Jean Llewellyn

Certifications

• IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professionals Association)
• IPTPA Junior Certified Specialist Instructor

Why do you coach at MNP Community & Sport Centre?
Alongside its world-class facilities, MNP has provided the opportunity to be part of a wider family of coaches sharing similar goals within a community-minded environment. For my students, coming to MNP for lessons opens the door to an inner sanctum of sporting excellence, and inspires them to always bring their ‘A’ game, whether they’re looking for higher-level competitive guidance or simply becoming their best selves as recreational pickleball players.

What is your favourite part of Sport?
Seeing the joy on athletes’ faces when they conquer new skills at all levels ­– which doesn’t always mean ‘winning’. It’s especially gratifying when I coach special needs individuals and help an athlete overcome particular social and/or physical challenges through sport.

What is on your bucket list of challenges/races and why?
As pickleball is being considered as a Special Olympics sport, having one of my students win an individual gold medal would be the greatest thrill. Also, it would be really cool to teach Roger Federer to play pickleball.

What super human power would you have and why?
Being super human is over-rated! With the right motivation, guidance, support, and humility we all have the ability to overcome physical and mental challenges to achieve goals that might otherwise be perceived as unattainable.

How do you create the best coaching experiences for your athletes?
Getting to know my students and developing programs that individually assess their needs to deliver ‘fun’ lessons that are both age- and skills-appropriate. I also like to remind them that there’s only ‘winning’ and ‘learning’… not ‘losing’.