Connor is a lifelong athlete who has participated in multiple sports (basketball, baseball, racquetball, volleyball, soccer, track, cross-country, tennis and of course pickleball!). Connor started playing pickleball in 2018 with his father and his friends on a hot July summer afternoon. Initially, Connor did not know what to think of it. He didn't understand the kitchen, strategy or court positioning. However, after being a supportive son for his father's new passion, he started to develop his own love for the game. Connor has traveled to more than 30 states for work or personal reasons, and somehow he found a way to play pickleball at some point on those trips. 

Connor's contagious positive energy combined with his playing experience and student first mindset allows all players to feel comfortable on court and play to the best of their abilities. 

Connor enjoys teaching people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a beginner and have never played a sport before to former tennis college athletes aspiring to become the next 5.0 pickleball semi-pro, Connor's lessons will help you learn the rules and strategy of the game quickly and effectively.   

Connor teaches drill sessions, private lessons, semi-private lessons, and 3 and mes (pro + instructor on-court experiences). 

PPR Level 1 Certified Coach
Before becoming a pickler, Dawn was a long-time volleyball player and a McFetridge tennis class/workshop regular. She fully transitioned to Pickleball in 2018 when there were barely any PB courts in Chicago. Dawn is a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach and enjoys watching her students learn, improve and create their own pickleball communities with their classmates.

A great testament to her instruction is her student feedback:

“Dawn is a fantastic coach because she is a gifted communicator and teacher. She can clearly explain rules, strategies and techniques, and then reinforces that knowledge with drills. Her stepwise practical methods have allowed me to build on my skills and I have seen noticeable improvements in my pickleball game in a short period of time! Thank you, Dawn! ~ Anna G.

Dawn teaches classes and is available for private individual and group lessons.

Michael is a PPR Certified Pro and has played racket sports his entire life including tennis, racquetball, ping pong, beach tennis, and squash. Michael began playing pickleball about 2 years ago and cannot get enough. Michael believes strongly that in order to improve, spending as much if not more time drilling as we do playing is essential. For this reason, Michael prides himself on staying current with the latest and greatest drills and games that reinforce both technical and tactical parameters. Michael has a lighthearted teaching style; after all we are playing a game with a whiffle ball so no need to take it so seriously. Michael also highly recommends maintaining a consistent stretching routine for injury prevention, recovery, and performance. Outside of pickleball, Michael is a Peloton enthusiast and enjoys watching sports. 

PPR LevelUp 1 Certified Coach 

Tonya has been a multi-sport athlete (basketball, volleyball, softball, long distance running) her whole life so adding pickleball to the rotation in 2022 was a no-brainer.  She fell in love with the sport and the community instantly!!  As a student of the game, she knows (and loves) that pickleball is more than just a physical game and that the intellectual component is key to success on the court. 

Tonya’s competitive spirit, passion for teaching and approachability combines with her training, experience and strategic approach to enable her to break down the game in a way that makes learning fun and effective.

Tonya enjoys teaching all aspects of the game but especially loves helping players perfect drop shots and resets.  She works with players of all levels from beginners just learning the game to 3.5 players trying to improve their technical and strategic skills to get to that 4.0 level. 

Tonya manages leagues and tournaments, teaches group classes and is available for drill sessions and both private and semi-private lessons. 

“You have been so very instrumental in my pickleball game, from keeping a positive mindset to developing my skills. You are a fabulous instructor.”

~Callie B