Get To Know Our Coaches
Meet The Team
Devin Schmidt
Owner & Head Pro
Devin is an internationally recognized coach based in Edmonds, WA. With over nine years of experience, Devin is one of the most recognized coaches and players in the PNW. Many of his students have gone on to win national and local medals, advance to higher levels, and even become coaches themselves. Over the years, Devin has taught and played globally, with stops across the USA, Holland, Hungary, Spain, and Mexico.
Devin is the Director of Instruction for Side Out Pickleball Centers. The first location, in Everett, WA is the largest dedicated pickleball facility in King and Snohomish counties with a 25 court Seattle location coming soon.
For over three years Devin was a guest pro for the highly rated Tyson McGuffin Signature Camps.
Over the years he has shared the court with some of the biggest names in the game such as Tyson McGuffin, Andrei Daescu, Jaime Martinez-Vick, Kyle Mckenzie and more.
Devin can’t wait to share his knowledge with students and give back to the game that his given him so much.
Charlene Schmidt
Manager
Charlene is the mastermind behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly with her calm energy and warm smile. You’ll often find her at the tournament desk, making sure every detail is handled so players can focus on having fun.
Favorite shot: Backhand Punch
She loves pickleball for the great exercise and the way it brings communities together.
Gunnar Gordon
Teaching Pro
Certified instructor with nearly two decades of experience in pickleball, having started playing in 2006. With years of high-level recreational and tournament play, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the court. Gunnar has been a part of the team for over 5 years.
His playing style is sneakily aggressive, built on a strong foundation of tennis and ping pong experience.
Favorite shot: The backhand flick.
What he loves most about pickleball is how it blends social and competitive elements, creating a dynamic environment where players of all ages and abilities can come together, stay active, and enjoy the sport.
Laura Pelton
Teaching Pro
Laura has been competing in pickleball for over three years and recently earned 5.0 gold medals in both women’s and mixed doubles. With a background in collegiate soccer, basketball, and softball, she thrives on competition and brings her multi-sport experience to the court.
A former elementary school teacher with a PE endorsement, Laura has coached a variety of sports and loves working with players of all levels—from beginners learning the basics to advanced athletes fine-tuning their game. She emphasizes both skill development and the mental side of pickleball, using mindfulness and strategy to elevate performance.
Positive and upbeat, Laura is passionate about helping players reach their goals.
Favorite shot: The “inside out” where I am playing on the right side and I hit the ball down the line behind the person across from me.
Laura loves pickleball because of the fun, fitness, and friendship. She loves that pickleball brings many different people together. It is enjoyable for a diverse crowd and available for so many to enjoy. She also loves playing with her family.
With over 40 years of tennis experience and 20+ years coaching pickleball, Coach Brad brings a lifetime of racquet sports knowledge to the court. He has coached USTA teams, collegiate players, and pickleball athletes of all ages and skill levels. Known for his detailed instruction, inclusive approach, and passion for community, Coach Brad enjoys helping players improve while bringing people together through the game.
Brad Danner
Teaching Pro
Brent Hashiba
Teaching Pro
As both a licensed Physical Therapist and 5.5 player, Brent combines medical expertise with on-court experience to help players perform their best and stay injury-free. His coaching philosophy is rooted in biomechanics and movement efficiency—teaching players how to use their bodies effectively to generate power, maintain control, and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
Drawing from years of experience in sports rehabilitation and performance training for over a decade, he has a focus on improving the mechanics behind every shot, step, and pivot.
With a background as a national medalist in table tennis and a PPA medalist in pickleball, Greg brings a wealth of competitive experience to the court. As a certified instructor he specializes in helping players of all levels elevate their game.
Greg’s true passion lies in teaching—both the physical and mental aspects of pickleball. He believes every player is unique, and a great coach adapts to bring out the best in each student.
One of his proudest coaching moments? A student who started with him at the 3.0 level is now competing and winning at 4.5 after just a year and a half.
Greg is ready to unlock your potential and help you achieve your pickleball goals!
Favorite Shot: Backhand Roll
Greg DiMarco
Teaching Pro
Leah Black
Teaching Pro
Leah is a certified pickleball coach, 5.0-level player, and recent competitor with the University of Washington Pickleball Team. She has competed in national and regional tournaments, including DUPR Super Regionals and Collegiate Nationals. Leah has won gold in 5.0 and Open divisions. Outside of pickleball, she loves to cook, read, mountain bike, and spend time outdoors.
Favorite shot: Inside-out forehand down the line
Leah loves pickleball because of the mix of competition and camaraderie.