Our Coaching Team 

“See where you can go - not where you are”

Meet the Coaches

  • Arturo Bueno

    Arturo Bueno

    Arturo is Level 2 NCCP Certified Pickleball Instructor and a Pickleball Professional Certified Match Analyst - the first in Canada.

    Arturo discovered Pickleball about two and a half years ago. His tennis background allowed him to pick up the game quickly.

    His immersion in the game allowed him to discover possibilities that mainstream pickleball instruction failed to recognize. Forever a student of the game, Arturo studies Pickleball from a unique perspective and uses data and analytics to develop clinics, lessons, and drills to make sure his coaching keeps up with the game’s fast development and progression.

    He is an effective coach for players of all levels and also for players transitioning from tennis and other racquet sports.

  • Jaleesa Johnston

    Jaleesa Johnston

    Jaleesa is a Level 1 NCCP Certified Pickleball Instructor with over 8 years of experience in the sport.

    Introduced to pickleball by her former soccer coach at the University of Lethbridge, she quickly became hooked, bringing her competitive sports background into every aspect of her game.

    Jaleesa firmly believes that pickleball is a sport for everyone—regardless of age or background—and that anyone can fall in love with the game, just as she did. She loves sharing this passion with her students, coaching players of all skill levels from beginners to advanced. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or refining your skills, Jaleesa’s coaching is focused on making the game enjoyable, accessible, and rewarding for all.

    Looking forward to seeing you on the court!

  • Colin MacDonald

    Colin MacDonald

    Colin is a Level 2 IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professional, a Level 2 NCCP Certified Instructor, and an NCCP Course Facilitator. 

    Prior to his pickleball life, he was a long-time competitive fastpitch player and certified youth baseball and hockey coach. Over the past few years,  Colin has competed in pickleball tournaments across Canada and the USA including several Canadian National Pickleball Championships, many Provincial Championships, PPA Tournaments, and the US Open Pickleball Championship. Colin’s pickleball instruction includes leading adult group clinics and private / semi-private lessons. 

    He has experience with player rating sessions and youth instruction and, when asked, he mentors and develops others that are interested in pursuing pickleball instruction. Colin is extremely grateful to be a small part of a very large and evolving pickleball community.

  • Claire White

    Claire White

    Claire is a Level 1 IPTPA Certified Pickleball Instructor,  a Level 1 NCCP Pickleball Instructor, and a Certified Level 1 Pickleball Referee. 

    It did not take Claire, a lifelong athlete, long to become addicted to Pickleball. Early in 2019, she was asked to help run a series of pickleball clinics which led her to earning her coaching certifications. Before pickleball, Claire’s primary sports were tennis and badminton. Previously, she coached youth soccer and instructed swim lessons.

    For many years now, she has played pickleball competitively and has medaled tournaments across North America, including the Canadian Nationals, the Alberta and Saskatchewan Provincials, and Pickleball Canada’s Western Regional Championship. Claire’s pickleball teaching has been ongoing for more than four years, including clinics, small groups, and private lessons at the beginner, novice, and intermediate levels. She thoroughly enjoys introducing pickleball to new players.

Private Lessons

Arturo / Colin / Claire

Private 1-on-1: $95 / hour

Semi-Private 2-on-1: $60 / hour / person

Semi-Private 3-on-1: $50 / hour / person

Semi-Private 4-on-1: $40 / hour / person

Jaleesa

Private 1-on-1: $70 per hour

Semi-Private 2-on-1: $50 / hour / person

Semi-Private 3-on-1: $45 / hour / person

Semi-Private 4-on-1: $38 / hour / person

At YYC Pickleball, we are proud to introduce our dedicated Ambassadors, Shannon, Lauren, Steve and Michelle, trained by our esteemed head coach, Arturo Bueno. These passionate individuals are an integral part of our community, committed to fostering a love for pickleball. They generously give their time to facilitate and host mentored play sessions, helping others grow and enjoy the sport.

We deeply appreciate their efforts and are honored to have them as part of our Ambassador Program and community. Thank you, Ambassadors, for your invaluable contributions!

Meet the Ambassadors

Meet the Junior Ambassadors

Meet YYC Pickleball's Junior Ambassadors, Levi and Aiden! Trained by our esteemed head coach, Arturo, these talented young athletes play at an exceptionally high level and regularly compete in tournaments across North America. Their dedication and passion for the sport are truly inspiring.

Through Levi and Aiden, we aim to encourage more youth to discover and embrace the exciting world of pickleball. Join us in supporting these rising stars as they continue to excel and inspire the next generation of pickleball enthusiasts!