Our Coaches

Our amazing coaches are here to take your game to the next level, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills. Let’s elevate your pickleball journey together!

Ted Holway – Head Pickleball Pro at Pickleball HQ

Ted Holway brings a wealth of experience and passion to the game of pickleball. As a former Division II collegiate tennis player on a full scholarship, Ted spent years honing his skills on the tennis court before serving 19 years with the NYPD.

His passion for pickleball ignited just over two and a half years ago, and he’s been making waves in the sport ever since. Now a highly accomplished 5.5-level player, Ted competes both locally and nationally, earning numerous accolades along the way. His achievements include winning gold in the New York City APP Men’s 5.0+ division and securing a national silver medal at the 6.0+ Biometric National Championships. He has also claimed multiple tournament titles across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Training alongside top local professionals, Ted combines his extensive knowledge of the game with advanced skills and strategic insight. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or an experienced player aiming to elevate your game, Ted’s expertise and passion for teaching will help you unlock your full potential on the court.

Chi Shiu - Head Coach

Chi Shiu is a certified pickleball instructor since 2019, and is dedicated to spreading the joy of this exhilarating sport to players of all ages and skill levels. With over seven years of experience on the court, Chi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his teaching practice. His passion to the game has led to notable achievements, including winning a gold medal at the NJ Senior Olympic, silver medal at NJ Open, bronze medal at the NYC Open, and many medals at various tournaments throughout New Jersey. Beyond competitive success, Chi finds immense fulfillment in teaching and nurturing pickleball communities. By sharing his passion for the sport to inspire others to join in the fun and social camaraderie that pickleball offers. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned player striving to improve your game, Chi will help you achieve your pickleball goals and become part of this vibrant community.

Cecilia Shiu

Cecilia Shiu started playing pickleball in 2017 and is a PPR certified pickleball instructor since 2021. She worked as instructor at Brunswick Hills Tennis Center and Old Bridge Recreation Pickleball Program. She has experience in teaching beginners, advanced beginners and intermediate program. She also played tennis over 15 years and helped tennis players to transition to pickleball.

Ellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Ellen and I’m a PPR Certified Pickleball Instructor. I am both a 4.0 Pickleball player and a 4.0 Tennis Player. After playing tennis for 20 years, I decided to try my hand at Pickle. Well 7 years later, and I am addicted! I’ve recently won my First All State championship, and it was so much fun meeting other players throughout the state. I thrive at introducing players to the game, so they can become as addicted as I. I love to teach, and I love having fun on the court. Given my tennis background, I like to focus on Net Play and court positioning. When I’m off the pickle court (which is not often), I’m spending time with my husband, my twin Sheepadoodles , and my friends. I do a bit of traveling, but I never forget my paddle, as you never know what pickle court lies around the corner.

John Canini

John Canini is a retired police officer with over 10 years of racquet sports experience, including racquetball, pickleball, and table tennis. Well known in the pickleball community, John brings a deep understanding of the game—from fundamentals to advanced skills, strategy, and court positioning. His background makes him an excellent instructor for players of all ages and skill levels. With a teaching style that emphasizes patience, technique, and smart play, John is passionate about helping others improve while making the game enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

Camille Lee (Cami)

Camille Lee (Cami) is a PPR-certified pickleball instructor and a respected member of the pickleball community. With a strong background in competitive tennis—having competed on a high school tennis team and earned USTA sectional, district, and national championships—Cami brings a deep understanding of strategy, discipline, and athletic excellence to the court.

After transitioning to pickleball five years ago, Cami quickly developed a passion for both playing and teaching the sport. Known for her approachable coaching style and technical insight, Cami is dedicated to helping players of all levels unlock their full potential, strengthen their skills, and find joy in every game.

Rob Gruber

Since first picking up a paddle in August 2022, Rob has risen quickly to become a 5.0+ level athlete, earning back-to-back APP Tour titles in both Singles and Doubles. As a teaching professional at multiple facilities, he leads high-level coaching programs, oversees clinics, runs "play-with-the-pro" sessions, and delivers targeted private instruction. His drive for the sport shows in everything he does—pushing players to sharpen their skills, elevate their discipline, and exceed their own expectations.

Stop by and experience firsthand how top-tier coaching can transform your game.

Since 2025, Rob has also served as the coach of the USLPL NYC Ballers, a Senior Pro team currently ranked #1 in point differential across the entire league.

James Cannizzaro

James is a driven, creative, and highly enthusiastic pickleball player and coach who began his journey in 2023 and advanced to 5.0+ level in under a year. His rapid rise reflects both disciplined training and a strong command of the game—qualities he brings into every session he leads.

He has worked with players of all ages and abilities, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. James stands out for his ability to tailor instruction to each student's needs, pace, and learning style, enabling them to progress far more quickly than they expect. From mastering fundamentals to refining advanced strategy, he adapts his coaching to deliver measurable, meaningful improvement.

A major strength of James's coaching is the deep library of tips, drills, and technical insights he has developed through his own accelerated journey. These tools allow him to help players sharpen their mechanics and decision-making in a fraction of the time. He creates a motivating and supportive environment where students not only elevate their game but genuinely enjoy the process.