APP Welcomes Pickleball Legend Kyle Yates: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has made a significant addition to its player development leadership with the appointment of Kyle Yates, a pickleball hall of famer, as Co-Director of the APP Academy and the APP Touring Pro Program. This announcement marks a major step forward in the APP’s commitment to player growth and training at its global headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, also known as “The Fort.”
Yates will join forces with APP Founder Ken Herrmann, alongside a third high-performance director, to help guide the Academy’s programs and initiatives. Herrmann praised Yates’ impact on the sport:
“I am excited to be working with Kyle to continue the strong player development initiatives that the APP has been passionate about since the beginning. Kyle is an all-time great player and industry leader who will bring his high level of knowledge into each player’s individual game”. – (Herrmann)
A Decorated Career
At just 28, Kyle Yates is set to be the youngest inductee into the Pickleball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. Since launching his career in 2014, Yates has dominated the sport, securing seven U.S. Open pro doubles titles and four USA Pickleball National Championships in pro doubles. His presence on the APP Tour since its inception in 2019 has been equally impressive, with Yates earning 13 career medals, including five golds.
Yates expressed his excitement about the new role:
“I am honored to be leading the charge in training the next generation of pickleball champions. For young players around the world, there will be no better place to launch your pickleball career than at The Fort. The facility is second-to-none when it comes to training and mentorship resources, and I’m excited to be lending my expertise and guidance through it all.” – (Yates)
Shaping the Future of Pickleball
Yates’ leadership comes at a pivotal moment as the APP prepares to debut its elite APP Touring Pro Program in January 2025. This invitation-only initiative will serve as a year-round training environment for 16 up-and-coming pickleball professionals. The goal? To provide world-class coaching and mentorship to help each player achieve their personal and career goals. Herrmann, Yates, and their team will work tirelessly to develop a comprehensive curriculum aimed at nurturing the next wave of talent.
“The APP Touring Pro Program will be the first of its kind. Our staff will feature some of the best pickleball minds in the U.S., and we’ll work together to continue our vision of success for current and future generations of players.” – (Herrmann)
Expanding the APP High-Performance Team
Joining Yates and Herrmann will be a stellar team of coaches, including APP U.S. Next Gen National Team head coaches Chad Edwards and Lee Whitwell, as well as touring pro coach and APP broadcaster Dominic Catalano. More names will be announced as the program continues to grow, with the staff set to accompany players to domestic and international tournaments.
News in Brief: APP Welcomes Pickleball Legend Kyle Yates
The APP has named Hall of Famer Kyle Yates as Co-Director of its APP Academy and Touring Pro Program. Yates, who has amassed numerous titles in his career, will lead player development initiatives at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale.
In 2025, the APP will launch an elite training program for professional pickleball players, with Yates at the helm, alongside Ken Herrmann. This program is set to be the first of its kind, aimed at grooming the next generation of pickleball talent.
ALSO READ: Kyle Yates Returns to Paddletek: A Major Boost for Pickleball’s Top Brand
