Some kids are born with a teddy bear. I like to think I was born with a ping-pong paddle in my hands.

 

Growing up, I was lucky — and blessed — to have a ping-pong table at home. Countless hours of rallies, smashes, and laughter lit the spark for my lifelong love of paddle sports. As I got older, my passion shifted to golf.

I worked hard, became an Assistant Pro, and even taught the game I loved. In my 20s, I chased the dream — watching Tiger Woods’ every move, hoping one day to follow in those footsteps. But life had other plans. The reality of the pro tour wasn’t in the cards, so golf became more of a personal pursuit than a career goal.

 

For over two decades, I built my career in casinos and business, while keeping sports like tennis and golf as recreational escapes.

 

Then came the pandemic.

 

After taking an early retirement, I picked up a pickleball paddle for the very first time — but here’s the truth: it didn’t click right away. I was also playing tennis at the time, and my tennis instincts kept getting in the way. So I put pickleball on the shelf for a bit. A tennis injury brought me back to pickleball for a second try — this time with a completely different mindset. I decided to really invest my time and energy into learning the sport from the inside out. My goal wasn’t just to play better, but to improve my game IQ — my awareness, strategy, and intelligent play. I began studying the game, understanding why shots work, and how smart decisions can beat raw power. That’s when my focus shifted.

 

I knew I’d never be Ben Johns — but I could take my natural ability to connect with people and use it to help others elevate their game. Whether it was preparing them for tournaments or simply helping them enjoy the sport more, I knew coaching was the next step.

 

In December 2024, I became an NCCP-certified pickleball coach. Soon after, I launched an ambitious project: a cross-Canada pickleball tour. I reached out to communities along my route from Alberta to Quebec, where I’d reconnect with my homeland, family, and friends.

 

Along the way, I ran clinics, coached players, hosted demo sessions, and built connections with local clubs. During that journey, I was blessed to find a partner in Selkirk Sport — not as a salesperson, but as an ambassador. Their mission to grow the sport and support communities matched my vision perfectly.

 

In my coaching today, I also incorporate DUPR skill assessments, which evaluate players across eight key performance points. This structured approach allows me to give specific, actionable feedback to help players target their development, measure improvement, and track progress toward their goals.

 

When I returned to the Badlands, the question was: What’s next? The answer became Badlands Pickleball — my way of offering:

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• Product guidance and honest recommendations

• Beginner-friendly programs and NCCP-certified coaching

• Small, medium, and large group clinics

• Event design and tournament organization

• A commitment to creating fair, fun, and competitive play that captures the true spirit of our pickleball community.

 

For me, pickleball isn’t just a sport — it’s a movement. It’s about the joy of connection, the challenge of competition, and the community that forms around a shared passion.

And this? This is only the beginning as clubs continue to open and the sports keep growing.