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Contributors.
Dan Langston is a sports aficionado with a passion for connecting with people and exploring the outdoors. As a youngster, he spent countless hours playing ping pong and competed in local tennis tournaments. With experience in the ecotourism industry and time well spent as a fly fishing guide in the absaroka mountain range for 6 years, Dan brings a unique perspective on customer service to the digital world.
Today, Dan’s passion for sports and his love for pickleball have led him to build an online community for pickleball players. He hopes that the website will serve as a valuable resource for players of all skill levels and inspire others to take up this exciting sport.
His cooperator Tom Filippini is a racket sports addict, maniacal product researcher, and serial entrepreneur. In spite of his ever-present desire to be wielding rackets & paddles in lieu of working, he has founded and run numerous successful businesses, including renowned travel industry pioneer Exclusive Resorts and disruptive private aviation company, StraightLine Private Air. Tom was first introduced to Pickleball in 2010, when he heard about a game that combined attributes of whiffle ball, tennis and ping pong. Those being amongst his favorite pastimes, he didn’t even have to play to know he would love it. And love it he did. Pickleball has become Tom’s “go-to” sport to play with friends, family and foes. He loved it so much that he partnered with the founder of Pickleball Portal to acquire the site in 2021. Tom is working closely with Dan to completely rebuild & refresh Pickleball Portal in a quest to make it the #1 destination where pickleballers worldwide access informative knowledge and supplemental opportunities. Stay tuned!
Hey guys, my name’s Dennis. I’m a full-time Firefighter and “part-time” Pickleball Instructor who honestly loves coaching, teaching, and competing in sports. I played baseball & tennis throughout highschool and college and fell in love with pickleball. My goal with Pickleball Portal is to give you the most honest and reliable info on everything related to pickleball gear and equipment! I want to arm you with the knowledge to feel confident in your paddle choice by giving thorough reviews and comparisons through my hands on testing. Also hoping to share some tips and tricks with you to help your game and continue the growth of this awesome sport!
Paul Guyas is an avid pickleball enthusiast in Tallahassee, Florida. When he’s not on the court playing, drilling, or coaching, you can find him immersed in pickleball videos, books, blogs, or checking out the newest equipment – he’s a true picklehead. Paul is a reliable and supportive doubles partner and a loving husband to his wife, Martha. Until he can find a way to make pickleball a high-paying career, he also spends occasional time practicing physical therapy.
James Ignatowich is a top 10 professional pickleball player originally from Connecticut, now residing in Delray Beach, Florida. A former Division 1 tennis player at Vanderbilt University, James made a transition to pickleball, quickly rising to prominence in the sport and often playing doubles with Tyson McGuffin and Anna Bright. In addition to his athletic achievements, he runs his own podcast, where he shares insights into the game and interviews other professionals
Kyle Koszuta, widely recognized as “ThatPickleballGuy,” is a big figure in the pickleball community. Kyle is known for his engaging content that caters to both beginners and seasoned players. His YouTube channel features a wide range of videos, from basic pickleball guides to advanced strategies. Additionally, his newsletter provides weekly updates, including video breakdowns, overlooked skills, and stories from his professional journey.
Destin Perry is a certified pickleball coach based in Tallahassee, Florida. He has earned multiple certifications, including from the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) and the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball), qualifying him to teach players of all levels. Perry is recognized for his skill and experience, playing at a 4.0 to 4.5 level, and has a coaching style that emphasizes a “drive and drop” strategy, focusing on powerful strokes and spin. In addition to coaching, Perry has a background in tennis and has been involved in pickleball for several years. His gear expertise adds to his instruction, helping players not only improve their technique but also understand the impact of equipment on performance.
Mike Branon is the bestselling author of Pickleball & The Art of Living. His latest book, The Joy of Pickleball, seeks to help older athletes play their best and experience the physical and emotional benefits that pickleball offers. He has appeared on numerous podcasts, TV and radio shows around the country, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game.
Mike has coached hundreds of novice and experienced players from age 8-80 -something. His books and instruction are dedicated to helping others live their best lives and to play better, healthier, and happier. Mike lives in Carlsbad, California with his wife, Diane, and designer mutt, Cabo. As a well traveled pickleball connoisseur, Mike will be writing about tips and strategy for those who are looking to improve their game. You can learn more about him and his books here.
Kerry Pittenger is a highly accomplished photographer based in Fort Collins, Colorado, with several decades of experience in the field. Over the years, Kerry has worked with major companies, including Leaf Trading Cards and the Travel Goods Association, to produce stunning visual content for their various projects. His exceptional eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects in a unique and captivating way have earned him a positive reputation in the business community. Kerry’s quick wit and infectious personality make him a pleasure to be around. We are stoked to have him.
At just 21 years old, New Jersey native Richard Livornese, Jr. is a rising star in the professional pickleball world and a member of the 2023 APP Next Gen National Team. Initially a college lacrosse player at Stevens Institute of Technology, Richard switched gears to pickleball during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-founding a pickleball academy in his hometown and setting his sights on professional competition. Most recently he has committed to a three-year contract with Major League Pickleball, 2024 through 2026. Richard is an aggressively enterprising person and athlete that is not only finding success on the court, but plans to use his influence to promote the sport’s growth. As a regular contributor to Pickleball Portal, he provides valuable insights through news articles, reviews, and how-to guides.
Kip, the founder of Famous By Friday Pickleball, boasts an impressive athletic background, having played college tennis and dabbled in baseball and golf. His passion for pickleball ignited in 2018, and by 2020, he was imparting his knowledge as a Professional Pickleball Registry Certified Coach. Beyond teaching, Kip is an avid player and tournament organizer. Kip’s journey from a novice who once missed a pickleball shot with a wooden paddle to a seasoned player and coach is a testament to his dedication. His experiences, influenced by interactions with pickleball professionals, have shaped his coaching philosophy and strategies. With his profound understanding of pickleball paddles and equipment, Kip is poised to guide our website readers in making informed purchase decisions through comprehensive editorial reviews.
A versatile and diversified writer, David Boyle has written three short story collections, published by independent presses. Though he earned his readership by writing reality-based fiction, Boyle has gained a reputation for literary stories, essays, articles, reviews, interviews, analyses, travel writing, reportage, and poems, a good number of which have appeared in both print and online magazines. Inspired by his wife’s passion for the sport, David aims to illuminate current pickleball events and subjects with a fresh, creative perspective, offering readers something they can’t find anywhere else.
A burgeoning writer and amateur chef, Monica is passionate about people, languages, travel and culture. She’s lived in the Southwest, the Midwest, Italy, the East Coast, and the Midwest again, where she is a member of a local rowing team. Outside of her job in vacation rental management, Monica is pursuing a masters in nonfiction writing from Johns Hopkins University – it’s not just for doctors! A recent convert to Pickleball, she is happy to join the Pickleball Portal team and steal insider knowledge to perfect her game.
I’m a pickleball enthusiast! I started playing a few years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love pickleball because it’s a great way to get exercise, have fun, and meet new people. I’m excited to share my love of pickleball with the community. I’ll be writing about all things pickleball, including: Tips on how to improve your game, reviews of pickleball gear, and news about the pickleball world.
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In today’s world, digital media brands have become an integral part of our lives. With the advent of social media and other online platforms, these brands have grown exponentially, becoming powerful tools for communication and opinion sharing. However, one of the characteristics that distinguish digital media brands from traditional media outlets is their editorial independence.
Editorial independence is the ability of a media outlet to make editorial decisions without being influenced by any external forces, such as political or commercial interests. This means that a digital media brand is free to report and analyze news and events without fear of reprisal from any external parties. This freedom is crucial for us at Pickleball Portal, and it’s what sets us apart from traditional media outlets that are often influenced by political or commercial interests.
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