Get To Know Our Coaches

Meet The Team

Man playing pickleball indoors, holding a paddle and wearing a cap, black shirt, and shorts.

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.

Pickleball tournaments!

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 to enjoy this amazing sport.

Pickleball coaches!

Gunnar Gordon

Lead 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.


A man holding a pickleball paddle and wearing a medal stands in front of a banner at a pickleball tournament. He is wearing a dark shirt, light shorts, and sneakers. The banner features logos of sponsors and "Seattle Open."

Brent Lundgren

Teaching Pro

Brent is a certified pickleball coach with four years of experience helping players improve their skills. He’s passionate about building confidence and helping players enjoy the game. Brent has led many clinics and private coaching sessions for the team the past few years.

Favorite shot: The lob—a perfect combination of strategy and finesse.

Brent is especially drawn to the pickleball community and enjoys getting people active and involved in the sport. When he's not coaching, he loves competing in tournaments and continuing to challenge himself on the court.

Person holding a pickleball paddle indoors on a court

Coming from a background of tennis, badminton, and competitive gaming, Jonah brings 10 years of coaching experience across all levels from middle school and beginner to university and professional. Whether it is coaching youth tennis camps or teaching university esports courses, he knows what it takes to help students level up their game. For the last 3 years, he has been working as a K-12 curriculum developer, creating courses on communication, mental health, physical health, and more. 

Favorite Shot: The Best Shot in Modern Pickleball - The 3rd Shot Drive

As an extrovert, Jonah loves the social aspect of the sport, welcoming all members of the community and chatting about everything pickleball related. The competitive aspect of pickleball is amazing for working on self-improvement but it is ultimately the accessibility to fun and fitness for all ages that pickleball provides that interests him. This passion for the sport inspires him to help teach new players and work to improve other’s game. 

Jonah Wang

Teaching Pro

Smiling man wearing sunglasses and a cap, holding a blue medal

Ben Aguirre

Teaching Pro

Ben is a certified instructor with over 4 years of experience. You can catch him on the courts playing and teaching all over the King and Snohomish county

Favorite shot: Backhand Roll

Ben loves pickleball because it’s the perfect way to stay active, enjoy some friendly competition, and catch up with friends.

Person on outdoor court holding a pickleball paddle

Daniel Strain

Teaching Pro

Daniel has been playing pickleball for 15 years, first picking up the sport at summer camp in the San Juan Islands here in Washington. He rediscovered his love for the game in 2021 and quickly advanced to a competitive level, medaling in 4.0-4.5 tournaments. Daniel has been coaching for over three years, working with players of all ages and skill levels. Well known in the Seattle pickleball community, he emphasizes smart shot selection, court awareness, and drilling with purpose while keeping lessons engaging.

Favorite shot: A pickleball classic—the drop shot.

What Daniel loves most about pickleball is how it blends competition with connection. He thrives on the energy of the game, the friendships formed on and off the court, and the satisfaction of helping players improve. Whether coaching or competing, he’s always looking for ways to challenge himself and others while keeping the game fun.