Our Instructors
Chris Karges
Lee Martin
Tito Lladro
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
Kelly Smith
Becky Hardesty
Ty Petty
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:
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.
Mike Lucas
Mike has played Tennis most of his life and was part of a team that won back to back mixed doubles National Championships in 2007 and 2008. He also captained a 4.5 men team in 2019 that lost 3-2 in the finals at Nationals.
Shortly after that, he started playing Pickleball and hung up his tennis racquet and he’s been playing nothing but Pickleball ever since. He has won multiple gold medals in tournaments and most recently took Gold at the state senior Olympics in doubles. He has always had a passion for teaching and recently was certified to continue his passion to teach Pickleball at POP.
Mickey Napier
Mickey Napier is a PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) licensed instructor since March 2024 and a competitive 4.0 player.
Despite just one year of pickleball experience, Mickey’s athletic background in AAU Basketball and Travel Volleyball has given her an edge on the court. At 6’1″, she uses her wingspan, quick hands, and reflexes to her advantage, blending competitiveness, adaptability, and court awareness into her pickleball game.
Her coaching style is fun, hands-on, and focused on player growth. She believes anyone can learn the sport and excels at breaking down mistakes to improve form. Her greatest joy is helping students make breakthroughs and fall in love with the game.
Mickey’s accomplishments include winning bronze in the POP KPL Fall 2023, gold in women’s doubles (4.0) and singles (3.0) at the 2024 Pickleball Palooza, and bronze at both the Southern Pickleball MLP and Harvest for Hope mixed doubles (4.0) tournaments in 2024.
As the founder of Napier Athletics, Mickey organizes pickleball tournaments across the South and coaches bootcamps, kids camps, small group lessons, and private sessions at POP. She can be reached at 615-438-6938 and through the Court Reserve App.
Beth Shelton
I started playing in March of 2014. I worked for Knoxville City Parks & Rec for over 5 years teaching people how to play Pickleball. I got my Pro Instructor Certification in April of 2024.