaquin to develop a racquetball program similar to golf’s “First Tee.” Throughout the years, local junior players have had the opportunity to travel and compete nationally.
