Pickleball
Meet Our Pickleball Trainers
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
Leia Miller
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.
Tyler Besse
Tyler Besse
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.
Keith Eksuzian
Keith Eksuzian
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.
Mary Pat Knepper
Mary Pat Knepper
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.
Pat Mele
Pat Mele
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.
Alicia Welch
Alicia Welch
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!