MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
CJ ROBERTSON
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
CJ is a lifelong racket sports player and made the switch to pickleball in 2023. Since then, pickleball has become an obsession and CJ has perpetually tried to improve his game. He is currently rated on DUPR at 6.01 in doubles and 5.84 in singles and has won matches at the pro level in both the PPA and APP.
As a coach, CJ believes that fun should come first and that there should be a healthy balance between practicing and competing. He asks that players bring an open mind and a willingness to experiment, things he believes are critical to growing as an athlete. During training sessions players can expect to smile, sweat, and have a great time while learning new skills, techniques, and strategies.
Interesting facts about CJ:
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Outside racket sports, his favorite to play and watch are volleyball, baseball/softball, and soccer.
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His favorite food is Costco pizza and almost always has one in the fridge.
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He spent five years in the Marine Corps and left service as a Captain.
Coaching tip: Keep it simple and stay relaxed!
Nate has been passionate about pickleball since 2014 and has been coaching players of all levels since 2015. With years of experience competing in tournaments across the country, including six appearances at the US Open, he brings a deep understanding of the game and a commitment to helping players improve their skills. Whether you're new to pickleball or looking to refine your strategy, Nate is excited to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with the club!
Interesting facts about Nate:
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His day job is as a registered nurse on a transplant unit, and he was a science teacher before that.
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He's a pizza connoisseur and has tasted pizza all over the world.
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He has a teenage son who's addicted to pickleball.
Coaching tip: Lighten your grip!
NATE GUY
INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED
TONYA JOLY
BEGINNER |INTERMEDIATE
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 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 intermediate players trying to improve their technical and strategic skills to get to the next level.
Three interesting facts about Tonya:
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She doesn’t like chocolate or sweets - I’m a steak over cake girl
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She loves to read and always ha a book with her
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She loves to plan & organize, especially birthday celebrations
Coaching tip: Contact the ball in front of your body
Growing up with a love for racket sports, Leilani discovered Pickleball in 2023. She has a DUPR rating between 4.0-4.5 and her skills in pickleball have evolved from her tennis background. Now an avid pickleball player since 2023, she has competed in many tournaments and her goal is to medal at the 4.5 level this year! Leilani started her coaching journey as a certified instructor in 2024 and loves helping people find a new passion through pickleball.
Three interesting facts about Leilani:
1. She really loves chips and used to run a chip blog!
2. She rode on motorcycles in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina for a TV show that never got picked up.
3. She went to 19 k-pop concerts in 2022.
Coaching tip: Less is more!
LEILANI PALAFOX
BEGINNER |INTERMEDIATE
Kris started playing pickleball in 2024 and really loved the “mini tennis/life size ping-pong” feel to the game. As his skill progressed, he became more competitive and began training regularly in order to compete in high level tournaments. Kris currently plays at the 4.5 level and is always striving to become a better player every day. Kris found a passion in coaching and brings a high level of energy to every session. Kris coaches everyone from beginners to seasoned players and he loves working with students on the strategies of the game.
Three interesting facts about Kris:
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He is a ER veterinary nurse as his day job
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He’s played pickleball with Jamie Foxx
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He’s a HUGE comic & anime fan
Coaching tip: Precision & patience are more important than speed & power