The People
Behind the Paddle
A pandemic hobby turned into Hawaiʻi's leading pickleball academy. Here's how it happened — and why it matters to us.
How We Started
We Fell in Love With
This Sport Too
My wife Lauren and I discovered pickleball in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, and we instantly fell in love with the sport — just like many of you. At first, I didn't realize how many people were eager to improve their skills.
Having taught tennis for over 20 years, I quickly noticed that teaching pickleball was not only enjoyable but also offered players faster improvement than tennis. That realization changed everything for us.
Our friend Sandy encouraged me to start giving lessons, and soon we went from teaching a few people each week to hosting monthly clinics with more than 50 participants. We began organizing tournaments and helping to elevate the game throughout Hawaiʻi. During this time, I became a certified instructor with insurance to ensure all our activities were safe and professional — because if we were going to do this, we were going to do it right.
How We've Grown
From Two Players
to a Movement
First Serve
Discovered pickleball during the pandemic. A new passion was born on Oʻahu's courts — and it was immediately clear that others felt the same energy.
Lessons Take Off
Sandy encouraged us to teach. Within months, a handful of students grew into monthly clinics with 50+ participants and Hawaiʻi's first organized tournaments.
Full Academy
Certified, insured, and thriving. Weekly lessons, corporate clinics, the Hawaii Pickleball Open™, kids after-school programs, and a growing community across Oʻahu.
What We Do Today
Teaching. Competing.
Growing the Game.
Today, we provide weekly lessons for players dedicated to regular improvement — from complete beginners finding their footing to competitive players sharpening their edge before tournaments. We also run corporate clinics for companies looking to bring their teams together on the court in a fresh, active way.
In 2025, we launched our Pickleball After School Program — because growing the sport means investing in the next generation. Kids across Oʻahu are now staying active, building friendships, and developing athletic confidence through pickleball.
Beyond teaching, we organize some of Hawaiʻi's largest pickleball events — including prestigious tournaments at the Pacific Club and our flagship Hawaii Pickleball Open™.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Quality
Only the best people are part of our team — we focus on excellence in every detail, from our coaching to our events.
Transparency
We are open, honest, and clear in everything we do — with our players, our partners, and our broader community.
Communication
We communicate fast and efficiently to keep our players, members, and partners informed at every step.
Our Mission
"Grow pickleball in Hawaiʻi while helping players of all ages improve and have fun."
— Honza & Lauren Hroch, Co-Founders
We'll See You on
the Court
Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or training for your next tournament — we'd love to have you.
— Honza and Lauren Hroch