Peak Academy

Training

Structured classes, private lessons, group training, and junior programs — for every level.

View & Register on CourtReserve

Meet the Coaches

Peak Academy instructors bring professional credentials and real-world playing experience to every session.

Julie Smith

Head of Training & Curriculum • PPR Certified • DUPR 5.0+

Former collegiate tennis player turned pickleball evangelist. Julie designed Peak Academy’s progressive curriculum and leads instructor development. She specializes in strategy for intermediate players making the jump to competitive play.

Eric Roddy

Lead Coach • IPTPA Certified • DUPR 5.5+

Eric brings 10+ years of racquet-sport coaching to Peak. A top-ranked senior player on the PPA regional circuit, he runs our advanced clinics, competitive drilling sessions, and tournament prep programs.

Liz Truluck

Coach & Community Lead • PPR Certified • DUPR 4.5+

Liz is Peak’s go-to for beginners and social players. She leads introductory clinics, ladies’ leagues, and community round-robins with an emphasis on fun-first fundamentals and building confidence on the court.

Ryan Paone

Performance Coach • CSCS • DUPR 5.0+

Ryan bridges the gap between athletic training and on-court performance. With a strength-and-conditioning background, he coaches movement efficiency, injury prevention, and the physical edge competitive players need.

Ruben Kellam

Junior Program Director • PTR Certified • DUPR 4.5+

Ruben leads all youth programming at Peak, from after-school clinics to competitive junior leagues. A former college tennis player with youth-development certification, he builds age-appropriate progressions that keep kids engaged and improving.

Alex Guy

Coach & Events Coordinator • PPR Certified • DUPR 4.5+

Alex handles group training, corporate events, and specialty clinics. His patient teaching style and tournament-management experience make him the backbone of Peak’s event-day operations and private lesson roster.

Curriculum & Pricing

Progressive skill development from first paddle to tournament play.

Clinics

$30

per session • 60–90 min

Drop-in group classes organized by level. 4:1 student-to-coach ratio. Multi-class packs available at a discount.

Private Lessons

$75+

per hour • 1-on-1 or small group

Customized instruction with video review. “YOU PICK” format lets you choose your focus area each session.

Class Types

Beginner Clinic

Rules, grip, serve, rally basics

Intermediate Clinic

Third-shot drops, dinking patterns, transition

Advanced Clinic

Speed-ups, counter-attacks, advanced strategy

Competitive Drilling

Point-play scenarios, tournament simulation

Dink & Strategy

Soft-game mastery, kitchen-line tactics

Serve & Return

Placement, spin variations, return depth

Doubles Strategy

Stacking, poaching, partner communication

Singles Clinic

Court coverage, shot selection, conditioning

Women’s Clinic

Supportive environment, all levels

Junior Academy

Ages 8–18, competitive development track

Why Peak Academy

Charlotte’s most structured path from first paddle to tournament podium.

Certified Pros

PPR / IPTPA / PTR certified instructors with competitive playing backgrounds.

Progressive Curriculum

Clear level-based progression so you always know what to work on next.

Small Class Sizes

Maximum 4:1 student-to-coach ratio in every clinic format.

Indoor Courts

Climate-controlled facility — train year-round regardless of weather.

Video Analysis

Private lessons include recorded play review and personalized feedback.

All Ages & Levels

Junior programs through senior leagues — beginners to 5.0+ players.

Whether you picked up a paddle yesterday or you’re chasing a medal, Peak Academy meets you where you are and takes you further.

Ready to Train?

View clinic and lesson schedules on CourtReserve.