The USOP National Pickleball Center in Naples, Florida, is expanding its player-development business with the launch of The Academy, a new high-performance training program led by professional pickleball star and 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles champion Jay Devilliers. Scheduled to open in November, the academy will bring touring-level coaching to one of the sport’s most recognizable venues, positioning the facility as a year-round training destination beyond its role as host of the annual US Open Pickleball Championships.
Devilliers, a former top-five PPA Tour player and No. 1 APP Tour competitor, brings extensive professional experience and an established coaching background. The former Division I tennis player operates international pickleball camps and leads Smash Pickleball Academy in Toulouse, France. His new program will serve competitive adults, advanced juniors ages 8–18 and high-level players preparing for tournament competition.
Jay Devilliers, Director, The Academy at the USOP National Pickleball Center, Naples
The Academy will offer small-group clinics, private and semi-private instruction, fitness and recovery programming, and video-based performance analysis. Additional touring professionals are expected to participate throughout the year, with appearances planned from stars including Anna Leigh Waters.
For the 65-court National Pickleball Center, the initiative represents another step toward building a more comprehensive racquet sports business around instruction, memberships, leagues and tournament programming. By leveraging its established US Open identity and Devilliers’ professional credentials, the facility is seeking to attract players interested in structured development and premium coaching experiences.
The launch also reflects a broader evolution in pickleball facility operations, as major venues increasingly look beyond recreational court rentals and tournament hosting to develop year-round training programs, deepen member engagement and create additional revenue opportunities.
