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