Michelle Esquivel

Michelle Esquivel is a professional pickleball player, coach, and founder of the Ultimate Pickleball Academy. With a background in collegiate tennis, she transitioned into pickleball in 2015 and has since become a prominent figure in the sport. Esquivel is recognized for her competitive spirit, teaching skills, and contributions to the pickleball community.

Early Life

Born on February 25, 1986, in Buena Park, California, Esquivel developed a passion for tennis early on. She earned a full tennis scholarship to Concordia University in Irvine, California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Sports Science with an emphasis on Teaching and Coaching. After college, she became a USPTA-certified tennis instructor and coached collegiate tennis at Orange Coast College and Cypress College.

Family Life

Esquivel is married to Rob Cassidy, a fellow professional pickleball player and coach. Together, they actively promote pickleball through competition, teaching, and community engagement.

Career

Esquivel was introduced to pickleball in 2015 while coaching tennis. She quickly developed a passion and pursued the sport professionally. In 2018, she founded the Ultimate Pickleball Academy, offering clinics for players of all levels.

Professional Achievements

Esquivel has won multiple medals in major tournaments, including:

  • 2018 USA Pickleball Association Nationals: Gold in Women’s Singles 5.0 19+

  • 2018 Tustin Winter Classic: Gold in Women’s 5.0 Doubles and Mixed 5.0 Doubles

  • 2018 International Indoor Championships: Silver in Mixed Open Doubles

  • 2018 SoCal Classic: Gold in Women’s Doubles Open

  • 2018 Engage Golden State Championships: Silver in Women’s Doubles Open

  • 2018 Las Vegas Open: Bronze in Women’s Doubles Open

  • 2018 Western Regional: Gold in Women’s Doubles 5.0 19+ and Mixed Doubles 5.0 19+

She has also medaled at the Hawaii Open, US Open, and Nationals.

Major League Pickleball (MLP)

Since 2022, Esquivel has competed in Major League Pickleball for teams such as Florida Smash, Utah Black Diamonds, and California Black Bears. In 2025, she was selected by the Nashville Chefs in the Challenger League draft.

Coaching and Education

A certified IPTPA instructor, Esquivel teaches at camps and clinics, including Engage Pickleball Camps, LevelUp, Pickleball Getaways, and Boost Camps. She is also a Master Coach on the Main Court App, providing online instruction globally.

Net Worth

There is no publicly available information on Michelle Esquivel’s net worth. Her income likely comes from tournament winnings, coaching fees, and her roles in pickleball organizations.

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