Meet the Member: Denise Hallerbach
Where are you from and what brought you to the Reno/Tahoe area?
I moved to Reno from Marin County in 2001 to be closer to family and to start a family of my own. My ex-husband’s grandparents, aunt and uncle, and his brother and sister-in-law had all settled here, and my parents had a vacation home in Incline Village, so Reno/Tahoe naturally became a family hub for us. At the time, we were expecting our first of two daughters, and we knew Reno would be an amazing place to raise kids— strong community, outdoor adventures, and a great quality of life.
What’s your tennis story? How did you get started and what keeps you going? Please include how long you have been a member of WTC.
I started playing tennis when I was 7 years old in Stockton, CA, where I played Whiteman Cup until I was about 13. Around that time, I also began playing competitive volleyball. I would have loved to play both sports through high school, but since they were both fall sports, I had to make a choice. Volleyball ultimately opened the door for me to play through high school and compete at Stanford. It wasn’t until 2008 that I picked up a racquet again and joined a USTA team at Caughlin Club. I spent several years playing at Lakeridge, and eventually made my way to WTC a few years ago.
What WTC or USTA activities do you participate in?
After stepping away from USTA for a while due to a lumbar fusion surgery and then breast cancer two months later in 2019, I’ve slowly but surely made my way back to the courts. This year, I jumped back into 4.5 18+ leagues at WTC and now playing on Jen’s 9.0 Mixed team, and it feels so good to be competing again!
What keeps me going? Two big things…
1- I’ve played sports my whole life, and I honestly can’t imagine it any other way. Tennis has pushed me to rebuild my skills and find new ways to play at the highest level my body allows.
2- Our tennis community is truly something special. Even through the ups and downs of my health journey, I’ve always known that when I show up to the courts at WTC, I’ll be met with smiling faces, warm hugs, and the kind of support that makes this game so much more than just a sport.
What is another favorite hobby other than tennis? Can you give a recommendation for that activity?
I love to cook and entertain at home for family and friends. Recommendations? Yes… I have compiled a nice little collection of recipes that I keep as a blog on my website. Visit https://www.denisehallerbach.com/blog/realtor-recipes if you want to check them out and add to your recipe arsenal!
Who is your favorite professional tennis player? Why?
I’m going back a few years here, but Andre Agassi. Not only was he a super charismatic player who was a blast to watch, he is simply a good human.
Any fun plans for the winter? How do you like to spend your time during the snowy months?
Yes… I hope to play some indoor pickleball at the convention center so I can stay active. In February, I’ll be heading to Hawaii! I’ve been to Kauai and Maui several times, but have not yet been to The Big Island. Any recommendations out there for unique adventures on the island? I’m excited for this new adventure. Aloha!
Can you tell us about your family, occupation, pets, etc.?
I’m blessed to have two sweet daughters. Natasha is 24 and living in Los Angeles with her fiancée. She will be getting married in Sept 2026. My 21 year old daughter, Katarina, is a kinesiology and dance major at UNR. She’s trained in ballet since the age of 2.
I have enjoyed my real estate career for the last 15 years, and am currently an Associate Broker at Better Homes and Gardens Drakulich Realty. Real estate is my passion, and I love making my clients dreams of owning a home a reality, and facilitating a smooth sale for both my Buyers and my Sellers.
Any other fun information you would like to share about yourself?
I write a monthly Blog called “The Weekend Warrior” that highlights the best events happening around Northern Nevada for my friends, family, clients, and future clients moving into the area. Check it out at https://www.denisehallerbach.com/blog/the-weekend-warrior and reach out to me… denisehallerbach@gmail.com 😊
