Yesterday U.S. padel legend Julian Wortelboer told me that one of the biggest challenges of opening five new Ultra Padel Clubs in Miami almost simultaneously would be finding qualified coaches to staff all these new clubs.
So, it seems apropos that not even 24 hours later the U.S. Padel Association (USPA) would unveil the padel coaches they have selected to lead the U.S. national teams at the upcoming Pan-American Padel Championships which will take place November 28 to December 2, 2024, in Acapulco, Mexico.
In a statement, the USPA said, “the 2024 Pan-American Championships [are] a key event for U.S. Padel on the international stage, [and] these selected coaches bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and strategic expertise, setting the team up for success in both the Cat Libres and Senior divisions.”
In the “Cat Libre” division, the USPA has selected Jon Guerra and Jacobo Blanco, saying, “Both are highly respected in the padel community for their deep knowledge and coaching experience.”
Meanwhile, in the Senior division, Marcelo ‘Masa’ Perez will be leading the group as Head Coach, with support from assistant coaches Ángel Espadas and Antonio Martinez.
Meet the Teams Behind the Teams
The USPA further provided bios of each of these five coaches, including:
Jon Guerra currently coaches at The Padel Courts in Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, and has a growing reputation for his ability to develop top-tier players. Guerra is not only known for his technical coaching but also his commitment to player growth and adaptability. You can follow his updates on Instagram.
Jacobo Blanco is currently ranked number #1 in the Nox USPA Open Men’s rankings as well as a talented and respected coach. Jacobo operates out of Taktika Padel in San Diego. His strategic insights and competitive experience are expected to be vital assets in preparing the team for high-level international play. Blanco brings his years of expertise to the forefront as a coach committed to elevating the National Padel Team’s performance. You can stay connected with his journey via Instagram.
Marcelo Perez, often called “Mas,” brings a wealth of international coaching experience. The former #1-ranked player in Argentina has spent recent years coaching in Bilbao, Spain. He was instrumental in leading the German Senior Team at the recent Senior World Championships in Alicante, Spain. He will now use his wealth of experience to guide National Padel Team through the Pan-American journey. You can follow his updates on Instagram.
Ángel Espadas coached the Women’s National Team for the Senior World Padel Championships 2024 in La Nucia, Spain last April, and brings an elite-level coaching resume to the Senior Team. Crrently based in Orlando, FL, at Caribe Royale Padel, Espadas is known for his dynamic coaching methods, which prioritize technical skills and mental resilience, making him an ideal fit for the competitive Pan Am stage. Learn more about Espadas on his coaching page or follow him on Instagram.
Antonio Martinez currently coaches at the King of Padel in both San Diego and San Antonio, TX. Martinez’s strategic depth and attention to player development make him a perfect addition to the coaching squad. His insights will be crucial in refining the National Padel Team’s performance. You can follow his updates on Instagram.
Want to get cutting-edge padel news and updates like this delivered directly to your inbox each week? Simply click here to sign up for our free “State of the Game” newsletter now.
