Established in 2017 by pickleball enthusiasts and ambassadors of the game, Barbara Norton and Patty Corn, Premier Pickleball has been serving Bergen and Rockland County providing private lessons, night schools and open play to over 1,200 pickleball players of all ages and skill levels.
In May of 2022 Barbara and Patty decided it was time to take Premier to the next level. They chose Kevin and Mary Smith of Waldwick to continue the Premier journey.
Kevin, a retired Waldwick police officer, was recently the owner of the largest over 35 adult baseball league in New Jersey, Play at The Plate New Jersey. 3 years ago Kevin sold his baseball company to follow his new passion, Pickleball. In addition to the owner and head instructor for Premier, Kevin serves as the Certified Facilities Manager for the Midland Park School District.
Mary has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 25 years. Her background in finance will ensure that Premier will provide the best possible pickleball experience for all their customers.
Together Kevin and Mary have won over 100 medals throughout their 8-year pickleball journey. They continue to travel across the country participating in tournaments to further hone their skills. In 2019 they won the Gold Medal at the US Open in Naples Florida. They recently placed at the NY Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium and came in 4th in the Naples Fl US Open. They will soon be traveling to San Diego to compete in the Pickleball National Championships in mens, woman's and mixed events. They are one of the few husband and wife teams that compete together and still manage to live harmoniously under the same roof!
Premier currently has a staff of 15 PPR and IPTPA certified instructors. Each instructor brings their own special skill set to the court. Kevin is also a PPR and IPTPA instructor as well as one of the only National Pickleball Ratings Specialist in New Jersey.
We look forward to introducing new players to the sport by teaching at Midland Park, Ridgewood, Emerson, Glen Rock, Ramsey and Orangetown night schools. Premier also provides additional instruction and open play at Hoop Heaven and Waldwick Covered Courts in Waldwick