A former standout in volleyball, basketball, and softball from Marshall, Wisconsin. Kas earned a degree in Physical Education from UW-Whitewater in 2015 then went on to teach and coach in middle and high school settings.
In 2018, she pursued a career in pickleball, quickly rising to the top 10 U.S. female players by 2019 and currently ranked in the top 30. KaSandra has won multiple National titles and a bronze medal at the 2019 US Open.
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Julie Johnson has been playing pickleball for about six years and has been a Senior Pro for two of those years. She is a Kearney Pickleball Pro and has taught lessons and clinics for the past three years. As a coach for Empowher Pickleball, she is passionate about teaching the game and loves watching players grow in their skills. Julie is also known for her competitive spirit and enjoys kicking butt on the court.

Casey lives in Kansas City with her dogs, Sookie and Simon. She’s been playing pickleball for 7 years and teaching for over four. In October 2024, she joined the Empowher team as a coach. Her favorite shot is the inside-out forehand, and her love for pickleball is as strong now as when she first started.

Suzanne began playing pickleball two years ago with her mother after watching her play at the US Open. Since then, she has played collegiate pickleball for the University of Michigan and Ohio State University and competed in tournaments nationwide. Suzanne has since discovered a passion for organizing and managing pickleball tournaments.

Michelle brings a well-rounded coaching background focused on player development, positivity, and personalized strategy. She specializes in helping beginner to intermediate players build confidence, refine mechanics, and play to their strengths. Whether for fun or competition, Michelle loves how pickleball welcomes everyone to the court.

Laura has over five years of pickleball coaching experience and serves as the USAP District Ambassador for SE Michigan, as well as the lead instructor for Chelsea Pickleball and Community Education. She believes learning should be fun and purposeful, using targeted drills and positive feedback to help players grow at their own pace. Laura is passionate about pickleball’s inclusive community and loves helping others improve while building lasting connections through the game.

Anita is a veteran coach with over 30 years of coaching experience and has been playing competitive pickleball since 2014. Known for her enthusiastic and positive teaching style, she’s passionate about helping players understand the “why” behind their game and develop strategy through purposeful drills. Anita loves the competition, camaraderie, and community pickleball brings, and is dedicated to helping others grow at their own pace.

Faye specializes in working with beginners and recreational players, helping them build confidence and become more competitive on the court. Faye loves the social and inclusive nature of pickleball, where players of all backgrounds can connect and have fun.