Our Instructors

Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith, Co founder, co owner of Pickleville is a certified PPA Pickleball teaching pro.  Kelly brings a lifetime of fitness to his instruction, including: a former collegiate basketball player, a runner of several marathons and adventure races and has logged too many miles to count on his bicycle over the last several decades. Kelly is a 4.75 level ranked DUPR player and has won many area pickleball tournaments including the 4.5 mixed doubles state PPA championship.   Kelly loves to help folks improve their pickleball games through fun sessions and coach and play clinics.  Kelly can be reached at 865-599-9499 or picklevilletn@gmail.com.

  • 2024 PPA Gold medal mixed 4.5 / Silver mens 4.5 level

  • 2024 Gold medal men’s winner World Pickleball Tour Knoxville

  • 2025 Gold medal winner Advanced divisions (men’s and mixed) Safe Families Tournament

  • Countless other gold and silver medals in regional tournaments over the last four years.

Ty Petty

Ty Petty in his youth was in the Top 10 in the USA in ping pong! He brings that amazing strategy and hand-eye coordination to his championship pickleball career. Ty is an ITPTA Certified Level II instructor.

His tournament championships are impressive including:

  • US Open Over 40 mixed doubles champion, 2018

  • 9 gold medals in 5.0 events over a 12 month period.

  • 20 medals in 5.0 events in less than 3 year

  • Medalist in 5.0 doubles in 3 different USAPA Regionals

Ty will be providing individual lessons, 3 or 4 and a pro, and group clinics on advanced play.

He can be reached directly at (423) 753-4956 to schedule individual lessons or see the Court Reserve App for scheduled clinics with Ty.

Jason E.

Jason grew up in the farm fields of central Kentucky, but has called Knoxville home for over 25 years. Having played many different sports recreationally over the years, he was randomly and unexpectedly introduced to pickleball in January 2021 by a close friend.

Jason is a PPR Certified Instructor who believes that anyone can improve their game, not just with technical proficiency, but through tactical strategy, court positioning, footwork, communication, understanding angles, identifying opponent tendencies, and making better shot decisions. On the court, Jason is a 4.5+ level player who brings an intense competitive drive, combined with fun, laughter, encouragement, some fun trash talk, and a focus on bringing people together to play hard, have fun and build long lasting friendships… on and off the court.

He is available for both private and group lessons, and leads several “Coach & Play” style clinics that can be found in Court Reserve. You can reach Jason at edelen76@gmail.com or 865.771.0700.

Lisa Burkett

Lisa is excited to teach at Pickleville! She found pickleball in late 2020 and was hooked immediately. She began tournament play in summer 2021, got certified by IPTPA to teach in Fall 2021, and earned her Junior Specialty instructor certification in April 2022. She has taught clinics at Pellissippi State Community College since January 2022, as well as individual and small group lessons. She particularly enjoys helping each student find success on the court and fall in love with pickleball.

In her pre-pickleball life, Lisa played volleyball, tennis, and soccer, and coached volleyball, soccer, and baseball.

If you would like to schedule a lesson with Lisa, please call or text her at 703-209-5918. You can also email her at lisaburkett2001@yahoo.com