Where to Learn Pickleball in Seattle: Coaches, Communities & Inclusive Programs

Pickleball is booming in Seattle, and more people than ever are asking the same question: Where can I actually learn how to play?

Whether you're brand new to the game or looking to level up your skills in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment, this guide covers the best places and programs to help you learn, grow, and feel confident on the court.

Top Local Coaches to Learn From in Seattle

Karen Thomas – Certified Pro with 10+ Years of Experience

https://www.karenthomaspickleball.com

Karen Thomas is a PPR-certified pickleball coach and national medalist with over a decade of playing and teaching experience. Her programs offer:

• Private & group lessons for all skill levels
• Skills & drills for stroke development and game confidence
• Doubles strategy sessions including court positioning and communication
• Tournament prep to help you train smarter and compete stronger

Karen also helps organize special events and offers consulting for pickleball brands and businesses.

Related Reading:
How to Launch a Pickleball League in 2025
Pickleball Event Planning 101

PickleBecks – Social Play & Lessons with Personality

https://picklebecks.com

The PickleBecks are a Seattle-based crew focused on fun, connection, and low-pressure improvement. They offer:

• Recreational leagues and events for all skill levels
• Private and semi-private lessons
• A community-first approach to learning and playing

Whether you want to get better or just hit balls with friendly people, PickleBecks is a great starting point.

Related Reading:
How to Start a Pickleball Club in 2025
Pickleball Event Planning 101

Emily Wong Pickleball – Building a 700+ Person Beginner Community

https://www.emilywongpickleball.com

Emily Wong began her pickleball journey in 2022 and now runs one of the most beginner-focused communities in Seattle. Her offerings include:

• Free video series for total beginners
• Lessons, leagues, and tournaments for beginners and intermediate players
• Events in North Seattle, Ballard, Kirkland, Edmonds, and South Seattle
• A welcoming, inclusive environment with hundreds of active members

If you're looking for a friendly introduction to the game, this is one of the best places to start.

Related Reading:
How to Launch a Pickleball League in 2025
How to Start a Pickleball Club in 2025

Sue Goodwin – Building Community Through Coaching & Inclusion

🔗 suegoodwinpickleball.com

Sue Goodwin is a certified pickleball instructor and lifelong athlete who brings decades of coaching wisdom—from tennis and racquetball to the pickleball court. She’s known not just for her strong game (DUPR 5.0!), but for her commitment to making the sport welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Her offerings include:

• Private lessons and small group instruction
• Strategy-focused clinics and skill-building drills
• A deep passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in pickleball
  

Sue’s approach is all heart—she believes everyone deserves the joy of play, the thrill of competition, and a space where they feel like they belong. Through her DIIP initiative (Diversity and Inclusion In Pickleball), Sue is creating a more welcoming future for the sport, one player at a time.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your tournament game, Sue’s coaching blends purpose, passion, and play.

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The Learn & Grow Program by Gametime Hero

At Gametime Hero, our mission has always been to help people connect—through recreational events, group activities, and shared experiences.

But we quickly realized that many people in our community were facing a different kind of challenge:

👉 They wanted to learn pickleball, but didn’t know where to start.

👉 They felt nervous or intimidated showing up to courts full of advanced players.

👉 They wanted to improve, but also to belong.

So we created Learn & Grow—a beginner-first, skill-building program led by two certified PPR coaches, Brittany and AR Bell. The goal? Make learning fun, stress-free, and inclusive for every level.

What Makes Learn & Grow Different?

• Skill-Focused Clinics: We teach one part of the game at a time—so you can build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
• Student-First Mentality: Whether you’re brand new or getting back into the swing of things, we meet you where you’re at.
• Community Over Competition: We care more about helping you feel connected than about keeping score.
  

We’re Not Here to Compete with Local Coaches—We’re Here to Support Them

We’re proud to share the court (and city) with amazing coaches doing great work. That’s why we don’t see Learn & Grow as a replacement—we see it as a starting point.

Think of us as a hub: a welcoming space where new and curious players can build confidence and get connected. And when you’re ready for more, we’re here to help you hand off to the right coach, league, or group based on your area, goals, and skill level.

Whether that’s someone like Karen Thomas for tournament prep, Emily Wong’s community leagues, or a partner program like PickleBecks—we want you to thrive, wherever you play.

Want Unlimited Access to Clinics, Classes & More?

With our Member+ Program, you get:

✅ Unlimited access to Learn & Grow clinics, classes, and drop-ins

✅ Up to 60% off camps, leagues, and select partner events

✅ Exclusive member perks like shirts, stickers, profile flair, and early access to events

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You can learn more about Member+ here:
👉 https://www.gametimehero.com/pricing/member

You can learn more about Learn & Grow here:
👉 https://www.gametimehero.com/learn-and-grow

Final Thoughts

Whether you book a private session with Karen Thomas, join a league with the PickleBecks, explore Emily Wong’s community, or attend a Learn & Grow clinic—Seattle has options for every kind of player.

Just remember: the most important thing is to start. Because the game’s not just about getting better—it’s about feeling good, meeting great people, and having a blast along the way.