Pickleball for Juniors
Junior Pickleball at RacFit creates a fun, structured path for young players to learn, grow, and love the game. With classes, leagues, camps, play days, private lessons, and match play, kids of all levels build skills, confidence, and friendships in an energetic, supportive environment.
programs
Our Programs
Intro to Pickleball
A welcoming introduction to pickleball fundamentals – rules, strokes, scoring, and positioning – helping new players gain comfort, confidence, and readiness for real gameplay.
Pickleball 101 / 102
Develop consistent strokes, smart positioning, and basic strategy through guided drills and controlled play, building confidence for competitive rallies and open play.
Leagues & Open Play
Competitive yet friendly pickleball play where you test skills, meet new people, and enjoy fast-paced games in a supportive, social environment.
Speciality Clinics
Specialty clinics deliver targeted, fun sessions focusing on key areas of the game to sharpen technique, boost strategy, and elevate overall performance.
Camps & Play Days
Join RacFit’s social pickleball events – competitive fun, themed gatherings, and post-match celebrations at Courtside Cantina, building community on and off the court.
Private Lessons
Unlock your full potential through one-on-one coaching – refining technique, strategy, and movement with customized instruction to accelerate improvement.
Questions?
PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE PICKLEBALL LESSONS
RacFit offers private and semi-private lessons for players of all ages, featuring personalized coaching, video analysis, and customized training plans. It’s the fastest way to accelerate skill development, sharpen technique, and elevate on-court strategy.
Interested in private lessons?
Start by talking with our Head Pickleball Pro:
Priority Access
We’ll keep you posted on the project and you’ll be the first to receive information about our programs, events and more!
Michelle Stallard
General Manager
Michelle Stallard brings a wealth of experience in racquet sports, athletics, and wellness to her role as General Manager of RacFit. A seasoned leader, she has directed and developed programs at some of the most respected tennis and fitness facilities in Texas, building strong communities through thoughtful programming, staff development, and member engagement.
Her career includes leadership roles at nationally recognized resorts, racquet clubs, and tennis academies, where she oversaw operations that ranged from recreational and competitive player development to large-scale events. Most recently, she expanded her expertise by managing both tennis and athletic programming, demonstrating her ability to connect racquet sports with broader fitness and wellness initiatives.
Michelle is a USPTA Elite Tennis Professional, a Certified Health and Wellness Trainer, and an IPTPA-certified Pickleball Professional. She also contributes to the industry at large through service on the USPTA Texas Board of Directors, where she helps shape the future of tennis in the region.
Her background as a competitive athlete at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of the women’s tennis team, gives her a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at every level of the game. This personal experience informs her coaching and leadership philosophy: to create opportunities that make racquet sports and fitness accessible, enjoyable, and impactful for everyone.
Michelle is passionate about fostering environments where individuals and families can thrive. At RacFit, she is committed to delivering exceptional programs, cultivating a welcoming culture, and bringing the community together through the shared joy of tennis, pickleball, and fitness.
Jake Rother
Head Tennis Professional and High Performance Director
Jake Rother brings over a decade of coaching experience from universities, academies, and elite programs nationwide to his role as Head Tennis Professional and High Performance Director at RacFit. He works closely with RacFit’s leadership team to deliver world-class tennis training, with a focus on developing advanced junior players through the High Performance Program. Jake also mentors staff, contributes to club-wide events, and helps build RacFit’s strong community presence.
Jake has coached at renowned institutions including the Austin Tennis Academy, Barnes Tennis Center, Harvard University, Montana State University, and St. Mary’s University. His coaching journey includes developing nationally ranked juniors, NCAA athletes, and professional players such as former WTA Top 10 Coco Vandeweghe, Junior US Open Champion Katherine Hui, and Quad Wheelchair World #1 David Wagner.
As a player, Jake excelled at the collegiate level, earning 1st Team All-American honors in both singles and doubles, capturing an NJCAA National Championship, and competing for Indiana University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he was part of a Conference USA Championship team.
A proud Texan, Jake is passionate about building a vibrant, community-driven tennis culture that inspires players of all ages and abilities.
Michael MacVay
Director of Youth Tennis & Managing Member
Michael MacVay is an accomplished tennis professional with a proven record of building and leading successful junior programs. Recognized as a Top 10-and-Under Coach, he has been honored with multiple awards for his contributions to youth tennis development, including Youth Development Program of the Year (USTA Texas, 2017), 10-and-Under Coach of the Year (CATA, 2016), the USTA North Star Award (2015), and Junior Professional of the Year (CATA, 2014).
At Dripping Springs Racquet Club, Michael grew the junior program to more than 200 students. Prior to that, as Director of Junior Tennis at Rippner Tennis, he expanded participation from just 35 students to more than 300, establishing Junior Team Tennis as a cornerstone of the program with roughly 15 teams each season—the most in Austin at the time.
Coach Mike is a USTA Coach Developer and is active in helping expand the pool of tennis coaches throuout Texas and the country. He is a PTR Certified Professional and a past President of the Capital Area Tennis Association (CATA), where he helped shape the local tennis community through leadership and advocacy. His coaching philosophy emphasizes fun, fundamentals, and long-term growth, ensuring that players not only succeed on the court but also build skills and confidence that carry into every part of their lives.
At RacFit, Michael leads all junior programming with the same passion and vision that has defined his career, fostering a vibrant pathway for the next generation of tennis players in Central Texas.
Brad Harris
Director of Adult Tennis and Managing Member
Brad Harris is a high-energy tennis professional with deep expertise in developing and leading programs for players of all ages and levels. With a career spanning club management, junior and adult programming, and competitive player development, Brad brings a holistic approach to the RacFit experience.
Brad has held leadership roles at respected facilities including Tennis78704, Onion Creek Club, Rollingwood Athletic Club, and Sierra View Country Club. He has successfully directed adult programs, academies, ROG (Red-Orange-Green) youth programs, tournaments, socials, and USTA league play. His work has consistently produced nationally ranked junior players who have gone on to earn college scholarships.
A USPTR Certified Professional and PPR Certified Pickleball Coach, Brad is recognized for integrating sports psychology, fitness, and injury prevention into his coaching. His leadership style emphasizes motivation, inclusivity, and long-term player development, ensuring that athletes not only perform at their best but also enjoy the process.
At RacFit, Brad is focused on creating vibrant programs that blend instruction, fitness, and fun—whether through junior academies, social events, or innovative training techniques. His passion for the sport and proven ability to grow tennis communities make him an invaluable leader as RacFit becomes the premier destination for tennis, pickleball, and fitness in Central Texas.
Kaitlyn Ferrera
Pickleball Experience Director
Kaitlyn Ferrara brings both passion and expertise to her role as RacFit’s Pickleball Experience Director. A lifelong athlete and experienced pickleball player, Kaitlyn has developed a reputation for creating dynamic playing and learning environments that welcome beginners while challenging experienced competitors.
In her position at RacFit, Kaitlyn is responsible for leading the full scope of pickleball programming. She organizes and promotes events, leagues, and tournaments, while also providing instruction through private lessons and group clinics. She has a proven talent for building strong pickleball communities—connecting players of all levels, fostering inclusivity, and making the game a central part of active, healthy lifestyles.
Beyond her skills on the court, Kaitlyn is an experienced organizer, having successfully managed events and social programs that combine competition with community engagement. At RacFit, she will also mentor and recruit teaching professionals to grow the program and ensure members always receive high-quality coaching and support.
A proud resident of Buda, Kaitlyn is deeply committed to enriching her hometown community. She sees RacFit not just as a sports facility, but as a place where families and neighbors can come together to enjoy fitness, friendship, and fun. Her energy and dedication make her a natural ambassador for RacFit both within the facility and throughout the region.
John R. Hernandez
Managing Member
John R. Hernandez brings extensive leadership experience in the technology sector to RacFit, with more than two decades serving in senior roles at global companies including Dell, IBM, and Oracle. Over the course of his career, he has established a reputation for building high-performing teams, driving strategic growth, and fostering environments where people and organizations can thrive.
At Oracle, John served on both the North American Leadership Advisory Board and the North American Energy Board, helping shape business strategy and client engagement across key sectors. His achievements earned him repeated recognition in the Oracle President’s Club. Earlier in his career, he was honored with top awards at Dell, IBM, and McAfee, where his leadership and client-focused approach drove significant results.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, John has contributed to higher education and the business community as a member of the St. Edward’s University Graduate School of Business Advisory Board. He holds a BBA in Marketing from St. Edward’s University, where he was also captain of the tennis team and recipient of the Student Athlete Award.
As a Managing Partner at RacFit, John combines his passion for tennis and community with his business expertise to help guide the organization’s growth, vision, and impact. His leadership ensures that RacFit not only delivers world-class facilities and programming but also creates a welcoming environment where families can connect through fitness, wellness, and sport.
Grant Chambers
Managing Member
Grant Chambers is a successful entrepreneur and tennis industry leader with a unique blend of business expertise and passion for community impact. As the founder and CEO of Workhorse Agency, Grant has built one of Austin’s leading agencies, growing it into a multimillion-dollar firm recognized on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list and the Austin Business Journal Fast 50. His leadership has guided Workhorse for over two decades, building a reputation for innovation, creativity, and measurable results.
In addition to his business success, Grant brings more than 15 years of experience in the tennis and fitness industry. He has led programming across multiple facilities, served as Communications Director for USTA Texas, and held leadership roles within the Capital Area Tennis Association (CATA), where he has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year, received the Carol Welder Service Award, the USTA Texas Community Service Award and honored alongside his family as Family of the Year by both CATA and USTA Texas. His work with tennis nonprofits and grassroots programs underscores his commitment to making the sport accessible to all.
At RacFit, Grant combines his entrepreneurial vision with his lifelong connection to tennis to help shape a facility that is not only innovative but also deeply rooted in community. His focus is on building an environment where families, athletes, and community members can come together through tennis, pickleball, fitness, and wellness programming.
With his proven leadership in both business and sport, Grant plays a central role in ensuring RacFit delivers on its mission to be a premier destination for health, connection, and community growth. He combines his passion for tennis and community with his business expertise to help guide the organization’s growth, vision, and impact. His leadership ensures that RacFit not only delivers world-class facilities and programming but also creates a welcoming environment where families can connect through fitness, wellness, and sport.
Blake Hutchinson
Managing Member
Blake Hutchinson brings extensive expertise in finance, investment management, and equity research to his role as Managing Partner of RacFit. His career spans asset management, corporate finance, and development, with a strong track record of success in both public and private markets.
Blake’s professional background includes years of experience in the energy investment sector, where he led both public and private investment management strategies. He also worked in sell-side equity research, earning recognition from Institutional Investor magazine and the Wall Street Journal for the quality of his analysis and the strength of his stock recommendations. In addition, Blake has applied his skills in corporate finance and development, further broadening his leadership and operational expertise.
A graduate of Rice University with a degree in Economics and Managerial Studies, Blake distinguished himself not only academically but also athletically. He was captain of the Rice Rugby Football Club and named Texas Rugby Union MVP, as well as a Connecticut High School Tennis All-Stater and Doubles Champion.
At RacFit, Blake leverages his financial acumen, strategic thinking, and passion for sports to help guide the organization’s growth and long-term vision. His blend of professional achievement and lifelong connection to athletics reflects RacFit’s mission of excellence, community impact, and healthy living.
Minh Vu
Head Pickleball Pro
Minh Vu brings an elite competitive background and a passion for
coaching to RacFit as the Head Pro Pickleball Coach. Minh will focuse on helping both adults and juniors reach their individual goals whether learning the fundamentals, improving competitive performance, or developing confidence on the court. He will be leading private lessons, clinics, and running RacFit’s Junior Pickleball Program, creating a fun, structured, and high-level training environment for players of all ages.
A former collegiate and professional soccer player, Minh began his college career at Pima Community College before transferring to Penn State University, where he competed at the highest level of Division I soccer in the Big Ten Conference.
During his junior season at Penn State in 2011, Minh made an immediate impact, playing in 19 matches and starting 15 of them in his first season with the Nittany Lions. He led the team with 11 points on four goals and three assists and ranked among the top goal scorers in the Big Ten. His standout performances earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (August 29, 2011), Big Ten Tournament Offensive MVP, and Big Ten Tournament All-Tournament Team honors. Minh scored multiple game-winning goals, including decisive goals in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, and recorded Penn State’s lone goal in the Big Ten
Tournament championship match.
Following his collegiate career, Minh signed his first professional
contract on February 13, 2014, with USL Pro club Rochester Rhinos,
officially launching his professional soccer career.
After retiring from professional soccer, Minh discovered pickleball
and quickly transferred his competitive mindset and athletic skill set to the sport. He has been playing pickleball for several years and competes at the 5.0 level in local amateur tournaments in Austin. Most recently, he competed in the Minor League National Championships, placing third overall in the DUPR 18 division at the Men’s V13 National Tournament.
Kaitlyn Ferrara
Pickleball Experience Director
Coming soon
Carin Randle White
Fitness Director
Carin White is an experienced health and wellness professional with a passion for helping people lead active, balanced lives. As RacFit’s Fitness Director, she oversees the design, leadership, and management of all fitness and group wellness programs, ensuring members of every age and ability feel supported and inspired in their journey toward better health.
Carin has spent years leading group fitness classes, personal training programs, and wellness initiatives across Central Texas. At the YMCA of Buda, she coordinated health and wellness programming, supervised personal trainers and staff, and built an engaging environment that emphasized both results and community. She also taught high-energy group fitness classes at Gold’s Gym, where her ability to motivate and connect with participants created a loyal following.
Her expertise includes program development, team leadership, member engagement, and fitness facility operations. Certified through AFAA and trained in Les Mills BodyCombat, she is also CPR/AED certified and committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and inclusivity in all programming.
At RacFit, Carin not only manages and recruits instructors but also teaches classes herself, blending hands-on instruction with leadership. She is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, supportive environment where members can thrive—whether in a group class, a personal training session, or through customized wellness initiatives.
A proud Central Texas resident, Carin is excited to bring her skills and energy to RacFit’s new home in Buda. Her goal is to create fitness experiences that go beyond workouts, inspiring confidence, building community, and improving lives.
Jake Plotkin
Customer Experience Manager
Jake Plotkin is RacFit’s Customer Experience Manager, where he leads front desk operations, guest services, and the overall member journey. With a strong background in sales, client services, and hospitality, Jake ensures that every member and guest feels welcomed, supported, and connected from the moment they walk in the door.
Before joining RacFit, Jake built a diverse career in customer-focused roles across sports, hospitality, and corporate services. Most recently, at Topgolf, Jake advanced from guest services to event sales, where he managed client accounts, coordinated events, and streamlined communication across teams. He worked in ticket sales and client services for professional baseball organizations, where he fostered relationships with fans and delivered memorable game-day and hospitality experiences. He also worked in claims management at AmTrust Financial Services and ESIS, where he balanced large caseloads, problem-solved complex client issues, and built trust through responsive, detail-oriented service.
In his role at RacFit, Jake manages and trains the Welcome Center team, coordinates daily operations, and serves as a visible, approachable leader for members. He also oversees RacFit’s pro shop and racquet stringing services, helping enhance the full member experience both on and off the court.
With a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Business and History) from Arizona State University, Jake brings a unique combination of business insight, customer service expertise, and passion for sports to his work. A natural relationship-builder, he is committed to making RacFit more than just a facility—it’s a place where people feel part of a thriving community.
Abigail George
Youth Programs Director
Abigail George serves as RacFit’s Youth Programs Director, where she designs and leads innovative programs for children ages 3–15 through RacFit FitKids, Study Hall, and related initiatives. With a background in education, childcare, and youth development, Abigail is passionate about creating safe, supportive, and engaging environments where young people can learn, play, and thrive.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English and a minor in History, Abigail has cultivated both academic and practical experience working with children and teens. She has served as a substitute teacher in the Eanes School District, working with students across multiple grade levels and learning needs. Her hands-on background also includes roles as a babysitter and lifeguard, where she combined safety, structure, and creativity to support children’s growth and wellbeing.
At RacFit, Abigail is responsible for program development, family communication, participant mentorship, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and inclusivity. She is also a proud advocate for making fitness and learning opportunities accessible to every child, with a focus on building confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Outside of her professional work, Abigail is bilingual in English and Spanish and brings skills in writing, peer review, and cultural studies to her leadership approach. Her combination of educational training, childcare experience, and commitment to the community make her an invaluable part of RacFit’s mission to positively impact families in Buda and beyond.