Meet Michael, a Tennis Coach in University Place, Washington.

I am a passionate tennis pro dedicated to sharing the joy of tennis with others. As a USTA-certified coach and assistant tennis pro at both Gorin Tennis and Galbraith Tennis Center, I bring over 10 years of experience in playing and coaching. I aim to inspire and guide players of all levels to improve their skills and love for the game.

Meet Dylan, a Tennis Coach in University Place, Washington.

I played tennis in college and now teach high school tennis. My experience as a player helps me connect with my students, and I'm passionate about helping them develop their skills and love for the game. Let's work together to elevate their performance on the court!

Meet Long, a Tennis Coach in University Place, Washington.

My tennis journey began in high school and has never ended. My college courses were intense and became my focus away from sports. During summer breaks I took time to learn more sports including soccer and basketball while maintaining my tennis skills. The past few years have been interesting as I have picked up a tennis routine again in the midst of covid and would like to share my passion for tennis.

Meet Rusty, a Pickleball Coach in University Place, Washington.

My name is Rusty, I am a PCI certified PB coach from Tacoma, WA. My introduction to and journey with pickleball is one of a kind and my story alone. If I could sum it up in a few short sentences I would. Due to the uniqueness and length, it will take a bit more. My dad was a Tacoma firefighter and competitive handball player. They had courts at the station, and I started playing with dad and his buddies. Handball is a tough game for a 14-year-old. One day after playing handball, I had to go to baseball practice, my hands were so sore I couldn’t catch the ball, hold a bat or throw the ball without wincing and looking like a baby. I came home and told my dad how terrible practice that day was, he quickly remedied that by sawing off the handle of an old wooden tennis racquet. This worked for about a month, and we decided that a real racquet was in order. My dad knew of a guy up on the Hilltop that was the top racquetball player in the Pacific NW. We went to his little shop, and I met the owner, Sid Williams. (Future Hall of Famer, Original Founder of the USAPA and Original Pioneer of Pickleball), He outfitted me with a new aluminum Leach (I still have it). Little did I know that he would become one of my closest friends a mentor and confidant. Sid became my coach as I started to show promise in local tournaments beating all the ‘old guys’. Fast forward 4 years, one month after my high school graduation, 1978. Sid called and said grab your gear, we are playing this afternoon at the new Family Fitness Center. As I was getting warmed up and my gear ready, he laughed and said “you won’t need all that, we are playing pickleball”. I had never seen nor heard of ‘pickleball’, I thought to myself, what a silly name. But Sid being who he was to me, I rather reluctantly agreed. The courts were all indoor/outdoor carpet, we had a whiffle ball and wooden paddles. I had an absolute blast that day. We played as much as we could that summer, all indoors, all at the Family Fitness Center. There were no such thing as outdoor courts yet. I went to work for the Club and after the summer was over, I left for college to play baseball. After three years of college baseball, I returned home to Tacoma and right back to the club to play racquetball. In my absence pickleball had picked up steam, it was growing, and the courts were usually full. At the same time my sales career was taking off as well. I played both sports whenever I could. Sid was running racquetball tournaments and I was his right-hand man. We would play in the mornings and afterwards we would head out to secure sponsorships donations and door prizes. I didn’t know it at the time, but Sid was giving me a “Master Class” of running tournaments. Somewhere around 1984-85, he took his format and applied it to pickleball. This is where competitive pickleball begins. I was there in the beginning of the new era. Singles was the game at the time and there was one guy I could never beat. Heck no one could beat. Future Hall of Famer Billy Jacobson was that guy. He was the best. Can’t think of a time or tournament that he didn’t dominate. So, I became a doubles specialist. Winning the 1st Annual Washington Open Games for mixed doubles. Billy didn’t play that division. This was the biggest pickleball tourney ever, anywhere. It was sponsored by Nalley and sanctioned by the newly formed USAPA. I loved spending time with Sid on and off the courts. He was truly one of a kind. I loved him dearly and miss him greatly. I played as much as I could, but as a young man at 26 years old I was building a career and was coaching football basketball and baseball at the Boys and Girls Club, there wasn’t a lot of free time. Yet, I was always there with Sid running the tournaments. The Open Games was the last time I played competitively. I took a break to be a college baseball coach, get married and start a family, helping Sid whenever I could. Well now it is September 2022, I am 62 years old. I haven’t played pickleball in 30 years. But this is post pandemic, I was burned out in Corporate America, a suit and tie every day. I wanted to do something that I loved, I wanted to have fun again, I just wanted to be me. The coach and athlete. Sitting around one night with some friends, they asked what I was going to do now. I said, “I am going to make a living playing and coaching pickleball”. As you can imagine we all had a good laugh. I started playing again, I started the process to form a charitable organization named, “The Sid Williams Foundation” and ‘Sids’ Kids’, “bringing pickle to the public” With all that is happening now in pickleball a new company was in order, I named my new company Pickleball OG *coaching*consulting*construction. Today, I play 5-6 days a week, I teach lessons in all shapes and sizes. I consult with paddle companies and with the construction of new facilities both private and public. If I can help in you in any way pickle related, reach out.

Meet Grant, a Pickleball Coach in University Place, Washington.

I thrive on making the complex simple, transforming pickleball lessons into fun and easily understandable experiences. My passion for the sport is contagious, and students consistently praise my ability to break down techniques and strategies in a clear and engaging way. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, I'll guide you with patience and enthusiasm, ensuring you quickly grasp the fundamentals and develop a love for the game. Let's hit the court together and unlock your pickleball potential!

Meet Tako, a Pickleball Coach in University Place, Washington.

Tako is a passionate pickleball coach who has been playing the sport for two years. He is PPR certified and has been teaching for six months. Despite his short time coaching, Tako is dedicated to creating educational content that helps players grow. He believes in taking a personalized approach, assessing each student individually and catering his instruction to their unique goals, ensuring they reach their full potential on the court.

Meet Josh, a Pickleball Coach in University Place, Washington.

With a lifelong background in racket sports, I'm presently a tennis instructor and hold a USPTA Pickleball certification. I'm enthusiastic about extending my expertise to Pickleball as well. If you're seeking to dive into an enjoyable and accessible racket sport, I'm here to guide you on that exciting journey!

Meet Luther, a Singing Coach in University Place, Washington.

A seasoned artist sculpting harmonies for over two decades. My musical odyssey began with six years of formal piano training, evolving into a singing journey that kicked off at the tender age of seven within the welcoming walls of my childhood church. At 21, I entered the world of recording, becoming an internationally distributed recording artist. With a wealth of studio recordings and live performances, I've fine-tuned the art of creating musical magic. Join me in unraveling the symphony of sounds that have defined my melodious sojourn!

Meet Geoffrey, a Tennis Coach in University Place, Washington.

I provide tennis instruction from beginner to advanced including stroke mechanics, footwork, strategy and the illusive mental game. My specialty is getting you from 2.5 to 3.0 and 3.0 to 3.5 level. Established in 2009. I began as a player at age 15 and played throughout my teens and early 20's then picked the game back up in my 30's and devoted myself to learning the correct and most efficient way to progress as a tennis player.

Meet Kellen, a Pickleball Coach in University Place, Washington.

Passionate pickleball enthusiast and competitive player. 5-time gold medalist in 6 tournaments with a 4.5 ranking. Led successful pickleball workshops for 9 YMCA centers. Former college football player and pro athlete in Germany. Dreaming of turning pro in pickleball while sharing my love for the game and teaching others.

Meet Karel, a Golf Coach in University Place, Washington.

My approach to coaching is centered around not just teaching the technical aspects of golf but also instilling a love for the game in my students. I believe that anyone can learn to play golf and enjoy the myriad benefits it offers. With my guidance, I'll have you out on the course in no time, playing with confidence and a newfound appreciation for this wonderful sport. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, I am here to help you every step of the way on your golfing journey.

Meet Paul, a Golf Coach in University Place, Washington.

I am an amateur golfer who has been playing for fun and competing in amateur tournaments in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Seattle. I love sharing my passion for the game and enjoy teaching what I know. I’m super friendly, approachable, and extremely patient, focusing on making golf fun! My goal is to help those who are brand new to the sport by providing easy-to-understand explanations of golf concepts and simple exercises to get them started.

Meet Kevin, a Golf Coach in University Place, Washington.

In my mid-30s, I ventured into golfing and initially faced significant challenges with the game. For a while, I didn't take formal lessons and struggled to find my stride. However, once I committed to following instruction and advice, my enjoyment of the game began to grow exponentially. Now, I eagerly join my golf group for weekly rounds across the Puget Sound area, relishing every opportunity to play. Teaching others has become a passion of mine, and I eagerly share my knowledge whenever someone expresses interest in learning.

Meet Arshia, a Guitar Coach in University Place, Washington.

Starting out like any one of you I decided to teach myself guitar when I was 16, after going through all the hoops and understanding the mistakes and the correct says I faced I helped over 30 new students pick up the guitar and learn an efficient and fun way which doesn't make theory as scary! I've been playing with bands and gigging around town for almost a year and have had over 20 performances. I try to play many genres so as to be versatile but my favorite has been the blues.

Meet Irvin, a Tennis Coach in University Place, Washington.

I teach tennis lessons to anyone and everyone. Never touched a racket? No problem! Do you want to go up a level, make the high school team, or be able to play with friends? Kids, high schoolers, adults, couples, and groups. I love tennis! USPTA level 2 Certified, Tennis Serve Specialist. Worked with Rick Macci (coach of 5 world #1 ones including Williams sisters and Andy Roddick), Jose Higuras (head of U.S. high performance program), Jeff Salzsentein (former top 100 player), Hans Podlipnik (Wimbledon QFist), and many others. Head high school coach for 11 years, active tournament player, patient teacher. Passionate about helping underserved kids throughout Seattle learn tennis and have organized and connected with many initiatives to do so. My goal is to help you achieve your goals whether that be improving technique or beginning to learn to play. To that extent, I am fairly flexible in my approach. For beginners, I focus on technique, proper grips, and generating topspin. To do this, I focus on hand feeding a lot of balls early on to develop proper technique and to train the muscle memory. Specifically, I teach a semi-western forehand, two-handed backhand, volley fundamentals, split stepping, proper footwork and serve mechanics. I also work with students who have one-handed backhands. I am a big believer in putting in a lot of time on the serve. For more experienced players, I will work with you to either identify areas for improvement or to work on areas you’ve identified you would like to improve.

Meet Leonard, a Pickleball Coach in University Place, Washington.

In August of 2021, Leonard embarked on a quest to elevate his pickleball skills, actively seeking a place to learn and play. It was during this journey that he crossed paths with Damon, a gentleman who extended an invitation to a community center predominantly frequented by players aged 50 and above. Initially feeling out of place, Leonard was warmly embraced by the community and taught the game that now ignites his passion. Today, almost two years later, Leonard aspires to give back by sharing his knowledge, eager to teach newcomers and enable them to experience the joy of one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

Meet Thomas, a Football Coach in University Place, Washington.

I have over 30 years experience playing or coaching football. I also coach track and field. I've coached at the high school, college and professional levels in football.

Meet David, a Golf Coach in University Place, Washington.

I’ve been playing the greatest game on earth since I was a kid. But it’s not the easiest game. It can be frustrating when you can’t hit the ball where you are aiming. This is how I felt most of my life until I put in the work to correct bad habits, slow down and execute the shot right where I was looking. My goal is to help you feel confident, excited to try your new skills from the range to the front and back 9 of any course.

Meet Rangga, a Tennis Coach in University Place, Washington.

My tennis journey began a year and a half ago, and since then, I've wholeheartedly embraced the sport because of its challenging nature and my burning desire to get better at it. I've made significant progress through hard work and dedication, reaching a commendable UTR level of 3.0. I'm on a continuous path of improvement and excited to see where my passion for tennis will take me.

Meet Stefanie, a Singing Coach in University Place, Washington.

Stefanie Goldstein has now been captivating audiences with her angelic voice and impressive range for over 30 years. Her pure, silvery and ethereal voice has contributed to numerous esteemed ensembles including the San Francisco Lyric Opera, the Golden Gate Opera, Urban Opera, San Francisco Renaissance Voices, the La Jolla Symphony Chorus, and the Stockton Chorale. Stefanie is also a voice teacher currently accepting new students of all levels. She has learned from a solid, healthy technique for many years. Her sensitive, positive teaching style will assist all singers, from beginner to advanced, to perform with joy at their greatest potential. In addition to many years of performing classical repertoire, Stefanie has also performed a wide variety of contemporary music, including original compositions with her gothic industrial rock band Accolade, which can be heard at various venues in the greater Seattle area. Her diverse experience also includes such positions as singer at the Bors Hede Restaurant at Camlan Medieval Village, and singer for four years with legendary San Francisco bay area cabaret group The OmniCircus. Stefanie additionally has ample experience singing for church services and held a position for four years as the singer and music director for the Chapel of the Divine Mother.

Meet Bob, a Self Defense Coach in University Place, Washington.

Bob found his passion for martial arts later in life, but once he stepped into Guro Andy Wilson's MKG Martial Arts in Seattle at age 30, he was hooked. Initially unfamiliar with disciplines like Thai boxing, Kali, Jun Fan, and BJJ, he quickly became immersed, enjoying the intense workout and seeing rapid improvements in both strength and fitness. This journey led him to train at the Inosanto Academy in LA, where he felt the powerful influence of Guro Dan Inosanto and developed a deep respect for the martial arts community. After returning to Seattle, Bob taught at MKG for over eight years, contributing to the school’s growth. In 2009, he launched Seattle Integrated Martial Arts (SIMA) in West Seattle, a community-driven school that reflects the character and values of MKG. Bob is dedicated to sharing his love for martial arts with others and has built SIMA into a thriving center where students of all backgrounds and skill levels come to train and grow.

Meet Jim, a Pickleball Coach in University Place, Washington.

Meet Jim "JK" Marshall, a Pickleball enthusiast with 15 years of experience as a player. Let's learn the game and have fun together!

Meet Daniel, a Pickleball Coach in University Place, Washington.

Hello pickleball enthusiasts! I'm an avid advanced player with years of experience and a passion for spreading the joy of this amazing sport. Having traveled across the country to play and compete, I'm determined to help you unlock your potential and become the best player you can be. Let's smash those pickleballs and elevate our game!

Meet Bayan, a Piano Coach in University Place, Washington.

Young and dedicated piano teacher making waves in the Seattle area. With 15 years of piano experience and nearly 5 years of teaching, I'm passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians. In my teaching approach, I prioritize building strong foundational skills such as pattern recognition, finger dexterity, and a comprehensive understanding of music theory. However, I also believe in fostering creativity and individual expression in my students, encouraging them to find their unique voice at the piano. Above all, my goal is to instill a deep passion for the piano in each of my students and inspire them to reach new heights through hard work and dedication. Let's embark on this musical journey together and unlock the full potential of your talent!

Meet Corey, a Golf Coach in University Place, Washington.

Corey Smothermon is a dedicated golfer and a sophomore attending Grand Canyon University, based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With a lifelong passion for golf that began at the age of 3, Corey has honed his skills and enjoys helping fellow golf enthusiasts improve their game and reach their performance goals. Whether it's working on swing mechanics or refining overall technique, Corey looks forward to supporting golfers of all levels on their journey to success.

Meet Rachel, a Singing Coach in University Place, Washington.

With a profound passion for teaching music, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our creative community. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master's in Education, she's dedicated the past 15 years to the art of teaching. Her journey is anchored in the belief that everyone, regardless of background or experience, possesses a unique musical spark waiting to be ignited.