Meet Our Pro: Lisa Palcic
World-class pickleball instruction, right here at Pat's.
With more than 35 years in the sports and fitness industry, Lisa Palcic brings an extraordinary depth of playing, teaching and facility leadership experience to Pat's Pickleball. A former professional and 5.0-level competitor, Lisa is now focused on what she loves most: helping players understand their game, move more efficiently and become more confident on the court.
As Pat's Pickleball Pro, Lisa will lead lessons, clinics and player development opportunities for athletes at every level—from beginners picking up a paddle for the first time to experienced competitors ready to refine the smallest details of their game.
One of Only 50 IPTPA Master Pros Worldwide
Lisa began playing and teaching pickleball in 2009 and went on to become a Master Pickleball Pro, Director and Certified Rating Specialist with the International Pickleball Teaching Professionals Association (IPTPA). She is one of only approximately 50 IPTPA Master Pros in the world.
Her work with the organization has extended well beyond the court. Lisa travels to lead teaching-certification workshops and continuing-education programs, has created educational videos for fellow instructors and helped develop the IPTPA pickleball rating system now used by players and clubs around the world.
A Teaching Approach Built Around the Individual Player
Lisa has instructed thousands of players across the country, but she does not believe in teaching every athlete the same way. Her specialty is body and stroke mechanics—breaking down how a player moves, swings and responds during play to identify practical adjustments that can produce greater control, consistency and confidence.
Whether you are working toward your first successful rally or trying to elevate an already competitive game, Lisa helps make the mechanics and strategy of pickleball easier to understand and apply. Her goal is not simply to correct a stroke. It is to give each player the tools to move smarter, play more consistently and enjoy the game more.
Experience at Every Level of the Game
Throughout her career, Lisa has led pickleball camps, private lessons, group clinics, tournaments, club fundraisers, instructor certifications and facility consultations across the country. She has conducted camps and clinics alongside renowned professionals including Tyson McGuffin, Lee Whitwell, Michelle Esquivel, Scott Moore and Kyle McKenzie.
As a competitor, Lisa played at the 5.0 level at Nationals and Indoor Nationals and competed at both the 5.0 and professional levels at the US Open. Although injuries led her to retire from professional and 5.0-level competition in 2020, they did not diminish her passion for teaching or her commitment to helping other players succeed.
More Than a Teaching Pro
Lisa also brings extensive experience in the operations and development of racquet-sports facilities. She helped establish the Oregon Pickleball Academy and Pickleball Zone of Bend, serving as both Facility Director and Head Pro while contributing to facility design, operating procedures, employee training, memberships and player programming.
Earlier in her career, she managed a 30,000-square-foot tennis, fitness and spa facility and later owned a tennis, pickleball and racquet-sports shop. Her experience also includes captaining USTA tennis teams, organizing tournaments and earning the distinction of Master Racquet Technician through the United States Racquet Stringers Association.
Lisa has advised pickleball clubs and facilities nationwide on launching and improving their programs. She has even consulted with Holland America Line as it introduced pickleball aboard its cruise ships. That rare combination of coaching, competition and operational experience gives Lisa a valuable understanding of what creates a great experience for both individual players and an entire pickleball community.
Sharing Her Expertise Beyond the Court
Lisa's teaching has reached players around the world through articles, videos, podcasts and online instruction. Her "Pickleball Basics" video has earned more than 2.1 million views on YouTube, and her work has appeared in Pickleball Magazine and other industry publications.
She is a featured pro with GameChangeHER, an online pickleball academy created for women over 40 and led by senior professional Lee Whitwell. Lisa introduced Lee to pickleball and later became her doubles and teaching partner. Lisa is also a featured guest on Tracie Hotchner's Obsessed Pickleballers podcast, with episodes available through Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Lisa continues to expand access to her instruction through Palcic Pickleball Academy, where players can explore strokes, techniques and strategies broken down into clear, approachable lessons.
Author of The Complete Illustrated Guide to Pickleball
After years of requests from her students, Lisa turned decades of coaching experience into The Complete Illustrated Guide to Pickleball. The more than 500-page guide was created for players ranging from complete beginners through the 4.5 level and covers the mechanics, techniques and strategies needed to build a stronger game.
The book is available in print and on Kindle through Amazon, with an audiobook edition planned.
Train With Lisa at Pat's Pickleball
For Lisa, the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing the moment when something clicks—when a player understands a movement, executes a skill successfully and experiences a new level of confidence and joy on the court.
Now, she is excited to bring that experience and passion to Pat's Pickleball. Whether you are brand new to the sport, returning after time away or ready to take your competitive game further, Lisa is ready to meet you where you are and help you build what comes next.
Join the Interest ListLisa's Credentials at a Glance
- More than 35 years in the sports and fitness industry
- Pickleball player and teaching professional since 2009
- Former professional and 5.0-level competitor
- IPTPA Master Pickleball Pro, Director and Certified Rating Specialist
- One of only approximately 50 IPTPA Master Pros worldwide
- Instructor of thousands of players and teaching professionals
- Former Facility Director and Head Pro at Pickleball Zone of Bend
- Contributor to the IPTPA pickleball rating system
- Author of The Complete Illustrated Guide to Pickleball
- Creator of the "Pickleball Basics" video with more than 2.1 million YouTube views
- Featured pro with GameChangeHER and guest on Obsessed Pickleballers