Pickleball Lessons
Professional Coaching for Players of All Levels
Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your skills, we offer pickleball lessons in Dayton that are tailored to you. From private coaching to group sessions, our professional instructors provide caring guidance to help you reach your goals. Join us to learn, play, and love the game of pickleball.
Meet the Coaches
Our Team is Your Team
Carolina
Coach
Carolina Lopez Ascarate
Coach
Meet Carolina Lopez Ascarate | Professional Pickleball Player & Coach
Carolina Lopez Ascarate is a world-class athlete, elite coach, and one of Argentina’s most accomplished racquet sport professionals. Born in Buenos Aires, Carolina’s competitive spirit was evident early on, launching her into a successful tennis career that included competing on the WTA Tour from 1992 to 1996. She reached career-high rankings of 500 in both singles and doubles and later ranked #3 nationally in NCAA Division II while representing Ouachita Baptist University. With a B.S. in Advertising and Communication Media from Palermo University, Carolina combined her talents in athletics and education to become a PTR-certified tennis professional and ISSA-certified fitness trainer. She has trained athletes for over two decades at Kettering Tennis Center/Quail Run Racquet Club, and she has served as Fitness Director for FirstFit for Life, both earning her a reputation for developing well-rounded, high-performing players.
Carolina’s transition into professional pickleball has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Currently holding a DUPR rating of 5.748, she ranks in the Top 50 globally and is the #1 female pickleball player in Argentina and #2 in South America for Women’s Doubles. Her international acclaim soared after being drafted by Global Sports to compete for the Goa Gladiators in India. Carolina has earned over 20 medals, including silver at the 2022 PPA Baird Wealth Management Open and 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball Nationals, and continues to achieve wins against elite players like Mary Brascia, John Cincola, and Susannah Barr. Now touring as a pro with Black Barn Pickleball, she regularly teams up with standout partners, including Sheri Courter and Marcello Jardim.
A passionate advocate for player development and community outreach, Carolina is equally at home running clinics, mentoring new players, and sharing her love of the game in both English and Spanish. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned athlete looking to compete at the highest level, Carolina brings unmatched energy, experience, and inspiration to the court. Carolina’s Motto: “Play with purpose, grow with passion, and uplift others along the way.”
Natalia
Coach
Natalia Alekhova
Coach
Meet Natalia | Head Pickleball Coach
With over 20 years of professional tennis coaching experience and a lifelong passion for racquet sports, Natalia brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and positivity to the pickleball court. With a deep-rooted passion for racquet sports and over two decades of professional coaching experience, Natalia brings energy, strategy, and positivity to every pickleball lesson.
Since discovering pickleball in January 2022 during a family trip to Florida, she’s become fully immersed in the sport, competing, coaching, and growing alongside the vibrant Dayton pickleball community. Natalia quickly rose through the ranks, competing in pro-level tournaments and securing wins in several 5.0 matches. She was part of the team that took second place at the 5.0 Nationals, a testament to her drive, adaptability, and love for the game. Originally from Russia, Natalia was a Junior Doubles National Champion in 1994 and held a national top 5 junior ranking from ages 12 to 18. She played Division I tennis at the University of New Mexico, earning Academic All-American honors twice and finishing with the second-highest winning percentage in program history.
While her tennis background built a strong foundation, it’s her dedication to pickleball that now fuels her daily inspiration. As a coach, Natalia works with players of all levels, from those new to the sport to advanced competitors, emphasizing that growth never stops, regardless of experience. Her coaching style blends high-level tactics with patient, encouraging instruction. She believes consistent reps, strategic thinking, and a growth mindset are key to improvement at every stage. Natalia’s Pickleball Philosophy: “Pickleball is like playing chess on the move—you need focus, fun, and flexibility. Whether you’re just starting or chasing medals, stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly… enjoy the game!”
Jeanie
Coach
Jeanie Heyd
Coach
Meet Jeanie | Pickleball Coach & Wellness Advocate
A former collegiate tennis player and proud recipient of the EKU Sports Woman of the Year award, Jeanie brings a lifetime of racquet sports experience and a heart for wellness to the pickleball court. After a rewarding career as a cardiac intensive care nurse, Jeanie now dedicates her energy to helping others discover the physical, mental, and social benefits of pickleball. Jeanie specializes in guiding tennis players through a smooth transition to pickleball, using her deep understanding of court movement, strategy, and mechanics to accelerate learning and confidence. She’s earned a collection of tournament medals, but her greatest pride comes from the friendships, family memories, and laughter she’s shared along the way, including on court with her grown children. Currently, Jeanie chairs the Pickleball Advisory Committee for the City of Kettering Parks & Recreation Department and teaches for the City of Fairborn and Moraine’s Payne Rec Center.
Whether she’s working with kids, adults, or seniors, her coaching style is rooted in encouragement, connection, and fun. Jeanie’s Coaching Philosophy: “I love playing with athletes ages 4 to 84—helping them see progress, gain confidence, and leave every lesson craving more court time. Let’s get off our phones, off the couch, and into the joy of play!” From beginners discovering the game for the first time to corporate groups and competitive doubles teams, Jeanie’s passion is helping people move, laugh, and grow—on and off the court.
Jeff
Coach
Jeff Jett
Coach
Meet Jeff | Pickleball Coach & Certified Instructor
Jeff is a PCI-certified pickleball coach with over 20 years of experience teaching and coaching in both sports and vocational settings. With a DUPR rating of 4.5 and competitive experience at the 4.5 tournament level, Jeff brings both skill and a strong passion for the game to every session. He’s been playing pickleball for the past five years and quickly developed a love for the sport’s energy, strategy, and community.
Jeff specializes in working with first-time players and novice-level athletes, offering clear instruction and patient guidance to help build strong foundations and confidence on the court. Jeff offers coaching for individuals, doubles pairs, and small groups, tailoring each session to meet his players’ goals and needs. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to refine your fundamentals, Jeff is ready to help you grow your game. Jeff’s Coaching Philosophy: “Everyone starts somewhere, my goal is to make sure you enjoy the journey, improve your skills, and have fun along the way. Let’s go!”
James
Coach
James Lawson
Coach
Meet James | Pickleball Coach
James is a Certified Pickleball Trainer with a passion for player development and a proven record of success on and off the court. With a DUPR rating of 5.23 and years of competitive and coaching experience since he began playing in 2018, James brings a high-performance mindset to every lesson while still making the game fun and accessible for all. James is a licensed, insured, and certified instructor, as well as a certified DUPR ratings assessor and evaluator. He has worked with players of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced competitors, helping them refine technique, build strategy, and gain confidence through consistent, tailored training. His coaching style combines patience, precision, and positivity to support each player’s unique growth path.
In addition to private coaching, James teaches a Pickleball course at Wright State University, where he helps introduce the next generation of players to the fundamentals of the game and the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the pickleball community. Whether you’re brand new to the game or aiming to break through to the next level, James has the expertise and enthusiasm to help you reach your goals. James’s Coaching Philosophy: “Pickleball is about growth, grit, and great fun—whatever level you’re at, there’s always another gear to reach. Let’s level up your game!”
Lesson Options for Every Player
Choose the Best Coaching Experience for You
1 Player Private Lesson
One-on-one coaching to refine your individual skills, techniques, and strategy.
2–4 Player Semi-Private Lesson
Perfect for friend groups, these lessons offer focused coaching while keeping it social.
5+ Players Group Lesson
Learn pickleball techniques and strategies in a fun, supportive group setting.