Rachael James is an accomplished athlete and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Destination Pickleball and a professional pickleball and tennis player. Her passion for both sports has led her to dedicate her career to promoting and growing the pickleball community.
- Professional Pickleball Player: Rachael is currently ranked as the #1 women’s player in North Carolina for pickleball.
- Entrepreneur: Rachael is the founder of Bull City Tennis and Destination Pickleball.
- Community Involvement: Rachael collaborates with the Durham Police Department to provide tennis coaching for kids from the community.
Andy Potanin is a veteran, tech-savvy entrepreneur, and pickleball fan. His background in creating buzzworthy music festivals and events, and his tech expertise helps grow the sport, while his Marine Corps values strengthen the pickleball community.
- Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Owner: Andy owns Usability Dynamics, a VOSB that has been operating for over a decade.
- Tech-Savvy Entrepreneur: Andy’s financial acumen and strategic guidance, honed by his experience as a tech-savvy entrepreneur, is key in securing the necessary funding and leveraging technology to address event management and resort knowledge challenges.
- Co-Founder and Investor: Andy is a co-founder of Destination Pickleball.
Eric Sopp is the CEO of UDX, a leading technology and marketing company that specializes in digital solutions. With his extensive experience in the tech industry, Eric provides valuable guidance and support to Destination Pickleball, helping the company leverage cutting-edge technology to grow and succeed.
- CEO of UDX: Eric leads a technology and marketing company that specializes in digital solutions.
- Tech Industry Expert: Eric’s extensive experience in the tech industry provides valuable guidance and support to Destination Pickleball.
- Strategic Advisor: Eric helps Destination Pickleball leverage cutting-edge technology to grow and succeed.
Lee Whitwell isn’t just a professional athlete, she’s a powerhouse of talent and inspiration, making waves both on and off the pickleball court. Her multifaceted role is pivotal to our team’s dynamism.
- Dominating the pickleball scene with back-to-back MVP titles in Major League Pickleball for 2021 and 2022.
- A global pickleball icon, showcasing top-tier prowess in international professional tournaments.
- A compelling speaker, inspiring with passionate narratives from her life on the courts.
- An astute corporate leadership consultant, imparting wisdom from sports to strategies in the boardroom.
- The brains behind our impeccably executed events, ensuring every serve and volley goes off without a hitch.
- A social media influencer making waves online and amplifying the reach of pickleball far and wide.
Bobby Dennis is the epitome of versatility, with a skill set that spans from aviation to fabrication. His innovative approach is integral to bringing our cutting-edge pickleball facilities to life.
- A licensed pilot and drone aficionado, bringing a high-flying perspective to our world-class pickleball court designs.
- With over 15 years of experience, Bobby is a maestro in designing and fabricating custom products that stand up to any challenge—especially on the pickleball court.
- A logistics and supply chain virtuoso, keeping our operations running as smoothly as a well-placed dink shot.
- The guru of cost reduction without compromising quality or efficiency because every penny saved is a point earned.
Mina Gist is the mastermind behind our state-of-the-art pickleball courts, combining civil engineering brilliance with meticulous project management to elevate every aspect of our creations.
- Building more than just pickleball courts in Ann Arbor—Mina’s crafting temples dedicated to the sport’s growth.
- From conception to completion, Mina’s civil construction drawings are blueprints for innovation in pickleball court design.
- Working hand-in-hand with city officials, Mina ensures that every new court adheres to codes as strictly as a referee calls foot faults.
UDX (Usability Dynamics, Inc.) is a key partner in our mission to promote and grow the sport of pickleball. As a leading technology and marketing company, UDX provides valuable guidance and support to Destination Pickleball, helping us leverage cutting-edge technology to grow and succeed.
- UDX provides cutting-edge technology and marketing solutions, helping us enhance our online presence and reach a wider audience.
- UDX's partnership with us enhances our ability to leverage technology to improve our services and operations.
- UDX's commitment to innovation aligns with our mission to continuously improve and provide high-quality experiences for our players.
The Dink is a key partner in our mission to promote and grow the sport of pickleball. As a leading platform for pickleball news, The Dink plays a crucial role in keeping our community informed and engaged.
- The Dink provides the latest news and updates in the world of pickleball, keeping our community informed and engaged.
- Their partnership with us enhances our ability to keep our players updated on the latest happenings in the sport.
- Their commitment to promoting and growing the sport aligns with our mission.
USA Pickleball is a key partner in our mission to promote and grow the sport of pickleball. As the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in the US, they provide us with the necessary support and guidance to ensure our tournaments and events meet the highest standards.
- USA Pickleball provides us with the necessary support and guidance to ensure our tournaments and events meet the highest standards.
- Their partnership enhances our credibility and reach in the pickleball community.
- Their commitment to promoting and growing the sport aligns with our mission.
Revolutionizing Quintana Roo Tourism Enhancing local tourism through the integration of pickleball, attracting a new wave of sport enthusiasts.
- Strategic collaboration with governmental bodies
- Hosting international pickleball tournaments
- Training local talent and promoting community engagement
C&D Nets is a valued partner in our mission to promote and grow the sport of pickleball. As a leading provider of high-quality pickleball nets, C&D Nets plays a crucial role in ensuring our courts are well-equipped for games.
- C&D Nets provides high-quality pickleball nets, ensuring our courts are well-equipped for games.
- Their partnership with us enhances our ability to provide top-notch equipment to our players.
- Their commitment to quality aligns with our mission to provide high-quality experiences for our players.
Pickleball United is a community of pickleball enthusiasts and a key partner of Destination Pickleball.
- Pickleball United brings together pickleball enthusiasts from around the world.
- Pickleball United supports Destination Pickleball's mission to grow the sport.
- Pickleball United's partnership enhances Destination Pickleball's community outreach efforts.
PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) is another key partner in our mission to promote and grow the sport of pickleball. PPA is a leading organization in the pickleball industry, known for organizing high-profile tournaments and attracting top players.
- PPA organizes high-profile tournaments, providing a competitive platform for players from around the world.
- PPA attracts top players, contributing to the growth and popularity of the sport.
- PPA's partnership with us enhances our credibility and reach in the pickleball community.
APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) is one of our key partners in promoting and growing the sport of pickleball. As a leading organization in the pickleball industry, APP plays a crucial role in organizing high-profile tournaments and attracting top players.
- APP organizes high-profile tournaments, providing a competitive platform for players from around the world.
- APP attracts top players, contributing to the growth and popularity of the sport.
- APP's partnership with us enhances our credibility and reach in the pickleball community.