Pickleball Coaches
Learn from our certified pros as they create lessons and drills tailored specifically to what you want to improve. Elevate your game at every level.
Our Coaching Staff
Coach Blake
RPO Certified
Coach Blake brings a lifelong athletic background and a strong passion for competing to the pickleball court. After growing up playing baseball, tennis, and soccer, he went on to compete collegiately in soccer, developing the footwork, strategy, and mental toughness that now shape his pickleball game. He discovered pickleball in 2021 and was competing at an elite level by 2024, earning medals in PPA events and playing in the Brickwall Pro Series along the East Coast. Whether players are new to the game or looking to compete at a higher level, Coach Blake brings energy, experience, and a player-first mindset to every session.
Coach Brandon
RPO, PPR Certified
Coach Brandon started playing pickleball in 2022 and has been dedicated to the sport ever since. With a background in baseball, including years spent coaching alongside his father, he brings a patient, relationship-driven approach to every lesson. As a DTL certified coach, Brandon enjoys working with players of all personalities, skill levels, and playing styles. His coaching focuses on building confidence, improving fundamentals, and making the game approachable and fun. He believes the best lessons happen when players feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn: “Let’s laugh, learn, and enjoy this sport together!”
Coach Christie
RPO Certified
Coach Christie was all-in on pickleball from the first time her parents encouraged her to pick up a paddle. She began competing in 2019 and has found success at both the 5.0 and Open levels. An RPO certified coach and former avid volleyball player, Christie specializes in doubles strategy, especially mixed doubles, with a focus on patience, resets, placement, and smart point construction. She enjoys the teamwork and strategy the game demands and brings that same thoughtful, competitive energy to every lesson. Her goal is to help players improve their decision-making, sharpen their skills, and play with more confidence.
Coach Grady
RPO Certified
Coach Grady is a passionate pickleball instructor dedicated to helping players of every skill level improve their game. With a strong focus on fundamentals, strategy, and consistency, he tailors each session to fit the individual player’s goals and style of play. Grady believes learning should be both productive and enjoyable, creating an encouraging environment where players can build confidence and sharpen their skills. Whether working with beginners or more competitive athletes, he brings patience, energy, and a player-focused approach to every lesson and clinic.
Coach Joe
RPO, IPTPA Certified
Joe Wang is a seasoned private club operator with extensive expertise in racquet sports and player development. He previously served as Assistant General Manager and Director of Racquet Sports at Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, where his leadership helped earn top-ten national rankings and recognition from Club + Resort Business and the USTA. Joe holds degrees from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, Villanova University School of Law, and Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business. His diverse background includes leadership roles at Apple and Nokia, along with experience as a Sports Marketing Adjunct Professor at Georgetown.
Coach Lee Ann
RPO, PPR and Dynamite Doubles Certified
Growing up playing basketball, softball, and rugby, Lee Ann discovered pickleball in 2020 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Since then, she has competed in local, regional, and national tournaments, earning podium finishes in singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles competition. As a DTL Certified Coach, Lee Ann is known for creating engaging, supportive lessons focused on building confidence, improving mechanics, and developing smart game strategy. Her energetic coaching style and dedication to player development help athletes of all levels feel comfortable, motivated, and ready to improve their game.
Coach Max
PPR Certified
Max began playing pickleball in 2019, building on his athletic foundation in basketball and flag football. Today he’s a PPR Certified Professional Coach who competes in local tournaments while balancing full-time work in the banking industry and being a dedicated father. Max’s coaching style is rooted in a cerebral, strategic approach to the game. He preaches “Mindful Aggression” while tailoring lessons to each player’s unique strengths, helping them grow with the game’s evolving dynamics. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to elevate your tournament play, Max is committed to guiding your development with insight, adaptability, and passion.
Coach Josh
PPR Certified
With a competitive junior tennis background, collegiate club tennis experience, and three years of competitive pickleball, I help players of all levels improve through smarter decision-making and sound fundamentals. I actively compete in local tournaments, money balls, and Brick Wall pro events. I love to work with all levels whether you patiently look to learn the fundamentals, or you’re more advanced and want to sharpen up your patterns. My lessons and clinics go beyond technique. By asking questions and teaching the why behind each shot, I help students play with greater focus, intention, and an understanding of patterns and point construction. Having worked through several injuries myself, I’m also adaptable and mindful of any physical limitations, helping players improve in ways that fit their body and current abilities.
Coach Preston
PPR Certified
Preston Gordon played Division II tennis at Franklin Pierce University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and an MBA in Health Administration. After more than a decade of coaching tennis, he transitioned to pickleball, combining his extensive coaching experience with a passion for helping players reach their full potential. An active competitor, Preston regularly competes in Moneyball, Brick Wall, and PPA Challenger events, continually refining his own game to stay current with the sport’s evolving strategies and techniques. His competitive experience, paired with his coaching background, allows him to provide practical, high-level instruction that translates directly to match play. Preston enjoys working with players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning the fundamentals to experienced competitors looking to sharpen their strategy and consistency. His coaching style is positive, patient, and personalized, with every lesson tailored to each player’s goals. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or striving to reach the next level, Preston is committed to helping you improve your game while making the learning process enjoyable.
Coach Nick
PPR Certified
Nick has a background in tennis, playing Division 1 tennis at Mount St. Mary’s University. He began playing pickleball in 2023 and has played in PPA tournaments, Brickwall pro events, and has represented the Washington DC MiLP team at MLP Austin and MiLP Nationals in Dallas. His game style is “first strike pickleball,” which focuses on aggressive shot selection, footwork, and high tempo physicality that reflects the game’s rapid evolution. His coaching style is high energy with emphasis on technique development, tactical development, and athletic movement patterns. He is passionate about coaching players of all ages and levels.
Coach Ana
Coming Soon
Ana Gordon played Division I tennis at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, earning a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology before continuing her collegiate career at Franklin Pierce University, where she competed in Division II tennis while earning her MBA in Health Administration.
After discovering pickleball following college tennis, Ana quickly fell in love with the sport and the opportunity to compete again. Before transitioning fully to pickleball, she spent five years coaching tennis. She now regularly competes in Moneyball, Brick Wall Pro Series, and PPA Challenger events, continuing to develop her game and stay current with the sport.
As both an athlete and coach, Ana brings a strong understanding of movement, technique, strategy, and match play to her lessons. Her coaching style is encouraging, patient, and personalized, with a focus on building confidence, strong fundamentals, and helping each player develop their own game. Whether you’re new to pickleball or looking to take your competitive game to the next level, Ana is excited to help you reach your goals and enjoy the process.
Private Lesson Rates
How to Book a Coach
Book lessons with one of our coaches by emailing us at info@dtlsportscenter.com with dates and availability. Our coaches will be in touch with you to confirm the lesson request based on their availability. Rates displayed are hourly.
| Coach | 1:1 Private | 2:1 Semi-Private | 3:1 Group of 3 | 4:1 Group of 4 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | |
| Blake | $100 | $110 | $70per person | $80per person | $55per person | $65per person | $55per person | $65per person |
| Brandon | $95 | $105 | $60per person | $70per person | $45per person | $55per person | $45per person | $55per person |
| Christie | $100 | $110 | $70per person | $80per person | $55per person | $65per person | $55per person | $65per person |
| Grady | $85 | $95 | $60per person | $70per person | $45per person | $55per person | $45per person | $55per person |
| Joe | $100 | $110 | $70per person | $80per person | $55per person | $65per person | $55per person | $65per person |
| Lee Ann | $85 | $95 | $65per person | $75per person | $50per person | $60per person | $50per person | $60per person |
| Max | $100 | $110 | $80per person | $90per person | $60per person | $70per person | $60per person | $70per person |
| Josh | $100 | $110 | $70per person | $80per person | $55per person | $65per person | $55per person | $65per person |
| Preston | $100 | $110 | $70per person | $80per person | $55per person | $65per person | $55per person | $65per person |
| Nick | $100 | $110 | $70per person | $80per person | $55per person | $65per person | $55per person | $65per person |
| Ana | $100 | $110 | $70per person | $80per person | $55per person | $65per person | $55per person | $65per person |
Head Pro of Instruction
Connor Garnett
Introducing DTL’s Head Pro of Instruction, Connor Garnett. A PPA 5x Gold Medalist and the first-ever triple crown winner in PPA Asia’s history, Connor brings 20+ medals across disciplines and a championship mindset straight to DTL. Connor will provide both live and remote instruction at DTL throughout 2026.
Join a Coach-Led Clinic or Series
Looking for coach-led clinics and series? Check out our programs for more information.
