INSTRUCTORS

A seasoned pickleball player and co-owner of The Dink Tank, Dayton Mason is a driving force behind the sport’s growth and innovation. With extensive experience on and off the court, Dayton brings a professional approach to fostering community engagement, player development, and facility excellence. His leadership and dedication ensure The Dink Tank is a premier destination for athletes and enthusiasts alike.

Grant Jantzer is a highly skilled pickleball coach with a passion for helping players of all levels achieve their full potential. With a deep understanding of the game and years of experience on the court, Grant excels at breaking down techniques, refining strategies, and fostering a love for pickleball in his students.

After a long career playing and coaching volleyball, I started playing pickleball right before COVID. When COVID hit we taped a court on the cafeteria floor at my school (no students on campus) and four of us decided to be covid buddies just for pickleball. Those 3 other guys were the only people I saw for nearly a year but we played pickleball about 3-5 times a week, and I haven’t touched a volleyball since! Although My 30 year volleyball coaching career has ended, I’ve found that my love of coaching has not, and I’m excited to continue teaching and learning in a new arena. I enjoy working with all levels of players but have an affinity for teaching the fundamentals, regardless of skill level.

Jill Estes is a passionate and experienced pickleball enthusiast dedicated to teaching and inspiring players of all levels. With a deep love for the game and a talent for connecting with others, Jill brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a supportive approach to every coaching session.

Her teaching style emphasizes skill development, strategic gameplay, and fostering a sense of community on and off the court. Whether working with beginners or seasoned players, Jill’s guidance ensures an engaging and empowering experience, helping players achieve their goals while enjoying the sport.

GAUR is a passionate pickleball instructor and advocate, dedicated to helping players unlock their full potential on the court. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in the game, GAUR combines technical expertise with a dynamic and engaging teaching style, ensuring players of all levels can improve their skills and strategic understanding.

Nick Baida is a dedicated and experienced pickleball instructor with a passion for sharing the joy and strategy of the game. With a strong foundation in coaching and an in-depth understanding of pickleball techniques, Nick excels at helping players improve their skills, refine their strategies, and build confidence on the court.

Based in Grants Pass, Oregon, I bring over 15 years of coaching and teaching experience, blending a Master’s degree in Teaching with a background in competitive tennis. I discovered pickleball seven years ago and quickly turned my passion for the sport into a career at The Dink Tank.

As a former high school tennis coach and competitive player, I specialize in Women’s doubles strategy, shot development, and teaching players of all ages—from kids to seniors. My coaching focuses on teamwork, positioning, and building confidence, helping players reach their full potential on and off the court.

Key skills I teach include two-handed backhands, volleys, lobs, and overheads, with a special emphasis on fostering a lifelong love for the game.

Nancy specializes in introducing newcomers to the game, guiding them to advance to the intermediate level. Her sense of humor and passion for teaching ensures that students will enjoy their experience to its fullest. With years of experience, Nancy combines technical expertise with a supportive, fun, and encouraging teaching style. Nancy is a member in good standing of Pickleball Coaching International, USA Pickleball, and Southern Oregon Pickleball Association