Coaches Corner
Meet the people who’ll help your game and catch up on the latest tips for players of all abilities.
Your crew on the court
Meet the coaches
No matter where you are in your pickleball journey, our coaches help you play smarter, stronger, and with more confidence. New to the game? You’ll learn the fundamentals in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Looking to level up? You’ll get strategy, personalized feedback, and drills that translate into real results.
Director of Pickleball
Nat “Gnat” Boughton
- Director of Pickleball at Island Pickle
- RacketPro Level II Certified
- General Manager & player on the senior pro Cape Cod Sharks
- US Open Champion
- Pickleball Pro at Ocean Edge Resort
- Author of two books on coaching and performance
- Head coach of a State Soccer Champion & New England Club Volleyball Champion
As Director of Pickleball, my mission is to build an inclusive, welcoming community where everyone belongs — regardless of age, experience, or competitive level. Pickleball is at its best when it brings people together, and that sense of connection is at the heart of everything we do.
We offer a wide range of programs designed to meet players where they are — youth development, social and competitive ladders, round-robin play, leagues, and tournaments for all skill levels. For those looking to improve, we provide individual instruction, group lessons, clinics, and skill-specific training led by certified pros focused on both development and the pure enjoyment of the game.
Pickleball Pro
Nancy Boughton
- RacketPro Certified Instructor
- Winner of two Golden Tickets to the US National Championship (2025)
- Player on the senior pro Cape Cod Sharks
- Pickleball Pro at Island Pickle
- Founded an after-school volleyball prep program for several middle schools
- Head coach of a New England Club Volleyball Champion
Pickleball is more than a game — it’s a feeling. It blends competition, connection, and pure joy, bringing people together across ages and abilities. Whether it’s the sound of the paddle, the strategy of a long rally, or the friendships formed on and off the court, pickleball creates community, fuels passion, and keeps us coming back for just one more game.
For many of us who came from tennis, it feels like a rediscovery of why we fell in love with racquet sports in the first place. The learning curve is welcoming, the rallies are immediate, and the social energy is unmatched. In fact, one month after picking up a paddle, I haven’t picked up a tennis racket since — and I’m not alone.
PICKLEBALL PRO
Todd “TZ” Zukowski
- PPR Certified Teaching Pro
- RacketPro Level II Certified
- Current DUPR rating 4.67
- Player on the men’s senior pro Cape Cod Sharks
- Head Pickleball Pro at Ocean Edge Resort
- Pickleball Pro at Island Pickle, Mashpee
I started playing pickleball in 2020 and fell for both the social side of the game and the competition. I’ve since been on the tournament circuit and have medaled more than 40 times.
My love of the game and my passion for sharing it brought me to coaching. Teaching lets me add to someone’s knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm by helping them improve and enjoy the sport as much as I do. I’m a firm believer in pickleball’s influence on our health — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s a sport loved by all ages and at every ability level.
PGA Golf Professional
Tom Tobey
- Salem State University Hall of Fame inductee & NCAA Division III All-American
- 25+ years of instructional experience (playing since age 9)
- NEPGA Cape Cod Chapter Teacher of the Year
- Two NEPGA Head Professional Championships & four Cape Chapter Championships
- Southern Club Professional Championship winner — featured in PGA Magazine
- Seven National Club Professional Championships (best finish: 25th)
Tom is a seasoned golf professional with over 25 years of instructional experience, having started playing the game at age 9. Known for his clear, practical teaching style, he’s helped golfers of all levels improve their game — with stops at respected clubs including Harbor Ridge Yacht Club, Plymouth Country Club, Bay Pointe Country Club, and Sandwich Hollows.
His competitive résumé runs deep: three Senior PGA Professional Championships, a low round of 63 (−9), seven hole-in-ones, and a memorable playoff win over the late Fuzzy Zoeller to earn first-alternate status for the U.S. Open. Wherever your game is today, Tom can help you take it further.
Coaches’ Corner
Tips & stories from the coaches
Our coaches share what they’re learning and loving about the game — drills, strategy, and stories from around the courts. New posts will show up right here.
Ready to level up?
Book a lesson or clinic with our pros, or join the community and find your next game.