READY TO TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Take Your Game to the Next Level!

It takes more than pure sweat to achieve your goals. Let our Instructors create a plan for you that’s tailored to you — and moves you forward to where you want to go. PALA Instructors offer Private Lessons, Semi-Private Lessons, Group Drills & Group Clinics.

ALL PALA INSTRUCTORS ARE AAU CERTIFIED PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTORS.

Brandon blake

Head Instructor / Youth Director

Brandon Blake is our Head Pickleball Instructor at PALA.  Brandon has a decorated tennis and pickleball career as a Player and Coach!  Playing tennis at the collegiate level and for over 30 years, Brandon made the switch to Pickleball 3 years ago and hasn’t looked back.    

Brandon has won numerous Pickleball Tournaments and is a fantastic player.  On par with Brandon’s playing abilities are his coaching abilities.  Brandon has been a Local Head High School Tennis Coach for the past 9 years, coaching his team to 7 straight District Titles.  Brandon brings his passion for SUCCESS and WINNING to PALA!

Brandon facilitates and directs all of the Youth Player Development Programs at PALA.

Brandon’s true passion is player improvement & development, court awareness, and on court strategy. 

If you want to learn from one of the BEST in the area look no further than Brandon Blake!

jacob stegall

Instructor

Jacob Stegall is a Pickleball Tournament Specialist!  Having played in and Trained Players in countless tournaments around Texas and the Country! 

Jacob started playing over 5 years ago, with pickleball being his first paddle sport! He knows what it’s like to learn everything from the start. Jacob has a unique ability to distinguish player’s skill levels and help them acquire the ability to get to that next level.

One thing Jacob loves about pickleball is that it’s a new and growing sport, and there are so many things to discover.

If you are new to pickleball, want to take your game to the next level, or get ready for your next tournament Jacob is your guy!

Paul Smith

Instructor

Bringing 20+ years of Tennis and 15+ years of Racquetball experience, coach Paul Smith is a pro with any paddle in his hands! Now stepping into the pickleball scene, he’s here to help you elevate your play!

Paul is a machine, don’t let his age fool you, He can hold his own against the old and young alike!

Paul has over 2 decades of coaching and teaching racquet sports to all age groups and has an energy level that is hard to keep up with.

Whether you want to just have fun, or get serious at a competitive level, Paul can help you with any aspect of the game; serving, drop shots, how to deal with the bangers and more. Book a session with Paul today! 

KaYLA MIKA

Instructor

Kayla Mika brings a wealth of knowledge in other sports to help PALA members play Pickleball at their best! She was a Texas State champion in martial arts, and has considerable experience in tennis, racquetball, ping pong, and dance (just to name a few!).

She began pickleball by playing singles, and after she discovered doubles, there was no turning back! She became a USA Pickleball Ambassador, PPR certified coach, Level 1 Referee, and an AAU coach. She is currently working on her PCI certification. 

Kayla’s teaching skills have been enhanced by several professional coaches, including Ben Johns, Sarah Ansbury, Zane Navratil, among others. She enjoys teaching and coaching beginner players of all ages, including seniors and those who haven’t had much experience in sports.

She is committed to growing in her knowledge and techniques of the sport to help others become better players. Book a lesson with Kayla today! 

Charlie Rod

Instructor

Meet Charlie Rod, a pickleball instructor with a vast background in over a half-dozen sports. Growing up in a household where sports were a way of life, Charlie developed a love for competition and a deep understanding of athletic strategy from an early age. His experience with a variety of sports, from soccer to volleyball to lacrosse, helps students of all backgrounds connect to the beautiful game of pickleball.

With nearly six years of pickleball experience, Charlie’s expertise extends beyond just the mechanical aspects of the game. His coaching style revolves around attention to detail, strategy on the court, focusing on strengths and weaknesses, and lots of encouragement! Specializing in one-on-one instruction, Charlie wants his students to reach their desired goals through creative drills and finding their strongest style of play. Book a lesson with Charlie today! 

Carlos Bonilla

Instructor

Carlos Bonilla is an up-and-coming Houston pickleball player that we’re excited to have as an instructor here at PALA!

He first picked up pickleball in Spring 2023, after playing tennis for 7 years – he’s one of Brandon Blake’s former tennis students, together winning 4 of 7 district titles from 2016 to 2020! Although he’s relatively new to the sport, he shares Blake’s ability to transition racquet sport techniques into this evolving young game.

He’s dedicated, adaptable, and passionate to help people learn and improve at pickleball, no matter their age or background. Contact Carlos for lessons today, and keep an eye out for his drill sessions on Court Reserve!

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