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PICKLEBALL

FOUR INDOOR AND SIX OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS!

What is Pickleball?

When you combine tennis, ping-pong and badminton, you get a unique game called pickleball…which happens to be one of the fastest growing sports in the United States! Formerly seen as a sport for seniors, it has become popular with all ages, and now has a professional division. It is not uncommon to see seniors in their seventies beat players in their twenties, as the game requires strategy, skill, practice, and athleticism. The game is simple to learn but is difficult to master.

Regardless of your age, pickleball is a wonderful game that can help improve your overall health. Regular exercise helps keep your mind and body fit which improves the functions of different organs to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a unique pickleball opportunity where beginners and veterans are treated equally, sportsmanship is more important than wins and losses, competition is strong but not relentless, and where people are more important than the game.

Vision

Our vision is that Bousquet Sport members are physically active and help create a healthy community by using pickleball play as recreation, as an outlet for competition, and as a fun way to meet and interact with people.

Join the Growing and Fun Community

Meet Team Pickle

Are you looking to improve your pickleball skills? If so, private lessons and clinics are the ultimate way to fast-track improvements to your game.

ALL Instructors are IPTPA certified.

Leia
Miller

Director of Pickleball

Pat
Mele

IPTPA Teaching Professional

Mary Pat
Knepper

IPTPA Teaching Professional

Keith
Eksuzian

IPTPA Teaching Professional

Tyler
Besse

IPTPA Teaching Professional

Alicia
Welch

Pickleball Administrator

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LEIA MILLER

Director of Pickleball

As of December 2021, Leia’s journey with Bousquet Sport began, but little did she know it would lead to an exciting adventure into the world of Pickleball. Playing sports her entire life, pickleball became her new sports addiction. Leia decided to up her game and play a major role in the growth of pickleball at Bousquet Sport. As the Pickleball Manager, she tirelessly worked behind the scenes to foster a thriving Pickleball community. Over the course of the year, she committed herself to honing her skills on and off the court. The passion and dedication paid off when she earned her Level One certification from the IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) in April 2023. With all the hard work, Leia has earned the position of Director of Pickleball in October 2023.

Pat Mele

IPTPA Teaching Professional

Pat is an IPTPA Level I and II certified pickleball teaching professional trained to provide lessons to players at all skill levels, and he regularly competes in regional tournaments at the 4.5 level in both men’s and mixed doubles himself.

In addition to teaching pickleball, Pat also has a wealth of prior experience teaching racquetball and coaching youth sports. His personal proficiency in pickleball coupled with his instructional and analytical expertise ensures that his training is effective and that he brings a patient, supportive, and encouraging approach to all lessons.

MARY PAT KNEPPER

IPTPA Teaching Professional

Mary Pat has been involved in athletics her entire life. When she first picked up a pickleball paddle, she realized an immediate love and passion for the sport. Soon after, this led her to pursue teaching, which she felt was the perfect opportunity to share her enthusiasm for the game with others.

Mary Pat is currently an IPTPA Level I certified instructor trained to teach up to the 3.5 level. Her area of expertise is recognizing each player’s wants, needs and abilities while creating a fun learning experience every step along the way.

KEITH EKSUZIAN

IPTPA Teaching Professional

Keith is currently an IPTPA Level I certified instructor trained to teach up to the 3.5 level. He has been teaching racquet sports for over 30 years, with extensive experience in racquetball and squash at Canyon Ranch and Berkshire West Athletic Club.

Keith is very adept at realizing a player’s strengths and weaknesses and uses a “detect and correct” method that students can easily understand and implement.

Tyler Besse

IPTA Teaching Professional

After picking up a paddle for the first time in 2019, Tyler was instantly hooked on pickleball. He is always trying to improve his own game and is currently working towards obtaining IPTPA Level II and Junior certifications. 

Tyler actively competes in regional tournaments at 4.5+ level in men’s and mixed doubles, winning or placing in over 20 events including winning a Minor League Pickleball tournament. He loves sharing his enthusiasm for pickleball with others and helping players improve their skills. As an instructor, Tyler focuses on assessing each student’s strengths and areas for growth in order to provide customized instruction. He brings an encouraging and supportive approach designed to make sure every player is having fun on the court while steadily improving.

Alicia Welch

Pickleball Administrator

Alicia came to the Berkshires in 2020 and discovered Pickleball in 2022. She was immediately addicted to the game and enjoys the camaraderie of the sport. She is very excited to join the team at Bousquet Sport. She looks forward to welcoming new members and supporting existing clients in the pickleball program. She is delighted to assist Leia and grow the pickleball program at Bousquet Sport.

A fun fact: Alicia is a Texas native, and her hometown high school was the inspiration for Friday Night Lights book and movie. She is also an avid Cowboys fan.

In her spare time, Alicia enjoys long walks, paddle boarding, reading a good book, spending time with her family, dog, friends…and of course, playing pickleball!

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DAVID CONTOIS

Head Tennis Professional
David joined our team in October of 2021, bringing a wealth of tennis knowledge and an undeniable passion for the sport. Humble, supportive, and eager to help all ages and abilities improve their game while having a whole lot of fun in the process, we couldn’t be happier to have him. His impressive 40+ years of experience includes:
  • Licensed Professional Tour Coach (ITF, ATP, WTA)
  • Former Coach / Hitting Partner: Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Dan Nahirny, Raffaella Reggi, Ann Grossman
  • Former Penn Satellite Circuit Touring Pro
  • Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy; Teaching Pro + Travel Coach
  • The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort; Head Teaching Pro
  • Pinewoods Racquet Club; Director of Tennis
  • Twin Hills Country Club; Director of Tennis
  • Korean Davis Cup Team; Interim Coach
  • Boys’ USTA National Team; Interim Coach
  • Certified / Licensed Cardio Tennis Expert (ITA)
  • Master Certified Professional Racquet Technician

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