Padel Smash Academy

In this special on-location episode of Padel Smash Academy, we sit down with Ryan Keeley, the artist behind one of the most ambitious fusions of art and padel to date. Recorded during Miami Art Week, Ryan takes us inside his creative process—how he captures energy through color, environment, and movement, and why Miami’s blues, pinks, water, and sky became the foundation for this immersive padel court and mural installation.

We talk about Ryan’s journey as an artist, from painting garage floors as a kid to creating large-scale murals, skate parks, music stages, and now fully...

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian head back to Ballers in Philadelphia to sit down with Moustafa “Moose” Bayoumy, the club’s head coach, to talk about what it really takes to grow padel in a new U.S. market: community first.

Moose breaks down how Ballers built its player base from scratch through intro clinics, consistent programming, and a welcoming pathway from “never held a racket” to beginner, intermediate, and beyond—while also sharing what’s new at the facility (full restaurant + bar, gym, recovery room, locker rooms, and more). The conversation also dives int...

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, we’re on location at Padel X in Boca Raton with Jaume and Lorena Rouillon—two of the leading coaches in the U.S. and the U.S. National Junior Team coaches—to break down what junior padel development really looks like behind the scenes. They walk us through the new U14 / U16 / U18 program structure for boys and girls, how the team is selected across a massive country (often starting with video evaluations), and what it takes to build competitive juniors when players are spread across the U.S. and even abroad...

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, we sit down with Jamie Fermosell — the reigning US Open Padel Championships champion — to unpack the real story behind his rise from elite tennis in Spain to winning the biggest tournament in the U.S. Jamie shares how he went pro in tennis at just 14, battled a career-ending wrist injury, and then rebuilt from scratch in padel by training 7–8 hours a day for a full year with zero days off.

We go deep on what it actually takes to become a professional padel player: the financial reality of the tour, why mo...

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Smith, President, and Sam Caster, Founder & CEO, for a deep-dive conversation on purpose-driven business, wellness innovation, and building a company rooted in impact.

Craig and Sam share the origin story behind Alovea, the science and philosophy guiding their product development, and how they’re redefining what it means to build a modern social business. From leadership lessons and long-term vision to navigating growth while staying mission-first, this conversation offers valuable insight for entrepreneurs, health advocates, and anyone interested in business as a force for good.

This conversation is...

In this inspiring episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Dr. Celine Thum, founder and CEO of Eterna Regeneration, a cutting-edge regenerative medicine clinic in Miami, FL.

A board-certified physician with over a decade of experience, Dr. Thum has built a remarkable career spanning sports medicine, clinical ultrasound, regenerative therapies, and music therapy—and has provided on-site medical care for professional combat sports and motorsports around the world.

A former nationally ranked badminton player and concert violinist, Dr. Thum shares how her athletic and artistic background shapes her philosophy on...

In this exclusive audio episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Luis Fernando Ramirez Aristeguieta, Head of Business Development – East Coast at Bullpadel, to discuss how one of the most recognized brands in racket sports is shaping the padel’s growth in the United States.

Luis shares insights on:

🎙️ In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Jack Corbett, the Sports Director for Reserve Padel, recorded live from our studios at Reserve Padel Sole Mia. Jack shares exciting insights about the club’s upcoming events, the growth of their academy and coaching programs, and plans for future expansion. Tune in to hear how Reserve Padel continues to set the standard for padel in the USA while building a thriving community for players of all levels.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Benji Reynoso, founder of WOQR Padel Brand. Benji shares his inspiring journey from being a passionate padel coach and player to building a brand that redefines padel apparel.

Frustrated by clothing that limited mobility and lacked both performance and style, Benji set out to create something better—gear designed by players, for players. Drawing on years of experience on the court and valuable feedback from his students, he developed WOQR with a vision of combining high-performance functionality and modern design. Guided by the philosophy “The...

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Luis Fernando Ramirez, Director of the National Padel League (NPL), to discuss a landmark moment for amateur padel in the United States: the launch of the USA National Team League. Endorsed by the U.S. Padel Association (USPA), this is the first structured amateur padel team league with nationwide reach, set to kick off in Fall 2025.

Luis shares how the league will bring competition to 40 cities across six regions, giving amateur players the chance to represent their city in a professional-style, team-based format. From...

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Daniel from Wallich Padel, a brand born on the stark Swedish west coast. The story begins with William Wallich, whose expertise in carbon fibre started in the world of high-performance engineering—crafting components for Koenigsegg supercars and M32 racing catamarans. Through countless hours of innovation, William became a true carbon fibre virtuoso, discovering how this material’s limitless potential could be applied to padel.

Daniel shares what sets Wallich Padel apart—from their roots in precision engineering to the craftsmanship that makes each racket unique...

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Alessandro Spedaliere, CEO & Co-Founder of Dragonet Sport Technology, to talk about one of the most exciting innovations in Padel and tennis training — the Dragonet machine.

Dragonet is designed to revolutionize how players train. With its built-in bouncing plate and patented non-stop shooting system, it allows players to practice with just a handful of balls and a small space (as little as 3x5 meters). Players can fully customize their training by adjusting direction, distance, spin, and shooting rate to simulate real match conditions.

Whether you want to pe...

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Alejandro de la Cuadra Lozano, Growth Manager at Okatent, a company specializing in modular coverings for sports facilities, industrial warehouses, and aviation hangars.

The conversation dives into why covering your padel courts can be a game-changer for clubs and players alike. Alejandro explains how Okatent’s custom solutions not only protect courts and players from harsh weather but also enhance the overall playing experience and extend the life of your investment.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Bram Moerman, CEO and co-founder of Padel Kiosk, a company revolutionizing padel club operations with smart vending machines. Padel Kiosk provides clubs with 24/7 automated kiosks that rent rackets and sell essential items like balls, grips, snacks, and drinks—offering players unmatched convenience while reducing staff overhead for clubs.

From contactless payments to easy-to-use systems, Padel Kiosk is making it simpler than ever for players to access what they need, whenever they need it.

If you’re a club owner looking for ways to enhance your players’ experi...

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Hashem, better known as The Padel Guy, who joins us all the way from Dubai. Hashem shares the story of CYPEX GROUP, one of the leading sports equipment suppliers and contracting companies in the UAE and KSA. With over 1,000 padel courts installed, CYPEX has built a strong reputation across the GCC for delivering premium sports equipment, playground construction, and turnkey installations.

We talk about the company’s vision to expand into the U.S. market, how they’re shaping the future of padel globally, and the exciting possibilities they...

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Peter Consuegra, a professional player on the Premier Padel Tour and seasoned coach based near Madrid. Peter has dedicated more than 14 years to padel—reaching 13th in Spain’s U18 category, competing in national championships, and making his mark internationally with appearances in Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Beyond his career as a player, Peter has spent 9 years coaching and sharing his knowledge of the game, as well as offering insights as a padel commentator. Together, the guys dive into his journey from junior comp...

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Sarah Horrocks, Founder and CEO of PALAIR, the bold new name in precision apparel that blends international lifestyle and high-performance design. With padel at its core, PALAIR is redefining what it means to create apparel that’s both trend-savvy and technically complex across women’s, men’s, and accessories lines.

Sarah shares her journey into padel, how a viral moment helped accelerate her brand’s visibility, and the strategy she’s using to position PALAIR as a leader in performance fashion. This conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, the fusion of...

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA, Cesc and Julian sit down with Jose Manuel Delgado, founder of AFP Courts. Jose has played a key role in bringing padel into the spotlight, partnering with Whitney Kraft of All Racquet Sports to launch an adidas-branded showcase for padel in the U.S.

Together, they explore Jose’s journey in padel, how his collaboration with adidas is helping grow the sport, and what the future holds for padel facilities and brand pa...

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Reid Alper, General Manager of Reserve Padel Hudson Yards, to dive into the story behind Manhattan’s first padel club. Reid shares how he discovered padel, what makes the Hudson Yards location unique, and how Reserve is building a community where sport becomes a lifestyle.

With its three outdoor glass-enclosed courts, stunning views, lounge, locker rooms, and pro shop, Reserve NYC is redefining the urban sports club experience. Plus, hear about their bold vision for expanding padel across the U.S. through activations, pop-ups, and high-level tournaments.

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In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Chase Woodsum, Founder of the first dedicated padel facility in the Boston area. A lifelong athlete and adventurer, Chase shares his journey from collegiate golfer to outdoor enthusiast—and now, padel club pioneer. After falling in love with the sport just two years ago, he made the bold leap to bring padel to his hometown of Boston.

They dive into the story behind his club, the challenges of launching in a new market, and his mission to create a vibrant, inclusive community for all skill levels. Chase also op...

In this new episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Santiago Gomez, Founder and CEO of Padel Haus, for an exclusive on-site interview at the stunning new Padel Haus Dumbo location in New York City. A visionary entrepreneur with roots in both hospitality and sport, Santiago shares how summers playing padel in Acapulco and a pandemic rediscovery of the game led to his bold mission: to redefine the U.S. padel experience.

From co-founding the globally acclaimed restaurant Cosme to launching a premium padel lifestyle brand, Santiago blends cultural sophistication, design...

In this special episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, recorded during our Northeast road trip, Cesc and Julian sit down with Mehdi Rhazali, CEO and Co-Founder of VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club in Philadelphia—the city’s first exclusive outdoor padel club. Nestled in downtown Philly, VIVA is more than a sports facility—it’s a lifestyle destination blending padel, pickleball, wellness, and community in a high-energy, state-of-the-art space.

Mehdi shares the story behind building VIVA, the dedicated team that made it happen, and their impressive early success—already in the black and expanding fast. He also teases a n...

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with David Gutstadt, CEO and Founder of Ballers—a bold new concept bringing country club sports to the heart of the city. The flagship location inside Philadelphia’s iconic Battery building will feature pickleball, padel, golf, squash, and soccer, all under one roof—plus a premium bar & restaurant, spa-like amenities, and curated event spaces. David shares his vision, how he raised funds from some of the “big ballers” backing this project, and what makes the Ballers business model so unique. The trio also talks expansion, revealing...

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Gabriel Perez Krieb — co-owner and chairman of the San Diego Stingrays, head of Taktika Padel, and Vice President of the US Padel Association (USPA). As a founding figure in the Pro Padel League (PPL), Gabriel shares his insight into the explosive growth of Padel in the U.S., the vision behind the San Diego Stingrays, and why developing homegrown American talent is crucial for the sport’s long-term success. From league expansion to national representation, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in the futu...

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Sergio Ortiz, owner of the Houston Volts and one of the true pioneers of Padel in the United States.

Sergio shares his incredible journey through the sport — from his roots as a passionate player to becoming President of the USPA, and now leading one of the Pro Padel League's standout teams. They discuss the explosive growth of the PPL, what it takes to build the largest Padel facility in the USA right in the heart of Texas, and his vision fo...

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Oswaldo Torre, owner of the Cancun Waves, to dive into the evolution of the Pro Padel League. From its early beginnings to the recent overhaul and new ownership, Oswaldo shares his perspective on how the league has transformed in just two seasons.

They also explore:

...

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Alejandro Hernández, co-owner of the Pro Padel League's Las Vegas Smash. Alejandro shares his deep-rooted background in racket sports, his personal journey into the world of Padel, and why he believes this sport is just getting started. He gives us an inside look at the evolution of the PPL, the strategic moves being made to grow the league, and what it takes to build a competitive and sustainable team in a rapidly growing league. A must-listen for anyone curious about the business and f...

Cesc & Julian sit down with Diane Gotua, Chief Commercial Officer of the Pro Padel League

In this episode, Cesc and Julian are joined by Diane Gotua, the powerhouse behind the commercial vision of the Pro Padel League. With nearly a decade as Vice President and Head of Global Business Operations & Strategy at the NBA, and most recently as SVP of Global Strategy at Fanatics, Diane brings a world-class sports business pedigree to the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world.

Diane shares her personal introduction to padel, what excites her most about the league’s...

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy audio podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Jennifer Shpilsky, Chief Brand Officer of the Los Angeles Padel Club and proud representative of the LA Beat—one of the standout teams in the Pro Padel League. Jennifer shares her unique vision for bringing world-class padel to the heart of LA, including a stunning multi-court outdoor facility built on the grounds of a restored historic mansion in Culver City. From her cross-cultural background to her passion for creating community, Jennifer talks about the challenges and opportunities in launching one of the most ex...

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Mike Dorfman, the CEO of the Pro Padel League (PPL), to talk about the explosive growth of Padel and the league’s mission to bring the sport into the American spotlight. Mike shares how his background in tech and insurance shaped his vision for the PPL, why he believes padel is at the tipping point in the U.S., and what it takes to turn eyeballs into diehard fans.

They dive into the league’s luxury brand partnerships with Adidas, Equinox, and Eataly, the medi...

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Kari Gunnarsson, the visionary CEO and former top-100 badminton pro behind Clutch, the most innovative AI camera system built specifically for Padel. Kari shares the incredible journey from building AI tools for elite badminton coaching during the COVID lockdowns to launching Clutch across 15+ countries.

Discover how Clutch is revolutionizing padel with:

Kari...

In this inspiring episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc & Julian sit down with a true Padel pioneer and rising star: Adrian Reino and his daughter Ornella Beltramino, the current #1 ranked female junior player in the United States.

Adrian shares the remarkable journey of opening the first-ever padel club in the U.S. back in 2009, building a community before anyone knew what Padel was. From putting up nets on empty courts and advertising in newspapers to shaping the roots of the sport in Florida—his story is one of passion, sacrifice, and vision.

Then, we...

In this follow-up interview, Cesc and Julian sit down once again with Nalle Grinda, co-founder and Chief of Padel at Padel X, to explore how one of the most ambitious padel projects in the U.S. has grown since our last chat — when construction had just wrapped.

From hosting the largest tournaments in U.S. padel history to training the next generation of American talent, Padel X has become a cornerstone in the sport’s development across South Florida and beyond.

In this episode, Nalle shares:

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc sits down with Sabah Alsabah, the founder of Padel Up LLC, a standout club located in Sterling, Virginia. Sabah shares his journey into the world of padel, his entrepreneurial background, and what it really took to launch a successful padel club in the U.S.

From navigating the early stages of launching the business to scaling up his membership base, Sabah opens up about the strategies that worked, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way. They also dive into the club’s pricing st...

Get ready to elevate your padel game! In this exciting new episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, hosts Cesc and Julian sit down with Jerry Tafich, the representative for the innovative padel brand OXDOG in the USA and Mexican markets.

OXDOG isn't just another brand; they're a team of passionate engineers, designers, and sports professionals with a decade-long history of revolutionizing sports equipment. Starting with groundbreaking materials in floorball (indoor hockey), where they became industry leaders, OXDOG has now set its sights on conquering the padel world. They're confident they've developed the best rackets on the...

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, Julian and Cesc sit down with the visionary team behind Lusotendas Structures—a benchmark brand in the design and construction of sports canopies and structures. From their humble beginnings as a family business crafting awnings, to becoming the leading provider of padel court roofing in Portugal and a growing force internationally, the Lusotendas team shares their journey of generational craftsmanship, innovation, and global expansion. Tune in to learn how their commitment to quality, design, and full-service customer care has made them a trusted name in the padel and tennis world.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Padel Smash Academy! Today, Cesc and Julian sit down with Carlos Carijo, CEO of the Asia Pacific Padel Tour and a dynamic entrepreneur driving the explosive growth of padel across Asia. Connecting all the way from Kuala Lumpur, Carlos dives deep into how he built a thriving padel ecosystem across more than a dozen countries, his innovative approach to tournaments mixing amateurs and pros, and the challenges and successes he's faced in markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Discover why Jakarta alone surpasses the U.S. in padel court numbers, how...

In this episode of our RacquetX 2025 Interview Series, Cesc and Julian sit down with Gabriel Perez-Krieb—Executive Chairman of Chosen Foods, Chairman of Taktika Padel, and owner of the San Diego Stingrays Padel team.

Gabriel shares his vision for growing the sport of Padel in the USA, highlighting the importance of collaboration over competition. With years of executive leadership under his belt—from serving as Mexico's Trade Commissioner for the U.S. to running companies in tech and consumer goods—Gabriel brings a unique business and global perspective to the sport.

He dives into the curren...

In this exciting episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, Cesc & Julian sit down with Hernán “Bebe” Auguste, one of the most influential pioneers in the sport of padel. As a former World #1 player, Bebe shares his remarkable journey from his early professional career to becoming a key figure in the global development of the sport.

From his days dominating the World Padel Tour to now leading initiatives that shape the future of padel worldwide, Bebe brings insight, passion, and a visionary mindset. He discusses the business side of padel, its explosive growth in the U.S., a...

In this captivating episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, hosts Cesc and Julian sit down with Tom Farquharson, Managing Director and Co-Founder of The Padel School, one of the premier education platforms dedicated to growing padel globally. Tom shares his inspiring journey from professional tennis—where he reached the ATP Top 400 and clinched the junior Wimbledon title—to becoming a key figure in the global padel community.

The conversation dives deep into the vibrant world of The Padel School, highlighting its innovative player and coach training resources, and the excitement of their exotic padel trips designed for...