Discover Pickleball with ProsToYou
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country—and for good reason! Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, it's a fun, fast-paced game that’s easy to learn and perfect for all ages and skill levels. At ProsToYou, we’re proud to offer dynamic pickleball programming that includes clinics, open play, private lessons, school partnerships, and special events. Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to elevate your game, our experienced coaches are here to guide you every step of the way. Come see why so many are joining the pickleball movement with ProsToYou!
For more information or to schedule a private, semi-private, or group lesson, please email support@prostoyou.com.
MEET OUR COACHES!
Kenny Roy: Kenny is originally from Washington DC and attended DeMatha HS where he was an All American Football and Basketball player. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park on a Football and Basketball scholarship and earned All American Honors in Football, and then playing professionally for the New Orleans Saints. As a lifelong athlete, Kenny also had a love and knack for racquet sports, playing tennis and racquetball at a high level. He started playing Pickleball three years ago and has quickly achieved multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, in various local and national tournaments across the country including most recently in the 2023 Masters National Tournament in Rancho Mirage California. His love for Pickleball and its community has now grown into his passion of teaching and seeing others grow and enjoy this great game.
Scott Nilsen: Meet Scott Nilsen, a seasoned pickleball coach with a passion for the sport that spans decades. With a career in the tennis industry that began at the young age of fifteen, Scott has honed his skills and expertise to become a highly respected figure in the world of pickleball.
For over ten years, Scott served as a junior coach and USPTA instructor, sharing his knowledge and love for the game with aspiring players of all ages. His dedication to teaching and mentoring has helped countless individuals improve their skills and reach their full potential on the court.
In addition to his coaching prowess, Scott is also a professional stringing Racquet Technician, ensuring that players have the best equipment to enhance their performance. His attention to detail and commitment to quality have earned him a reputation as a trusted expert in equipment maintenance and customization.
But Scott's talents don't stop there. As a professional pickleballer, he has achieved an impressive ranking of 45 on the senior world tour. His exceptional skills and competitive spirit have allowed him to compete at the highest level, earning him recognition among the best in the sport.
With Scott Nilsen as your pickleball coach, you can expect a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the game, and a genuine passion for helping players succeed. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced player aiming to refine your technique, Scott's expertise and guidance will undoubtedly take your pickleball game to new heights.
Ross Porter: Ross is a certified coach with the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR). Over the past five years Ross has dedicated himself to helping players of varying ability to understand and practice basic pickleball fundamentals, improve their techniques and learn the most up to date game strategies. He has a passion for the game and truly enjoys watching his students move to the next level in their pickleball journey.
Tara Hodge: Coach Tara has been a pickleball player, ambassador, and certified PPR coach, with years of experience teaching players of all backgrounds along with her competitive play at local and regional tournaments. From the beginner level and beyond, she enjoys seeing each of her students continue to improve each day on court. She looks forward to continuing helping to grow the game for all ages and levels!
"Pickles" Paul Smith: Meet "Pickles" Paul Smith, a distinguished Arlington, VA native and PPR Certified Pickleball Instructor with over 30 years of coaching excellence in tennis. Having gracefully transitioned his passion from tennis to pickleball, Paul stands as a beacon of skill and sportsmanship. His recent triumph over world #2 pickleball pro Anna Bright at the A.I.P. Pros vs 5.0s event attests to his mastery of the court. With a commitment to precision and a wealth of instructional experience, Paul brings a unique blend of professionalism and passion to his pickleball coaching, ensuring players not only refine their skills but also savor the joy of the game.
Craig Zdaniewicz: Craig’s athletic journey began in high school, where he stood out in baseball, football, and wrestling before playing for the All-Army volleyball team in 2016–2017 after attending West Point. After his honorable discharge in 2018, he shifted to coaching volleyball at South Lakes and Wakefield High Schools.
In 2021, Craig reignited his passion for pickleball while volunteering at a YMCA event with Ben and Collin Johns. Since then, he has advanced from a 3.5 to 4.5 level player, highlighted by a third-place finish in a 4.0–4.5 APA singles event in October 2024. Dedicated to growing the sport, Craig coaches, runs clinics, supports programs like PTY, and helped donate a pickleball machine to the YMCA. He’s also working to bring pickleball into local schools through mixers and outreach.
PTY now offers private, semi-private, and small group (create your own) lessons at the following locations:
VIRGINIA
- Chesterbrook Swim and Tennis Club
- Highlands Swim and Tennis Club
- Hollin Meadows Swim and Tennis Club
- Langley Swim and Tennis Club
- Little Hunting Park
- Mount Vernon Park
- Poplar Heights Recreation Association
Riverside Gardens Swim and Tennis Club - Sleepy Hollow Recreation Association
MARYLAND
- Inverness Recreation Club
Old Georgetown Club - Rock Creek Pool
- Seven Locks Swim & Tennis Club
- Potomac Woods Swim & Tennis Club
- Montgomery TennisPlex (indoor pickleball courts)
- YMCA Bethesda (email pickleball@ymcadc.org to schedule lessons at the Y)
- YMCA Silver Spring (email pickleball@ymcadc.org to schedule lessons at the Y)