Private Instruction
Pickleball Pros and Coaches
Our certified pickleball pros and coaches are highly experienced and welcome both new and seasoned pickleball players of all ages and experience levels. Whether you are seeking a private lesson for yourself, or private instruction for the entire family, our pickleball pros will guide you every step of the way.
For private instruction, please directly contact any of our experienced Pickleball Professionals below.
General Pickleball Skill Levels
Our Pickleball Instructors
Jayson Harris
Director of Pickleball
$120/hour
Jayson brings his innovative and creative experience from a small business into his new role as Head Pickleball Pro and as Corporate Relations and Sponsorship Manager at the Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Center in this exciting new season. “I am very eager to combine two of my passions – pickleball and business – in these roles and to use my skills and experience to help develop the pickleball program here. My wife, Hannah, and I have already felt so welcomed by the Steamboat pickleball community, and we are very excited to dive deeper into this town and community,” Jayson said.
Dustin Spalding
Head Pickleball Professional
$120/hour
Dustin joins the Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Complex as Head Pickleball Instructor. After working in corporate compliance, Dustin became involved in Pickleball due to the sport’s community-oriented atmosphere and vibrant tempo. Dustin worked in Pickleball Clubs in Austin, Texas, over the past three years, most recently serving as Program Director at Polo Tennis and Fitness Club, where he oversaw instruction, leagues, and tournaments. Dustin’s favorite shot in pickleball is jumping overhead, but he enjoys any pattern distribution. When Dustin is not on the pickleball court, he can be found enjoying the outdoors or reading an unpredictable book.
Sheila Farny
Pickleball Professional
$90/hour
Sheila has lived in Steamboat Springs with her family since 2006. Throughout the years, she has been involved with various sports as a coach, instructor and educator (adaptive skiing, tennis, Special O softball)- Pickleball is her newest sporting endeavor. The attraction to pickleball is that anyone can enjoy this sport and have so much fun right from the start. What other sport can you actually be able to play within an hour or so? Sheila wants to continue to welcome community members and out-of-towners into the friendly vibe of pickleball.
Barbara Robinson
Pickleball Professional
$80/hour
Barbara is a Racket Pro Certified Pickleball Coach. She excels as a coach for beginners, from “Learn to Play” to level 3.0 players. Barbara specializes in the soft game of pickleball. Lessons are available for 1-4 players, drills, small group drills, and ball machine drills. All age levels are welcome. To book a lesson, please contact Barbara directly.
Jill Starr
Pickleball Professional
$90/hour
Jill teaches all levels and grew up in St. Louis and now lives full-time in beautiful Steamboat Springs. She spent over 30 years competing in tennis and coached a high school team in St. Louis for 12 seasons. In 2018, Jill discovered pickleball—and has been hooked ever since.
She loves teaching the strategy behind the game. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, there is always something new to develop, refine, and master. Jill believes repetition builds the muscle memory that creates confident, consistent players.
Jill is a 2025 Gold Medalist at the 5.0 level at the Mesa, Arizona tournament, as well as a 2025 Gold Medalist in 4.5 mixed doubles at the World Championships in Dallas—along with many other podium finishes in recent years.
She would love to help you level up your game, sharpen your strategy, and build the mental toughness and strong mindset that separates good players from great ones.
Jonell Loeppert
Pickleball Professional
$90/hour
Jonell is a retired tennis pro who made her way from Denver to the beautiful Steamboat Springs valley—a place she loves calling home. A lifelong athlete at heart, Jonell thrives on movement and adventure, whether it’s biking, hiking, snowboarding, Pilates or pickleball. Jonell brings energy, fun, and enthusiasm to every lesson and specializes in helping players tap into their potential while enjoying the game. Whether players are looking to level up their skills or just have a great time on the court, Jonell is happy to be your guide.
Kurt Johnson
Private Events Coordinator
$95/hour
Kurt is the Program Manager at the Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Complex. Kurt has a true passion for welcoming visitors and locals to participate in the wide variety of recreational activities the complex offers and enjoys making people feel at home. Kurt is the primary liaison for private events, offering tournament management services, event planning and execution, and more.
