Our coaching team.

William East

Director of Pickleball

My name is Will East, and I am the director of pickleball at PPCC.

I am a certified pickleball professional with PTR. Throughout the year, I play at several events on the professional pickleball tour (PPA)

I am rated above at 5.6 on DUPR for singles and doubles.

I am also known as “The Prince of Pickleball” on social media, with over 43,000 followers on Instagram. Here, I offer instructional content in the form of tips and tricks.

I also played NCAA Division One tennis in North Carolina at North Carolina Central University.

Dria Rushing

Certified Pickleball Coach

From starting her pickleball journey in 2022, playing her first 4.0 tournament, and winning silver in Michigan, Dria has let the picklebug guide her competitive playing career. This has led her to travel & compete at higher-level tournaments, including Wisconsin Invitationals, an all-men +5.0 tournament, and Minor League Pickleball National Championships as an aspiring pro, striving to be one of the top (female) players in Wisconsin and beyond.

She is a natural athlete with a basketball, softball, and tennis background. Her favorite game is singles, and her favorite shot is a mean 2-handed backhand. She is a teaching artist, musician, DJ, and goofball looking to spread the joys of dripping sweat and how to dance in this fancy game.

James Hass

Certified Pickleball Coach

My name is James, and I live on the South Side of Milwaukee with my wife, daughter and dog, Bolt. I spent 26 years as an elementary school teacher before retiring three years ago. Over the past six years, I have developed a passion for pickleball, both as a player and as a coach.

I hold a Professional Pickleball Coaching License, with the American Council on Exercise and Personal Training (ACE). I also work part time as fitness instructor, where I specialise in designing conditional programs for pickleball athletes of all levels.

As a coach, I pride myself on my extensive teaching experience, patience, and ability to make training enjoyable. My greatest joy comes from helping others learn and grow in their game, celebrating their successes, and building lasting friendships along the way.

I look foward to seeing you on the courts soon!