About Us
Our Core Values
First Paddle is built on a foundation of core values that promote character development and sportsmanship in young athletes.
At First Paddle, we believe that sports are a powerful tool for shaping young minds. Our program goes beyond teaching pickleball skills—we use the game as a dynamic classroom to instill essential life values that help kids grow into confident, respectful, and resilient individuals. Through structured lessons, hands-on experiences, and positive reinforcement, we integrate six core values—Respect, Responsibility, Communication, Perseverance, Integrity, and Sportsmanship—into every session.
Whether it’s learning to handle wins and losses with grace, taking ownership of actions, or working together as a team, First Paddle equips young athletes with the character and mindset they need to thrive both on and off the court. Because in our program, if you had fun, you won!
Respect
Building Character On and Off the Court
At First Paddle, respect is more than just a rule—it’s a mindset. Through engaging drills and gameplay, children learn to demonstrate courtesy to coaches, teammates, and opponents. They practice listening without interrupting, valuing diverse perspectives, and showing sportsmanship in every interaction. By reinforcing etiquette and emphasizing the importance of treating others with dignity, our program helps young athletes develop respect that extends far beyond the game.
Responsibility
Owning Choices, Growing Confidence
Success in sports—and in life—comes from being responsible. Our players learn to take ownership of their actions, from being punctual and prepared for practice to caring for their equipment and respecting their playing environment. We encourage accountability, teaching kids that mistakes are learning opportunities and that reliability builds trust. As they master responsibility on the court, they gain the confidence to apply it in everyday life.
Communication
The Power of Positive Interaction
Effective communication is key to teamwork and leadership. First Paddle players develop skills in sharing thoughts clearly, understanding nonverbal cues, and resolving conflicts through respectful dialogue. By practicing constructive feedback and active listening, they learn to navigate challenges both in sports and personal relationships. These essential skills help them become stronger teammates, leaders, and problem-solvers in all areas of life.
Perseverance
Developing Grit and Determination
Pickleball teaches perseverance by pushing players to overcome challenges. Whether learning a new skill, bouncing back from a tough match, or setting and achieving goals, our program fosters resilience. Young people learn the value of hard work, staying patient through the learning process, and encouraging others not to give up. This determination translates into school, friendships, and future endeavors, building the mindset of a champion.
Integrity
Doing What’s Right, Every Time
Integrity is the foundation of strong character. At First Paddle, we emphasize honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical decision-making—both on and off the court. Players practice keeping their word, admitting mistakes, and holding themselves accountable, even when no one is watching. By consistently aligning their actions with their values, they build a reputation of reliability and trust that will serve them throughout their lives.
Sportsmanship
Winning with Grace, Losing with Dignity
True champions display sportsmanship in every game. First Paddle instills fair play, gratitude, and positive attitudes in all players. They learn to celebrate others’ successes, control emotions during challenges, and appreciate both victory and defeat as learning experiences. By fostering a sense of teamwork and community, we help youth develop humility, empathy, and respect—qualities that will shape them into outstanding individuals.
Meet the Team
Our coaches bring fun and expert Instruction to First Paddle!
PPR-Certified Teaching Professional
Lisa Barrett-Johnson
Lisa Barrett-Johnson (LBJ) comes to us with over twenty years teaching experience in racquet and paddle sports. After achieving a 5.0 rating in tennis, she moved to the south and found that lovely plastic yellow ball. It was love at second sight. A PPR Certified Teaching Professional, Lisa teaches pickleball at various facilities in Georgia and South Carolina. With a focus on strategy, she believes you don't have to be the best player on the court, just the smartest. Lisa is committed to the expansion and development of pickleball at all levels and in her spare time, (which is none) she cleans her house.
PPR-Certified Teaching Professional
Eric Erlandsen
We're thrilled to introduce Eric Erlandson, one of our pickleball instructors at Southern Pickleball Academy's First Paddle program. With a background in kinesiology from the University of Houston and over two decades of racquet sports experience, Eric brings the perfect blend of expertise and enthusiasm to our young players. Eric discovered his true calling in coaching after a competitive tennis career, and he's been passionate about developing young athletes ever since. His journey into pickleball began while running youth programs at Houston-area YMCAs, where he helped introduce the sport to a new generation of players. Most recently, he served as director of tennis and pickleball at Camp Pontiac in New York, working with hundreds of young campers from around the world. What makes Eric special is his natural ability to connect with kids while teaching them solid fundamentals. Since moving to the CSRA three years ago, he's been sharing his love of pickleball with players of all ages, and we couldn't be more excited to have him as an instructor with our First Paddle youth program. When he's not on the pickleball court, you might find Coach Eric mentoring student athletes at local schools or planning the next fun drill for his First Paddle classes. His energy is contagious, and his dedication to helping young players develop both their skills and love for the game makes him the perfect fit for our youth program.