Julia Stevens, Director of Pickleball 101, has been a coach since she was 15 years old and is now sharing her passion for pickleball in local schools.
Originally a tennis player and coach – she even coached Bangor University’s tennis team from 2017-20 – she has now joined so many others in transitioning from racket to paddle.
Based in Cumbria, Julia is an International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) Level One pickleball coach and has the technical specifics to build on her tennis coaching knowledge.
“I am now loving applying this experience to pickleball and it is one of the most fulfilling feelings seeing people improving and enjoying the sport I have a huge passion for,” she tells Pickleball 52.
“My aim from the start has always been to introduce pickleball to more people but especially the younger generation, as I thought it was an area in the UK that lacks guidance and opportunities to play.”
Julia started using the school system to spread the word, firstly starting a junior pickleball session at Chatsworth Tennis Club in Carlisle as an exit route from her schools programme.
She has so far coached pickleball in two schools, Cumwhinton School and Houghton C of E School. She coached two year groups over two half-terms with weekly after-school sessions. “I am awaiting responses from five or more schools to try and take the game into too,” she adds.
The junior session runs on a Saturday from 11-12pm where she has introduced the game to about 10 juniors. In total she has introduced the game to over 30 children already.
But from cutting her teeth with the younger generation, she then progressed onto fully grown pickleball players.
“I have introduced pickleball to multiple adults and have a regular session on a Wednesday evening, made up mainly of people who had never played before,” explains Julia.
“I also run a Saturday 2-3pm adult session for mixed abilities with many improving rapidly. Overall, I want to help people from all levels and age groups to raise their game and play proper pickleball.”.
Furthermore, Julia’s role in the sport continues with her involvement with a microphone in hand.
Julia is looking forward to commentating on the 2024 English Open and European Championships in Southampton at the end of November.
“At the English Nationals, I commentated on the mixed and women’s final open category and other matches throughout the weekend alongside Richard Millman and Sam Basford.
“I love commentating and sharing my knowledge and passion for the fantastic game that has so much strategy and different ways to play.
“The future for Pickleball 101 is looking bright and there are exciting times to come.”
Anyone in Cumbria that would like help with coaching, playing or going into schools can contact Julia on: pickleball101jcs@gmail.com
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