Our instructors
At Pickleville, our certified instructor team is part of the core of our pickleball community. Each coach brings a unique blend of experience, style, and passion—creating an environment where every player can thrive. From highly ranked players to lifelong enthusiasts, our diverse team represents the very best in the game, united by one goal: helping you play your best pickleball. Whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your tournament strategy, our instructors are dedicated to making every lesson inspiring, inclusive, and a valuable learning experience.
Below are head shots and bios:
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 Certifed 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.
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 certifed by IPTPA to teach in Fall 2021, and earned her Junior Specialty instructor certifcation 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 fnd 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
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.
Mike Lucas
Mike has played Tennis most of his life and was part of a team that won back to back mixed doubles National Championships in 2007 and 2008. He also captained a 4.5 men team in 2019 that lost 3-2 in the finals at Nationals.
Shortly after that, he started playing Pickleball and hung up his tennis racquet and he’s been playing nothing but Pickleball ever since. He has won multiple gold medals in tournaments and most recently took Gold at the state senior Olympics in doubles. He has always had a passion for teaching and recently was certified to continue his passion to teach Pickleball at Pickleville.
Karen carleton
Karen Carleton is a former math teacher/engineer who loves to help people. As a certifed PPR Coach she is focussing on introducing new players to the game. Karen began playing PB up in Buffalo as a counter activity to mall walking (Buffalo winters are long and brutal!). She sees the game as a great way to get exercise, meet nice people, have fun and compete at the level that’s right for you.
If you’re interested in exploring the game of PB you can reach her at karencar11865@gmail.com or 915-309-9218.
Gina Chiarelli
Our newest instructor is no stranger to Pickleville! Gina has been a familiar face at the front desk since Pickleville opened in April 2024. Gina played pickleball recreationally for 5 years before taking her first lesson in 2021, and knows firsthand the importance of learning “the right way” to play. As a Level I IPTPA Instructor Gina is dedicated to supporting players newer to pickleball, and equipping them with essential skills to help connect them with the Pickleville community.
Gina’s teaching credentials include 35 years as a swim instructor, and 27 years as a teacher in Pennsylvania. After being retired for 10 years she is excited to combine her teaching expertise with her love of pickleball.
Gina can be reached at 610-468-6088, gchiarelli82@gmail.com, or stop by the front desk – you’re likely to find her there!