Meet Karina Alvarez | founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karina Alvarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karina, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is something I’ve learned to lean into as I’ve grown both professionally and personally. For me, risk-taking can feel uncomfortable and even scary, but I’ve found that if I focus on what I can do and take things one step at a time, the momentum builds, and eventually, I reach my goal.

Taking risks—being vulnerable, stepping into the unknown, and trying new things —has made me a better leader and a stronger critical thinker. Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who focus on the possibilities rather than the “what-ifs.” Their energy keeps me grounded in the belief that progress is possible.
Most importantly, when you take a risk, be prepared to do the work (especially when you don’t have it all figured out). Clarity often comes through action.

No risk, no reward.

What should our readers know about your business?
La Cancha Tennis is all about creating a personalized, welcoming tennis experience. While I’m the founder, our success wouldn’t be possible without our incredible Head Tennis Coach, Luis. Together, we’ve built a program where every lesson is tailored to the individual—whether it’s a private or semi-private session, our goal is always to meet students where they are and help them grow with confidence.

What sets us apart is our mission: to remove the intimidation factor that often comes with learning a new sport. We believe tennis should be accessible to everyone—regardless of age, athletic ability, or experience. Whether you’re picking up a racket for the first time or returning after years away, we want you to feel encouraged, supported, and most importantly, to have fun—every single time.

Building this business has had its challenges, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust in the value of creating something authentic. We didn’t set out to be the biggest—we set out to be the most welcoming. And that’s what I want the world to know: at La Cancha Tennis, it’s never too late to start something new, and we’re here to make sure you love every moment of your tennis journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Miami – I think it has so much to offer from its vibrant culture, incredible cuisine, the weather ( I know the summers are hot, they are hot almost everywhere) and architecture.

You have to be outside and you have to be by the water: whether it is grabbing a drink at The Cleat on Key Biscayne, a sunset cruise on Catamaran Adventure Charters or hanging on South Beach (grab Joe’s Takeaway and head to the sand) the water is a must.

We have amazing restaurants. When visiting Miami, you must have the best croquetas in town, they are from Islas Canarias – no question. There is nothing like a cuban breakfast. For an elevated brunch we would go to the Biltmore in Coral Gables . For a true local spot, we would go to Green Street in Coconut Grove – this is a Miami staple.

For lunch, we’d go to Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District. Delicious food and beautiful ambiance in a dynamic neighborhood. We’d also go to Bellini at the Mr. C Hotel in Coconut Grove and sit outside with a beautiful view of the water and sailboats.

For dinner, we’d venture into the MiMo District one night, there is an amazing Italian Restaurant, Osteria. Authentic and exceptional! Uchi in Wynwood has a great Happy Hour. Mika Coral Gables is beautiful with a local crowd and delicious food.

For a night out, I’d take them to Hoy Como Ayer in Little Havana. Recently, I went on a Thursday night – they had salsa instructors there and I danced rueda for the first time in 20 years. It was INCREDIBLE! We’d check out Magie in Coconut Grove for a more relaxed vibe and I’d take them to El Carajo for a very local experience. It is a Spanish restaurant inside a gas station!

Miami has exciting sports teams and they know how to do hospitality REALLY WELL. Hard Rock Stadium has elevated the Miami Open and brought Formula 1 to the city. We also have Inter Miami in our backyard now. Whether you’d go to a Heat, Marlins, Panthers or Dolphins Game – you are in for excellent people watching, celeb sightings, great music and a lot of fun.

Miami is a vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, who believed in my vision from the very beginning. He listened patiently as I brainstormed ideas to make tennis accessible for people like me—those who might feel intimidated stepping onto a court, who aren’t naturally athletic, who are approaching their 40s (or any age) but still eager to try new things, lead a healthy life, and feel better than ever. He encouraged me to “do my own thing,” to trust my instincts, and to lean into the opportunity. He saw that I’d identified a gap in the tennis world—and that I could channel my creativity and business savvy into something truly meaningful.

I also owe so much to my best friends. I’m lucky to have a core group of women who are supportive, smart, fun, and always in my corner. When I shared my idea with them, their encouragement was immediate and unwavering. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to move forward.

Website: https://lacanchatennis.com

Instagram: lacanchatennis

Yelp: La Cancha Tennis