Certified Pickleball Instructor
For Individuals and Groups
I am an IPTPA-certified pickleball instructor and ICF-certified and accredited life coach. My clients constantly ask me for recommendations about products related to pickleball (paddles, shoes, eye protection, socks, pickleballs). If you purchase my recommended products with the links below, you will support my work as a pickleball instructor. I also write a weekly Substack newsletter and podcast. Much of my writing pertains to pickleball. Read/listen + subscribe here.
These are all products I use and recommend. Support my work as a pickleball instructor by purchasing with the links below.
Recommended Pickleball Gear
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ProXR Paddles
USE DISCOUNT CODE MBARON10
AT CHECKOUT FOR $10 OFF -
Franklin X-40 (OUTDOOR)
These are the standard for outdoor recreational play.
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Franklin X-26 (INDOOR)
These are the standard for indoor play on a gym floor.
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ASICS Gel-Dedicate 7 (Women's)
These are the ideal starter pair of pickleball shoes. Good value and comfy. Stop playing in running shoes and get these today!
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K-Swiss Express Light (Women's)
These are a step-up (ha!) from the Asics. A bit sturdier and more rigid. Pickleball shoes burn out fast, so it’s a good idea to have a couple pairs.
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OOFOS OOahh Slides (Unisex)
I wear these to and from the court. These “recovery” sandals will help your feet feel rested and healthy after all the running around.
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ASICS Gel-Dedicate 7 (Men's)
These are the ideal starter pair of pickleball shoes. Good value and comfy. Stop playing in running shoes and get these today!
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K-Swiss Express Light (Men's)
Ready to step up your game? These are a bit sturdier and more rigid. Pickleball shoes burn out fast from all the play, so it’s a good idea to have a couple pairs.
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JBL Clip Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
A good playlist goes hand-in-hand with good games of pickleball. But don’t be that guy with the boombox that takes over the entire court complex. This small speaker clips onto the net and provides good volume for you and your group.
Purchase on Amazon -
ONIX Pickleball Owl Goggles
Safety first! Please protect your eyes while playing pickleball. If you’re playing indoors or it’s not sunny outside, wear these!
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Tifosi Clear Goggles
A more stylish take for indoor goggles. Not too much fog / easy to adjust to wearing indoors. Protect your eyes!
Purchase on Amazon -
Folding / Collapsible Stool
Finding a place to sit near a pickleball court isn’t always guaranteed. This stool folds up neatly and fits into any decent sports bag + impresses your friends when you take it out. It also serves as a nice little end table if you have a fancy chair or find a place to sit on a bench.
Purchase on Amazon
My Pickleball Story
I'm excited to bring my passion for pickleball to the Chicagoland community. While I hadn't played any paddle sports since I was a kid, a trip to Southern California in May 2021 changed everything. I caught the pickle-bug the moment I walked onto the courts and found myself returning every day for the next month for five hours a day. I played and learned from some of the nicest and most skilled players around.
A year later, friends I met at open play in Chicago recognized my talent for giving feedback and helping others improve their game. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, I became certified to teach and earned my Level I certification with the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA). Since then, I've been teaching pickleball, continually seeking to improve my instruction, and recently received my Level II certification. As your pickleball pro, I'm committed to helping clients develop their skills on the court, enhance their overall relationship with the game, and improve their interpersonal dynamics with fellow players.
Prior to teaching pickleball, I earned a Masters in Education and spent a decade teaching public school. I'm also a certified and accredited life coach, working with clients in that capacity as well. My creative pursuits include songwriting, music, and art. Collaborating with others and building strong relationships is essential to my work and my life.