Pickleball Pros

Maryhelen Atkins is an IPTPA-certified instructor and the former director of the NC IPTPA training facility. She is qualified to train and certify instructors on how to uphold the strict IPTPA standards of pickleball instruction so I don’t think you will find anyone more qualified to lead our clinics! Additionally, Maryhelen is consistently in the top 10 in the Senior Pro Doubles rankings and has recently been recruited to join in the National Pickleball League draft!  

Some recent notable wins in 2022 include GOLD at the Rocky Mountain Championships in Senior Pro WD & MXD; GOLD in Senior Pro MXD at the Atlanta Metro APP; SILVER at the Atlanta Metro APP in Senior Pro WD; SILVER at the Boca Raton APP in Senior Pro WD; SILVER at the APP Los Angeles in Senior Pro WD; SILVER at the APP Hilton Head in Senior Pro WD & MXD; and BRONZE at the Sunmed Houston APP in Senior Pro WD.

Jodie Merrill has been teaching for 4 years and assisting pickleball players who are ready to launch their skills to a higher level. She uses knowledge, creativity and drills that promote the most enjoyable ways to improve.  Her engaging personality is a bonus and she is delightful both on and off the court! With Jodie as your instructor, you will find that fun and learning go hand in hand.  

Some notable past accomplishments include GOLD in the USAPA Mid Atlantic 4.5 WD; GOLD in the 35+ WD open division at the NC Open; GOLD in 4.5 WD at the River Run Grand Prixe Indoor; SILVER in 4.5MXD at the Atlantic South Regional; and BRONZE in 4.5 WD at the US Open!

 John & Leesa are a dynamic duo who are most commonly described by the adjective PASSION!  Both are Master Certified IPTPA instructors, the highest certification available.  Leesa is Director at Pickleball Charlotte where she oversees instructional programming, leagues & competitive events.  John is a lead instructor at Pickleball Charlotte and a frequent medalist in tournament play.  John and Leesa are Brand Ambassadors for Paddletek.  They often travel locally and abroad to share their passion and expertise of the great sport of pickleball!

Bob and Elizabeth Higginbottom are the Head Pros and Department Heads at Beech Mountain Country Club in Beech Mountain, NC. 

They began running the BMC Pickleball Center the year it opened in 2015.

Under their guidance, the Center operates a full calendar of daily and weekly pickleball activities, private lessons, and hosts numerous events throughout the season, such as mixers, festivals and tournaments.

Bob and Elizabeth began playing pickleball in 2007, traveling around the country in their RV to feed their addiction. Each has attained a USAPA legacy tournament rating of 4.5 through medals won at various tournaments throughout the country.  They began teaching 13 years ago. Bob is a level 1 and level 2 IPTPA-certified teaching professional as well as a Certified Ratings Specialist.  Elizabeth has served on the board of the Pickleball Hall of Fame as well as chairing the PHOF Nominating Committee.  She has run numerous large tournaments, including the inaugural PHOFC in Dripping Springs, TX.