My story: I discovered pickleball over a decade ago and threw myself into learning it at the highest level, eventually training directly under elite professionals. That investment in my own development shaped everything about how I coach. I became IPTPA Level 2 Certified and a USA Pickleball Ambassador, and I’ve spent the last 5+ years helping players across Wilmington build the kind of game that holds up under pressure.

What drives me isn’t the medals, though I’ve collected plenty across North Carolina tournaments. It’s that moment when a student goes from really struggling with a shot to the “Aha!” moment where they’re doing it with relative ease. That’s the moment that makes every session worth running.

My approach: My core philosophy is simple: practice makes permanent. Repetitive practice only helps if you’re using the correct form. I focus on correcting minor mechanical errors early — before they become permanent bad habits. I build customized, milestone-based progressions for my students. I challenge intermediate players to step out of their comfort zones. And I focus heavily on giving students specific drills and foundational concepts they can independently practice and refine between sessions. Improving your skills directly correlates with having more fun on the court — and that’s always the goal.