Local Pickleball Coach to Compete in World Championships

Pete Capobianco, also known as Pickleballing Pete, is heading to Texas in November to compete in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour 2025 World Championships.

A former tennis instructor, he switched to pickleball after retiring from the automotive industry and moving to Florida a few years ago. He quickly became adept at his new sport, earning him his new nickname and a second career.

Not only is Pete an international competitor, but luckily for Florida's Gulf Coast residents, he also teaches lessons and clinics as a Professional Pickleball Registry certified teaching professional.

"It wasn't something I was planning on," he said of his pickleball career. "I don't consider it work. You know, when you're doing something you love, it's not work."

With a motto of "Don't just play pickleball. Play BETTER," Pete offers instruction to everyone from beginners to intermediate-level players who want to improve specific skill sets.

"Regardless of where you find yourself, everyone can benefit from some type of coaching and or evaluation," he said.

Pete will travel as far north as Tampa and as far south as Fort Myers to give one-on-one or small group lessons.

"As long as there's a court available, we're going to teach," he said.

Pete's schedule is seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., except for November 3-9, when he'll be participating in the PPA Tour World Championships.