pros
It is the philosophy of Pickles and Play to bring professional trainers to the region that are first and foremost high integrity people off the court as pickleball is about the people and community. Of course, on the court our coaching team is industry leading. We have compiled one of the most high-caliber teams who will offer their services on a regular basis while others will strictly be available for exclusive opportunities for the Pickles and Play community. A wide geographic representation enables our program to bring the premier leaders in the industry. We share a vision and collaboration to make your experience elite. We are confident they will serve you on the court for your pickleball goals, and off the court because they are genuine and impactful.
Most of the Professionals have extensive racquet experience in addition to pickleball and are credited with substantial tournament experience. Additionally, as certified coaches they are able to instruct with an array of perspectives to enhance your development.
Most of the Professionals have extensive racquet experience in addition to pickleball and are credited with substantial tournament experience. Additionally, as certified coaches they are able to instruct with an array of perspectives to enhance your development.
TOP-LEVEL TRAINERS
- Our trainers are Nationally top Ranked in the sport.
- All Trainers have Certifications from the IPTPA, PPR and/or other accreditation
- We hired a variety of Professionals to take you to the next level
- During clinics we keep mostly a 1:8 player maximum ratio with similar skill players
Lane Ethridge
Lane is the founder of Lane Ethridge Pickleball and co-founder and the CEO of Pickles and Play. He has served as the Director and lead pro instructor at Northridge Country Club, Director of Lifetime Raleigh for 16 months taking it to the top 10 in the country, has served as the President of the Wake Forest Pickleball Association and acted as the lead pro instructor for the inaugural Carpe Dink’Em international pickleball vacations in the Dominican Republic. His excitement and enthusiasm for training and building the pickleball community is contagious!
IPTPA Certified Coach
Chapel Hill Local Professional Trainer
Nathan Evans
My name is Nathan Evans and I am the teaching pro at our Chapel Hill location. Welcome to our club! I look forward to meeting you. A little about me – I love the sport of pickleball and truly enjoy teaching the game to players of all levels. My role includes conducting clinics and lessons at Chapel Hill Pickles & Play as well as being involved with leagues, open play, and tournaments. I encourage you to reach out to me personally at nathan@picklesandplay.com with any questions regarding open play, clinics, private lessons, or anything else. I look forward to playing with you on the court and getting to know you off the court as well!
National Professional Trainers Affiliated
Tanner Wilhoit
Tanner used to play both basketball & tennis at Montreat College, and now competes in pickleball tournaments across the East coast where he has medaled in multiple 5.0 singles, mixed, and men’s doubles events. He loves to teach all levels from juniors and beginners all the way to advanced competitors. Prior to an injury, he was the #4 rated doubles player in NC and the #2 rated singles player in NC. He is currently sponsored by TMPR Sports, OS1st, Kitch Pickleball Apparel, and Core Pickleball. Tanner will be featured for exclusive opportunities at Pickles and Play such as camps and other unique special events.
PPR Certified Coach
Shannon Moore
2021 #1 APP 5.0 19+ female and mix doubles player
2022 top 60 female on the pro tour
Played Division 1 tennis at Furman University
Gamma Pro Team Sponsored Player
Shannon will be featured for exclusive opportunities at Pickles and Play such as camps and other unique special events.
IPTPA Certified Coach
Camp Director and Pro Player Spotlight
Hailee Haymore
Assistant Pickleball Pro atPinehurst Country Club
Pro at Litchfield Pickleball
Pro Player 5.2 DUPR
PPR Certified Coach
Pro at Litchfield Pickleball
Pro Player 5.2 DUPR
PPR Certified Coach
Pricing
Schedule
| Day | Location |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Wake Forest |
| Wednesday | Chapel Hill |
Book via Text or Email
Book via Text or Email
Jim Dobran
Jim a member of the Pro Team for ProXR Pickleball. He is one of the highest rated players in all of North Carolina with a 5.5+ DUPR rating and travels to play in Pro tournaments all over the country. Jim has been ranked as high as top 40 in mixed doubles and top 75 in men’s doubles. Before deciding to compete solely at the pro level, Jim won 17 medals at the 5.0 level. Educating young student is one of his passions as he taught 7 years of High School Math and Physical Education. Jim will be featured for exclusive opportunities at Pickles and Play such as camps and other unique special events.
IPTPA Certified Coach
Pam Gilbert
Won Gold in Senior Pro APP New York 2023.
Pam Has taught and directed programs in tennis for 40 years and currently teaching pickleball at Lochmere to beginners as well as advanced players, along with coaching her own private students. Pam’s specialty is strategy, shot selection and creation of patterns for doubles teams. Pam is a local player and instructor and will be featured for regular programs and special guest instructor for exclusive opportunities at Pickles and Play such as camps and other special events.
