Our Coaches
Meet With Professional Coaches
JAMES SMITH
James Smith is a certified instructor through the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) in conjunction with USA Pickleball. He has nine years of Pickleball playing experience and has won several gold and silver medals in various tournaments. He has worked with the towns of Canton, Glastonbury and Newington providing both beginner and intermediate group lessons as well as clinics and individual sessions. Jim’s approach combines the technical and tactical aspects of the game to increase the student’s level of intent, consistency and control. He’s looking forward to meeting many new players at The Pickleball Place.
RIley giordano
Riley Giordano, is a local PPR professional certified instructor who has experience teaching others the game of Pickleball at indoor facilities, area Park and Recreation programs as well as teaching private lessons. His love for Pickleball has evolved over the years starting as a hobby then becoming his passion and career. He enjoys helping folks learn the game, develop new skills, and feel good about playing socially and competitively. In his spare time, Riley competes in doubles tournaments which he has found great success.
riley michalic
Riley Michalic have a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She specialize in personal training, mobility training, and strength and conditioning. She is a retired gymnast, where she found passion for fitness. Taking care of our joints and muscles is the most important thing to stay healthy. She will help keep you strong and mobile!
MICHAEL BANTLE
Michael Bantle is a PPR Certified coach with 8 years of experience in recreational and tournament level competition. In 2022, he attained a Certified Coach status from the Professional Pickleball Registry. He taught private lessons for the past 2 years. He earned a BS degree in Physical Fitness, a MS degree in Physical Education, and an MS degree in Exercise Science all from Central Connecticut State University. He was a public-school health and physical educator at the elementary and secondary levels for 28 years. In addition, his coaching career spans 37 years and encompasses the sport of soccer, gymnastics, track and field, and baseball at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Presently, he is an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University in the Department of Physical Education and Human Performance. His pickleball philosophy is simple. Be a student of the game. Practice to enhance skill development. Play for enjoyment and fulfillment.
Are you A Coach? Join Our Team!
Join our dynamic coaching team at and elevate your coaching career in an enthusiastic and growing pickleball community, where your expertise will not only be valued but also instrumental in shaping the skills and love for the game in players of all ages.
Email us at dpickleballplace@gmail.com
