About Us
About Pickleball Playmakers
Pickleball Playmakers is your guide to the world of pickleball. With a passion for the game and experience as both competitive players and certified instructors, we are here to offer engaging and personalized pickleball experiences with our turn-key event management.
For corporate events, we specialize in creating team-building events that combine competition and camaraderie. Let us design you a memorable day that fosters collaboration, communication, and nothing but smiles on the court.
In private lessons, we are dedicated to helping you reach your pickleball goals, whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player. We'll focus on everything including basic skills, drills that will rapidly enhance your pickleball development, in-game strategy, and, of course, have an amazing time.
Join us in exploring the exciting world of pickleball. Let's pick up those paddles and get to pickling. Contact us to get started!
Founder and Chief Pickleball officer: Daniel "Danimal" Friedman
Are you ready to learn how to play pickleball? Take your pickleball game to the next level? Host an epic pickleball corporate party or team-building event?
Look no further, as I, and my team of seasoned pickleball instructors are here to guide you through an exhilarating journey on the court. With an impressive record of 13 tournament victories under my belt in events up to the 5.0 level, I am thrilled to offer you the opportunity to join my highly sought-after pickleball corporate events, clinics, and private lessons!
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the country, has captivated players of all ages and skill levels. As a certified instructor and tournament player, I have experienced the thrill of competition firsthand and developed a profound understanding of the game's intricacies. With my proven expertise and strategic insight, I am eager to help you unlock your full potential and elevate your pickleball skills to new heights!
Oh and about the nickname "Danimal," it's a funny story really. About 2 months after I first started playing pickleball, I entered a tournament and had to register with the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association). On the registration form, they ask you for a nickname, which I entered "Danimal" thinking no one would ever see it. Sure enough, during my first tournament, when being called over the loudspeakers for my matches, the announcer yelled Danimal rather than my first or last name. I was embarrassed and couldn't believe it. However, while walking to the courts, everyone high-fived me and told me they loved the nickname. That weekend, I won a gold medal in Men's Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Men's Doubles completing a Triple Crown in my first tournament. Lo and behold, the nickname has stuck and is now forever!
lead Teaching pro: Duncan Hawvermale
Duncan is originally from Maryland and has been playing pickleball for 4 years. Part of the reason he fell in love with pickleball was the sense of community it brings along with the competitive nature of the game.
Duncan is truly passionate about the sport of pickleball and has competed in many tournaments in and around the Austin area, including medaling in 5.0 tournaments. Duncan has elevated his game from a 3.5 Austin PPA first-place medalist to recently qualifying for a Men’s Pro Draw at the Houston PPA.
He keeps his competitive juices flowing by partaking in eating challenges in his free time (don’t forget to ask about the 100 challenge!). Duncan has a phenomenal way of connecting with you from his experience in running pickleball clinics and years of coaching across other sports.
He will help you find your groove on the pickleball courts, so come on down and book a lesson! You will leave with an improved pickleball game and some good laughs.