MEET THE COACHES

Giva teaches our beginner & intro to open play classes & clinics.

With a background in competitive rowing as an athlete and a coach, Giva came to pickleball as a recreational player. This sport instantly became a passion. Giva says, "Introducing the sport to individuals with or without previous racquet sports experience is extremely rewarding. My goal is to teach and develop technique and strategies without overworking the pickleball stroke, following the flow of the rally for a successful outcome. Pickleball is fun but can also be intensively competitive when that is the goal of the player.”

Zachary Yusuf is a PPR certified pickleball instructor.

His goal is to teach students the variety of skills that he has learned throughout the years playing many hand-eye coordination sports including golf, badminton, squash, table-tennis, and tennis, in a manner that is easily transferable to the sport of pickleball.

His insights help beginner and intermediate players gain a sound understanding of the strategies, rules, dynamics, and techniques needed to level up in the sport, regardless of age or experience.

Eric moved from NYC to Rochester only last September. Pickleball introduced him to an amazing group of people and helped Rochester feel like home. Eric played D1 tennis and has been coaching tennis since he was 18. Over the last year he has played in pickleball tournaments and now shares his love of pickleball with others who are learning and mastering the game. He looks forward to helping all players see growth. 

Jonathan Schwandt is a IPTPA Certified Coach.

Curiosity and a little arm bend from a friend to join open play led to an 8 year competitive pickleball addiction.

Once I started playing I was determined to become a 4.5 player. It took a lot of hard work;  drilling, study of technique, and strategy to reach that goal.

I am highly motivated to help others develop as players- reaching goals along the way. For me there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my students reach the podium!

Howard coaches our welcome classes, and can be found assisting with other classes as well. Howard has many specialties, including telling dad jokes, trick shots, and coaching. He loves helping beginners join the game, and showing them the ropes!