39 coaches & instructors for lessons in University Place, WA

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.

"Lessons with Rusty have been hugely helpful and fun. He tailors the lesson to fit what I need and my game has improved.

With over 20 years of experience as a golf teaching professional, Micah Kim combines a deep understanding of swing fundamentals with an innovative focus on body movement and habit change. His coaching philosophy centers on helping players think through each swing, develop efficient movement patterns, and build lasting habits that translate into consistent on-course performance. Micah holds teaching roles with PMK Developers and GAW, and serves as a Golf Fitness Instructor at Willows Run Golf Course. In each setting, he integrates golf-specific fitness training—emphasizing flexibility, strength, and balance—to help students move better and swing smarter. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, overhaul your swing mechanics, or develop a fitness routine tailored to golf, Micah’s holistic approach ensures you’ll improve your game from the ground up.

I've been playing pickleball since I was 8 years old, and over the years, it's become more than just a sport—it's a passion. With over 3 years of coaching experience, I love helping players of all levels grow their game, whether you're a total beginner, or an experienced player looking to sharpen your strategy and technique. Over the years I’ve won multiple 4.5-5.0 level gold medals, and coached many students to high level tournament success. I am currently Head Pro at Urban Pickleball, an indoor club in downtown Seattle, and I offer private coaching on the side. Let’s hit the courts and take your pickleball skills to the next level!

"Wow, Daniel's lesson really helped me with precise adjustments for my kitchen play and serve , I appreciated the focus on technique but still feel I need to work on strategy, though. It’s encouraging, and I’d be open to trying another lesson to build on what I learned.

My name is Ryan Rembisz, and I am currently a minor league free agent who just finished his first professional season this summer after pitching 4 years of NCAA Division 1 baseball for the University of Portland. I am known for throwing the 21st perfect game in NCAA D1 history this past season, being a 3x WCL player of the week, a 1st team all-WCC academic team recipient, an All-WCC second team recipient, and leading the WCC in innings pitched this year. I am 23 years old, currently training this offseason for my next pro contract, and love teaching the art of pitching to anyone that wants to learn. Through my 5 years of being a high level pitcher throwing 100’s of innings while jumping from 90-94 mph, I have never had an arm injury. I believe that preparing the body to handle the throw is 75% of the battle when it comes to pitching injury free, and that recovery is another 20%. I can work with all ages and levels of the game, and I understand how to adjust my approach given nuances in league, ability, and goal. Arm health is the number one priority for pitchers these days, as the key to throwing harder is simply staying healthy for long enough to get there in my opinion. A standard 1-on-1 lesson will look like stretching, throwing prep, catch play, bullpen/flatground work, post-throw, conditioning, and mobility. My goal is to educate my students on what they need, their deficiencies and strengths, and going over their individual technique and keys to success, to show them the bigger picture of how to effectively train pitching so that they can monitor themselves autonomously.

"Ryan’s legit💪💪

With over two decades dedicated to shaping soccer players, I bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record. My passion lies in fostering both technical mastery and a deep love for the game, helping athletes reach their full potential. I'm committed to providing focused soccer coaching that propels players forward.

"This was my first time in a soccer team and we won the league lol! Coach is great. He made us believe in ourselves

I've been immersed in golf for nearly a decade, starting as a kid with my family and falling in love with the breathtaking views and the exhilarating feeling of sending a golf ball soaring across football fields. My journey has led me to compete in junior tournaments and proudly represent my high school and college golf teams. For the past four years, I've transitioned from player to passionate instructor, relishing the opportunity to help others enhance their golf game. My teaching philosophy focuses on fundamentals and establishing a robust foundation for each player. Whether you're a novice eager to take your first swing or an experienced player looking to fine-tune your techniques, I'm here. I understand that golf can be challenging, but I firmly believe anyone can elevate their game and derive even more joy from it with the proper guidance and practice. My commitment is to assist my students in achieving their goals and fostering a deep love for golf, just as I have. If you're ready to improve your swing, master your short game, or have more fun on the course, let's tee up and work on your game together!

"He gave some game changing pointers for me. He put me on the right track and I’ll be back for sure.

I’m playing tennis for 19 years. 8 years coaching experience. Sometimes still participate in tournaments by myself. I provide advanced tennis lessons, as well as explanation how to enjoy the game and stay healthy.

"Very clear, precise, detailed instructions on the techniques. Learned so much just in one lesson

I'm passionate about fostering a love for baseball in every student I teach. With seven years of experience, I bring a deep understanding of the game and a dedication to helping athletes reach their full potential. Let's work together to elevate your game!

Aloha! My name is Chrissi Omalza. I’m originally from the island of Oahu and have been living in Washington since 2021. I’ve been playing softball for almost twenty years and played collegiate softball for the University of Nevada Las Vegas from 2014-2018. I was a utility player in college but primarily was a catcher and third baseman throughout my career. During my nineteen years of playing, I've fostered softball skills with personalized guidance. My career off the field is a High School Special Education Teacher so I strive to cultivate a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for athletes to thrive and achieve their goals. Combining my teaching skills and softball experience allows me to create diversified training plans to fit each athlete’s needs because everyone learns and understands differently. I’m excited to get to work and share my passion and love for the game with you all!

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.

"Wonderful coach with a full set of equipment from fresh strings and new balls and also provides water and energy drinks. Energetic style of coaching that keeps me engaged and on my feet running for more.