Michelle Esquivel grew up in Buena Park, California. She was a former collegiate tennis coach who did not know much about pickleball. Ian Liang was also a good friend of Michelle who introduced her to pickleball in 2014. His cousin, Tao Tavanahan was a top player during this time and taught her how to play pickleball at the Tustin School district.
Esquivel’s desire to learn more about the game has been a huge contributor to her success. Prior to pickleball, Esquival was a tennis coach and Physical Educator at the collegiate level. Her personal teaching philosophy was to always provide inclusiveness, diversity and fun to every student possible. Pickleball embodies that and more!! Because of everyone’s encouragement and support, Esquivel began to play competitively and travel all over to not only play at the top level, but learn as much as she could about Pickleball originators, its pioneers and growth!
Esquivel says “It’s kind of a funny story, but my intention was never about “becoming a Pickleball Pro,” It just sort of happened. I guess you can say I was at the right place at the right time.” Esquivel just wanted to be a part of the sports growth… And she was! Michelle medaled in the very first PPA event in 2019 at the Mesa tournament in Pro Singles.
She was a part of the very first televised PPA tournament in 2020 against Simone Jardim in Newport! Esquivel says “I loved doing commentary because that “job” didn’t exist yet!! But the best thing since turning Pro has been the teaching opportunities!” Esquivel has been able to teach ALL skill level players, countless clinics and lessons all over the world!
This has been the most rewarding part of her life. During the quarantine in 2020, Esquivel created Ultimate Pickleball Academy which allowed her to travel and teach to facilities that didn’t have training and Development. She helped grow pickleball facilities such as Pickleball Zone in Bend, Oregon and Naples Pickleball Center in SW Florida. Esquivel is currently managing The Hub in San Diego, CA.
Along with bringing a teaching pro with Engage Pickleball Camps, LevelUp, Pickleball Getaways and Boost Camps. Bringing active lifestyles to others with this game has filled her heart with complete joy and happiness! Now, Esquivel has sponsors such as Gearbox and OS1st and she is also a part of the Pardoe Family’s very own Utah Black Diamonds MLP team.
Background History Of Michelle
Michelle Esquivel pickleball is an IPTPA certified instructor and the Founder & Co-Director of Ultimate Pickleball Academy. Introduced to pickleball in 2015, she made the decision to pursue teaching and playing the sport professionally. With her dedication and talent, Esquivel has earned medals in singles and doubles at major professional pickleball tournaments like the Hawaii Open, US Open, and Nationals.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Sports Science with an Emphasis in Teaching and Coaching from Concordia University, Irvine. Michelle esquivel pickleball started her teaching career as a USPTA instructor at Matchpoint Tennis Academy and worked as a collegiate tennis coach at Cypress College. Later, she earned a Masters Degree in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University and began teaching Kinesiology classes.
As one of the top instructors in the pickleball community, michelle esquivel pickleball has taught at various renowned programs, including EngagePickleball Camps, LevelUp, Pickleball Getaways, and Suncoast Pickleball Academy. Her passion for the sport has made her a favorite among fans. She has also appeared as a live commentator for professional pickleball events and been featured on the Eddie and Webby show.
Michelle’s journey in pickleball began when a colleague invited her to play the sport in Tustin, California, while she was coaching tennis at Orange Coast College in 2015. Initially unfamiliar with pickleball, she quickly became captivated and participated in her first tournament, the 2016 SoCal Classic in Oceanside, CA. The thrill of competing instantly captured her heart, and since then, she has achieved impressive results and faced off against the sport’s top players. Her journey has been immensely enjoyable and rewarding.
Accomplishments
- 2018 USAPA Margaritaville Nationals, Women’s Singles 5.0 19+ – Gold
- 2018 Tustin Winter Classic, Women’s 5.0 Doubles with Lisa Naumu – Gold
- + Mixed 5.0 Doubles with Jeff Warnick – Gold
- 2018 International Indoor Championships, Mixed Open Doubles with David Wage – Silver
- + Women’s Doubles Open with Lindsey Newman – Gold
- 2018 SoCal Classic, Women’s Doubles Open with Gee Gee Garvin – Gold
- 2018 Engage Golden State Championships, Women’s Doubles Open with Lindsey Newman – Silver
- +2018 Mixed Open Bronze with Jeff Warnick
- 2018 Las Vegas Open, Women’s Doubles Open with Gee Gee Garvin – Bronze
- 2018 Western Regional, Women’s Doubles 5.0, 19+ with Kris Anderson – Gold
- + Mixed Doubles 5.0 19+ with Jeff Warnick – Gold
Tips
Michelle esquivel pickleball says that Work on your weaknesses! I personally love driving the ball and hitting hard, so I tend to focus and work on third shot drops and dinks as much as possible. In rec games, I’ll intentionally play balls I would usually feel uncomfortable hitting, so they become easier in tournaments. I also recommend challenging the stronger player on the court during practice games. I know winning is fun, but you’ll only get better by getting out of your comfort zone. Know more pickleball tips from professional pickleball player Riley Newman And Rob Davidson.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, Michelle Esquivel participated in the USAPA Nationals. Her performance in this tournament motivated her to take her game to the next level.
A: Michelle Esquivel has achieved significant accomplishments in pickleball, including competing against top players in the game and showing great results in various tournaments.
A: Michelle Esquivel’s journey in pickleball has been a thrilling and enjoyable one. From her introduction to the sport to competing at a high level against the best players, she has embraced the challenges and opportunities pickleball has offered her. Her dedication and passion have allowed her to excel and make a name for herself in the pickleball community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, michelle esquivel pickleball journey has been a remarkable one. From being introduced to the sport and becoming instantly hooked, to competing in tournaments and showcasing great results, she has truly taken her game to the next level. Her passion for pickleball and her ability to compete against top players have made her journey an exciting and enjoyable one.