The Most Active, Elite DUPR Coaches Unite to Drive Pickleball Forward Through Innovation and Leadership

Delray Beach, FL, December 1, 2025 – DUPR and DUPR Coach are proud to announce the launch of the DUPR Coach Vanguard, an elite collective of the most dedicated, active, and impactful DUPR Coaches worldwide. This initiative recognizes coaches who exemplify the highest standards of quality, integrity, and innovation while shaping the future of pickleball and advancing the DUPR ecosystem.

The Vanguard will drive leadership, inspire innovation, and elevate assessment standards while extending DUPR’s influence globally. Comprised of the most active and respected DUPR Coaches, each having rated hundreds of players and many leading teams of coaches, members serve as ambassadors, innovators, and leaders of the sport. They shape the future of pickleball by advancing DUPR Coach program development, fostering community engagement, running events, mentoring new coaches, providing strategic guidance, and contributing across key areas including coach development, player engagement, social media amplification, innovation, beta testing new features, training AI models, and strategic partnerships.

“Coaches are the lifeblood of pickleball, and their work on the court is what drives our sport forward,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “They are rating players, educating their communities, and setting a standard of excellence every day. The coaches in the Vanguard have proven themselves to be leaders of integrity and outstanding representatives of DUPR and the DUPR Coach program. DUPR has always been committed to listening to the community and empowering those who support the game at every level. We’re proud to launch the Vanguard and equip these coaches to make meaningful impact on the future of DUPR and pickleball worldwide.”

The DUPR Coach program will reach its one-year milestone in January 2026, with the Coach-Assigned DUPR becoming fully accessible across leading court reservation systems and tournament platforms throughout the industry. To date, thousands of coaches have enrolled, impacting players worldwide and supporting the growth of pickleball in more than 25 countries.

“Each of these coaches was handpicked for the Vanguard because of their excellence both on and off the court,” said Katie Nimitz, President of MyJourney Pickleball. “They represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, yet they come together united under one mission: to grow the game of pickleball through DUPR. We are proud every day to work alongside coaches who are such integral parts of our community, and even more proud to empower them to make an even greater impact than they already are.”

The DUPR Coach Vanguard marks a bold step forward in empowering coaches, engaging players, and driving the global growth of pickleball through DUPR.

Meet the DUPR Coach Vanguard Members

The inaugural Vanguard includes 16 elite coaches recognized for their contributions to coaching, player development, and community engagement:

Justin “JP” Parker, Aurora, Colorado

“My goal is to show the world how incredible pickleball can be—through DUPR’s reliable rating system, engaging experiences, and meaningful connections on the court. When players leave smiling and inspired to play again, that’s success. Joining the DUPR Coach Vanguard allows me to take that impact even further, helping more players grow and enjoy the game.”

Jeff Rausch, Austin, Texas

“By championing fair, fun, and competitive play, we can continue building a more connected, inclusive, and thriving pickleball community. Being part of the Vanguard allows me to take that mission beyond Austin Pickle Ranch, reaching courts and players around the world.”

Tommy Welch, Ridgeville, South Carolina

“If it’s not fun, we’re doing it wrong. Fundamental coaching with an emphasis on fun brings players of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds back to the court. As coaches, it’s our job to make sure players want to return tomorrow, and that starts with thoughtful coaching and using DUPR. Being part of the Vanguard allows me to share this philosophy with even more communities.”

Sonny Tannan, Laurel, Maryland

“With the DUPR Coach Vanguard, we’re elevating coaching, empowering athletes, and accelerating the future of pickleball. By bringing together some of the best coaches from around the world, we will shape the DUPR community for years to come.”

Van Soawesome, Brooklyn, New York

“I’m a former pro skateboarder with surf roots, bringing flow, grit, and creativity to every coaching space. I build inclusive, movement-driven communities where players feel seen and inspired. As a DUPR Coach Vanguard member, I aim to elevate players and grow a culture that blends athleticism, artistry, and belonging through DUPR.”

Gary Streisand, Hollywood, Florida

“My mission is simple: get more people playing pickleball and give them the DUPR rating they deserve. DUPR creates competitive, structured, and welcoming play, and joining the Vanguard lets me help make it the global standard while sharing my love for the game with new players.”

Zach Lee, Columbus, Ohio

“Players and pickleball communities don’t just want a rating—they want a roadmap. DUPR Coaches, and especially Vanguard coaches, provide that guidance. We don’t chase perfection—we coach progression. Being part of this elite group allows me to help players and the broader pickleball community grow meaningfully, both on and off the court.”

Pablo Granados, Lynnwood, Washington

“Pickleball changed my life. It improved my health, introduced me to amazing people, reignited my competitive spirit, and now supports my family. Pickleball is truly for everyone. Being part of the DUPR Coach Vanguard allows me to help others experience the game’s transformative power while guiding them to the right level through DUPR so they can enjoy the sport even more.”

AJ De Castro, Sacramento, California

“As someone striving to play at the professional level, I know how important honest feedback and measurable improvement are. DUPR provides that for me, my players, and the entire pickleball community. Joining the DUPR Coach Vanguard is a powerful step forward, empowering coaches like us to raise the standard of competitive pickleball on a global scale.”

George Olivencia III, Temple, Texas

“DUPR and DUPR Coach combine expert human instruction with advanced analytics, elevating player development at every level. Being part of the Vanguard gives me the opportunity to bring these coaching methods to more players, from beginners to pros, while helping grow the sport of pickleball worldwide.”

Karl Johnson, Columbus, Ohio

“I’m a career teacher and coach with a deep passion for pickleball, and helping people improve socially, mentally, and physically through pickleball is what drives me. DUPR Coach connects players to the DUPR rating system, but more importantly, it connects them with caring professionals, and being part of the Vanguard allows me to amplify that impact.”

Christopher Blayne Young, Austin, Texas

“Pickleball has been transformative for me. I’ve never played a sport that truly transcends age, gender, and experience. The Vanguard lets me help ensure that the sport continues to evolve while reaching players in ways that inspire and include everyone.”

Brad Lees, Phoenix, Arizona

“Pickleball has become a special part of my life because it has brought my family closer together. I’ve played tournaments with three of my children, creating memories we’ll always cherish. I love how the sport welcomes and unites players of all ages and abilities. Joining the Vanguard allows me to help even more families and players connect across generations.”

RK Bacalla, West Palm Beach, Florida

“My passion is using pickleball as a vehicle for success, for clients, players, and anyone looking to improve their game and quality of life. The Vanguard allows us to share knowledge worldwide and demonstrate how pickleball can truly change lives. I’m excited to be part of this elite group and to use this platform to drive meaningful impact.”

John R. Solema, Peoria, Arizona

“It’s an honor to be a DUPR Vanguard Coach. Pickleball is a great part of my life, and it can be a great part of yours too. By embracing challenges, players can grow and enjoy the game even more. Being part of the Vanguard allows me to guide players to their next level while helping expand DUPR’s reach.”

David Kempster, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

“Being part of the DUPR Coach team allows me to make an impact on the sport, connect with more players, and help them improve their skills. As a Vanguard member, I can expand that impact, contributing to initiatives that will leave a lasting mark on pickleball.”

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About MyJourney Pickleball

MyJourney Pickleball is the creator of the DUPR Coach program and the My DUPR Coach app, designed to empower coaches to conduct detailed skill assessments and assign official Coach-Assigned DUPRs to non-rated players. Coaches, clubs, and players can learn more at www.duprcoach.com.

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About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and federations. DUPR’s dynamic system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to provide an accurate evaluation of players worldwide, on a scale from 2.000 to 8.000. DUPR is the official rating system of Pickleball Canada, the United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Life Time, The Picklr, and many more. DUPR also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the largest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and organizers can sign up for free at www.dupr.com.

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