NAPLES, Fla. (October 8, 2026) – Jay Devilliers, the 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles champion and a former top-five PPA and No. 1 APP player, will direct The Academy at the USOP National Pickleball Center (NPC) when it opens in November 2026. The Academy brings touring-level coaching to Naples through clinics and private instruction, with a focus on measurable improvement.
Devilliers played Division I tennis before spending multiple years on the APP Tour and six years on the PPA Tour, competing in singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles. He runs internationally acclaimed pickleball camps each year and leads Smash Pickleball Academy in Toulouse, France. Throughout the year, he will be joined at The Academy by fellow top touring professionals.
“I’ve spent my career studying and coaching what separates good players from great ones,” said Devilliers. “At The Academy, we examine each player’s game, build a plan for improvement, execute that plan and measure progress. One session at a time.”
“NPC is focused on helping our club members enjoy the great sport of pickleball, whether through Open Play, leagues, tournaments, lessons, clinics, or simply a friendly game with family and friends,” said Justin Romero, Executive Director of the USOP National Pickleball Center. “The Academy is the natural next step. With Jay leading the program, additional touring pros involved, and appearances from stars like Anna Leigh Waters, we’re setting a very high bar from day one. We’re incredibly excited about what we’re building at NPC and what it can become in the years ahead.”
Who The Academy is for:
- Top-level players refining their game or getting into tournament shape
- Advanced juniors ages 8–18, committed to improving fast
- Competitive players ready to take their game to the next level
What’s offered:
- Small-group clinics
- Private and semi-private instruction
- Fitness and recovery programming
- Video and performance analysis to track progress
To register or learn more, visit www.usopnationalpickleballcenter.com/academy, email academy@usopnpc.com or call 239-319-8640.
About the USOP National Pickleball Center
The USOP National Pickleball Center in Naples, Fla., is home to the US Open Pickleball Championships and features 65 courts, including shaded championship courts, at 3520 Thomasson Dr Naples, FL 34112. NPC offers members Open Play, leagues, tournaments, lessons and clinics year-round with a full pro shop open to the public.
