Michelle Esquivel

Michelle Esquivel is a professional pickleball player, coach, and the Founder and Co-Director of Ultimate Pickleball Academy.

With more than 20 years of experience in teaching and coaching, Michelle combines her competitive experience with a strong educational background in exercise science, teaching and player development.

Michelle was introduced to pickleball in 2015 and quickly fell in love with the sport. Within a few years, she made the decision to pursue pickleball professionally as both a player and coach. She has since earned four PPA medals in singles and women’s doubles and 24 APP medals across singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. She has competed in Major League Pickleball for the Florida Smash, Utah Black Diamonds, Chicago Slice, Nashville Chefs and California Black Bears.

Michelle graduated from Concordia University Irvine on a full tennis scholarship with a B.A. in Exercise Sports Science, with an emphasis in Teaching and Coaching. She became a USPTA-certified tennis instructor at Matchpoint Tennis Academy and a collegiate tennis coach at Cypress College. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University, where she also taught Kinesiology courses.

Since transitioning into professional pickleball, Michelle has worked with EngagePickleball Camps, LevelUp, Pickleball Getaways and Suncoast Pickleball Academy. Her energetic, positive and highly personalized approach helps players understand not only what to change, but why it matters.

In addition to competing and coaching, Michelle has served as a live commentator for professional pickleball events and has been featured in several publications, sharing her knowledge and perspective on the sport she loves.

Train with Michelle