Meet Our Coaches
Certified, passionate, and deeply invested in your game. Every coach on our team is chosen for their expertise, their character, and their genuine commitment to helping you improve on the court.
Co-Founders
Where It All Started
Honza & Lauren Hroch
Co-Founders, Hawaii Pickleball Academy®Honza and Lauren launched Hawaii Pickleball Academy® to share their love for the game and build a stronger pickleball community across Hawaiʻi. Honza has been teaching pickleball since 2020, following more than 20 years as a tennis coach and collegiate athlete at Hawaiʻi Pacific University.
Lauren plays a key role behind the scenes — keeping the academy organized and ensuring smooth communication with students and families. With her background as both a player and organizer, she creates a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone involved.
Together, they focus on making lessons fun, encouraging, and effective — helping every player improve their skills and confidence on the court.
Our Coaching Team
Expert Instructors,
Every Level
Coach Bruce is a PPR Level 2 and RSPA Certified Pickleball Coach with over 20 years of racquet sports experience. He currently teaches at Ko Olina Beach & Sports Club and is the founder of Palms & Paddies — a program dedicated to pickleball health and fitness.
A Senior Pro Champion in the 50+ division, Bruce combines competitive experience with a genuine passion for teaching players at every level. He offers private lessons, group clinics, and pickleball fitness training.
Off the court, Bruce is co-owner of Hobbs Medical Clinic. His coaching philosophy is simple: inspire confidence, meet players where they are, and help them level up.
Coach Jana is a Ph.D., Level II Certified Instructor and IPTPA Junior Certified with the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. As the founder of Conscious Pickleball, her sweet spot is teaching beginners to "Play Smart, Play Safe, and Play Forever."
Jana brings a strong tennis background, having played since middle school. Before getting hooked on pickleball, she was a competitive golfer and avid paddler. She channels her PhD in education and experience as a curriculum designer into every lesson.
You may have seen Jana and her mixed doubles partner Gary on Instagram for Hawaii Pickleball Magazine.
Gary is a retired airline Regional Manager and current pickleball coach at Niu Valley Middle School. Playing since 2020, he has earned podium finishes in multiple tournaments.
With his positive energy and constant encouragement, Gary helps players not only get better at the game — but develop a true love for it.
Matteo grew up in Switzerland playing soccer and tennis. His experience helping children learn pickleball is exceptional — he focuses on developing the fundamental skills kids need to have fun and grow their game in Honolulu.
Join Our Coaching Team
Certified coaches who share our values — we'd love to hear from you.