First Graduating Class Earns its Diploma at USAPA University
School was in session for approximately 50 pickleball enthusiasts as the USAPA held its first annual Pickleball University, January 25-29, at Club Med-Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida. With the magnificent playground resort as its home, the USAPA University featured world-class instruction from some of the sport’ s finest players. Attendees received instruction from top-flight players such as Robert Elliott, Scott Tingley, Catherine Parenteau, Brian Staub, Tyson McGuffin and Will Wilson.
From learning the fine art of dinking to refining ground strokes, net play, serving, volleys and overall court management, University students were also treated to various amenities at the all-inclusive sports venue that features numerous activities such as golf, tennis, beach volleyball, sailing, kayaking and more! With an 8:1 instructor to player ratio, students received plenty of individual attention. " The professional organization of the clinics, quality of the material taught and the willingness of the pros to help us improve our games was truly over the top! Thanks to all the professionals-- You are a class act," said the Pittsburgh Gals--Kathy Demetri, Karen Dreska and
Karen Kantz. Each evening, students were invited to dinner with the pros prior to venturing throughout the property in search of the next fun-filled activity.
With its ever-continuing efforts to improve the level of play of its participants and to also introduce the growing sport of pickleball to newcomers, the USAPA put together an event-filled curriculum complete with outstanding coaching and off-the-court fun and frivolity.
Brian Staub exchanged his paddle for a microphone and " emceed " a highly entertaining exhibition match amongst the other pros.
Open play was scheduled for each day, giving students opportunities to use the invaluable instruction they had received. Evening activities rounded out the four days and three nights of fun. As each student gladly accepted their " diploma," talk began to filter throughout the property as to when and where the next course load will be held.
USAPA hopes to build on all the excitement of its first Pickleball University and stage another“ classes in session” program at a location near you sometime in 2018! •
MARCH / APRIL 2018 | MAGAZINE 57