Rachel is a former DI collegiate tennis player and has been coaching for more than two decades. She is a PTR/PPR certified professional and plays at the 4.5+ level. Rachel is experienced with program design and implementation, along with coaching education. She enjoys teaching all ages and skill levels and offers lessons, play and drill sessions. Rachel will soon be a certified DUPR coach, with the ability to provide players with an official start rating as they begin their pickleball journey.
Current Program Offerings: Skills & Drills, Pro+3 Sessions, Private Lessons, Youth Training, Youth Leagues
Contact: rachel@ppbrva.com
As a certified pickleball coach with over 2 years of experience, I specialize in ball placement, control, and in game strategy. My approach combines deep listening with actionable exercises, empowering you to realize your full potential! I would tailor each session to your needs and goals. While doing this making sure we have a fun time!
Current Offerings: Private Lessons
Contact: 8.06.1998@gmail.com
Lauralei (Lora-lay) got hooked on pickleball in 2020. She played for the UVA Pickleball team during their 2022-2024 seasons, where she and fellow Performance coach, David Bieger, won the DUPR Collegiate National Championship in 2023.
Lauralei is a leftie, and her favorite shot is the erne.
Sponsor: Gearbox
DUPR Rating : Doubles: 5.2 | Singles: 4.7
Current Offerings: Reset Clinics, Pro+3 Sessions, Doubles Strategy Clinics, Private Lessons
Contact: lauralei.singsank@gmail.com
David Bieger (bee-ger) is a 22 year old graduate of the University of Virginia, where he and fellow Performance coach, Lauralei Singsank, won the 2023 DUPR Collegiate National Championships. He also placed second in mixed doubles with Lauralei and second in singles at the 2024 DUPR Collegiate Individual National Championships.
David’s best pickleball abilities are his footwork, groundstrokes, and hand speed.
Sponsor: Selkirk
DUPR Rating: Doubles: 5.7 | Singles: 5.4
Current Offerings: Counter Attack Clinics, Groundstroke Clinics, Private Lessons
Contact: biegerdavid@gmail.com
From ping pong to tennis to pickleball, enthusiast to professional, Thaian has turned what started as a personal hobby into a professional passion. Besides wanting to help you along on your pickleball journey, Thaian also wants you to enjoy and have fun with the game!
Current Program Offerings: Private Lessons, Adult Leagues, Tournaments
Education: University of Virginia
Experience: 8+ Years Playing and 4+ Years Teaching
What I Like to Teach: Dinking, Partnering and Positioning, Intermediate/Advanced Techniques and Strategies
What I Like About Pickleball: It requires both mental and physical acuity. It’s both fun and competitive!
Other Interests: Veganism, Fruits, Languages
Please contact Thaian at thaian@ppbrva.com for rates and availability.
Cindy Welch grew up on a grass tennis court in nearby Hopewell, VA, where she learned the game not so much as a competitive sport, but as a fun family affair. In 2013 she discovered the wildly popular sport of pickleball. She earned her IPTPA instructor certification in 2018 and began teaching adult pickleball classes for Prince William County. Since her return to Richmond in 2022, she has been teaching pickleball in and around RVA. Cindy’s brand, Pickleball-Zen, focuses on correct technique and body awareness to promote mindful movement. She believes that pickleball’s greatest asset is its ability to build community connections while simultaneously increasing physical and mental strength and fitness. Cindy is so excited to be part of the team of instructors at PPBRVA and looks forward to meeting and working with you!
Current Offerings: “0-0-2 Master Pickleball Courses“, Intro to Pickleball Clinics, Pro+3 Sessions, plus Individual or Group Private Lessons
Contact: cindywelch7@yahoo.com
Alex became a PPR Certified Coach in Feb 2025 and rapidly started getting involved with all levels of students and classes. Specializing in Beginner and Intermediate training sessions / clinics with focus on form, movement, strategy and promoting overall positive court community!
Education and training are very important to him – constantly learning how to help others attain their pickleball objectives and devoting time to players looking to improv(e) at all levels. He will become a Certified Referee in 2026 and will continue to coach, learn, play and further the game whenever able. He’s often available for “Dinks and Drinks!”, early-bird weekday mornings and weekend session flexibility.
Current Offerings: Skills & Drills (Wed AM), Swing Class (Fri PM), Weekend Improv(e) Clinics and Private Lessons
Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss lesson or class options.
Contact: (757) 615-8490 | alexcarr23233@gmail.com
Michael “Mike” Cao (Kay-ow) is a seasoned athlete and coach of several sports, whose passion for pickleball started in May 2020. Ever since, his love for the game has motivated him to train and/or coach every day to better himself and his players. Michael has a strong background in tennis as a former Collegiate tennis player at Mary Washington College. He is a certified tennis, soccer, and volleyball coach, and most recently became a Professional Pickleball Registry Certified Coach in July 2023. Michael currently plays singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles Senior Pro in major US tournaments taking home numerous medals in those events. In February 2025, he will participate in his third international tournament at the Thailand Open.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced player who would like to refine your skills or improve your strategy, Michael will support your goals in either individual or group lessons and help you reach your potential.
Current Offerings: Singles Strategy Clinics
Contact: michaelcao@verizon.net
Certifications 1. IPTPA Level 1, 2. PPR Level 1.
Playing – Henrico Senior Games 2020 Silver Medal.
Teaching Experience – 7 years. Beginner & Intermediate clinics and individual lessons, Bootcamps.
Current Offerings: “0-0-Start”, Private Lessons
Please see Lynne’s website, rvaPickle-ball.com, for questions about private rates and availability.
Contact: dewetlynne@gmail.com
