Our Ambassadors
Chris Karges
AMBASSADOR
Chris Karges declared as a professional pickleball player in 2020 after being the mixed doubles silver medalist at the Nationals in Indian Wells, CA in 2018 and 2019 — and she only began playing pickleball in 2017!
Chris played tennis in college for the University of Kentucky from 1985-1988. Her collegiate tennis career included All-EC and All-American honors as well as having the second most wins all time at UK!
Her pickleball resume is impressive with mixed doubles bronze at the 2019 US Open, gold at the 2019 Midwest Regional Open, gold at the 2019 Atlanta Regional Open and the women’s doubles mixed gold at the 2019 Atlanta 5.0 Regional.
Chris brings her great game and personality to the PoP providing private lessons and group clinics.
She can be reached at (865) – 274– 3381 for lessons or on the Court Reserve App for scheduled clinics.
Ty Petty
AMBASSADOR
Ty Petty in his youth was in the Top 10 in the USA in ping pong! He brings that amazing strategy and hand-eye coordination to his championship pickleball career. Ty is an ITPTA Certified Level II instructor.
His tournament championships are impressive including:
- US Open Over 40 mixed doubles champion, 2018
- 9 gold medals in 5.0 events over a 12 month period.
- 20 medals in 5.0 events in less than 3 years
- Medalist in 5.0 doubles in 3 different USAPA Regionals
Ty will be providing individual lessons, 3 or 4 and a pro, and group clinics on advanced play.
He can be reached directly at (423) 753-4956 to schedule individual lessons or see the Court Reserve App for scheduled clinics with Ty.
Lee Martin
AMBASSADOR
Lee Martin has played tennis for 54 years and was introduced to pickleball 3 years ago and fell in love with the equalizing strategic aspects of the game – a game for all ages, genders and all experience levels. It reminded him of the days he would play ping pong all day and still wanted to play more!
Lee is a PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) licensed instructor since 2018. He won the 2019 East TN Senior Olympics 60-64 doubles championship and was the singles silver medalist. He also won the first pickleball tournament he entered at Knoxville Racquet Club, the Men’s 3.5 doubles in 2019. Lee teaches the complimentary introductory clinics for new members at the PoP including the initial rating of new members.
He arranges group events on the Court Reserve App. Let him know if you have a type of group that you want to create a recurring playing time (like youth beginners, women intermediates, couples ladder, super senior mixer).
Tito Lladro
AMBASSADOR
Tito is ranked #39 in the world in men’s singles and is a rising young player in the game. His quick hands and strategic mind have made his transition from tennis to pickleball rapid and successful. Tito coordinates tournaments at the POP in addition to teaching private and small group lessons and clinics. His “Road toX.X” clinics are very popular taking his students to the next level.
Tito can be reached to schedule lessons at (423) 310-7552. He coordinates tournaments at the PoP for fundraisers and internal club competitions. He also leads summer clinics for youth players.
Lisa Duong
AMBASSADOR
Lisa is a 2020 PPR Certified Pickleball Coach who teaches all levels at the Pavilion of Pickleball. Her aggressive topspin forehand always surprises her opponents with its speed and the jump it produces of the bounce, not to mention the drop that pulls you in the court! She is seasoned USTA league 4.5 tennis player and has captained many leagues for 18+ years taking many to state & nationals.
Lisa offers individual and small group lessons to improve your game and your strategies. She can be reached at (865) 385-8945 to inquire about lessons or group clinics.