The man. the myth. the legend.

Pickleball Papi

Legend has it that Pickleball Papi was born somewhere in latin America, and raised in a prison yard where he learned the game of pickleball from fellow inmates using ping pong paddles, a ball of socks, and a bedsheet net. At the age of ten, he was "released" from prison with only his clothes and a passion for the game. With a cardboard paddle and a tennis ball he won in a fight with a junkyard dog, he started to climb the ranks by competing in underground tournaments. Pickleball Papi quickly became the most accomplished pickleballer in history. Today, he shares his knowledge with his students, with a cigarette in his mouth and a paddle in his hand.

The Real Deal

The Man behind the magic

Jorge was born and raised in El Paso, TX. He grew up playing tennis with his younger brother thanks to his father, a high school tennis coach. In his twenties, Jorge moved to Fort Worth to pursue stand up comedy. In 2022, his dad gifted him a set of pickleball paddles. Since then, Jorge has taken the Dallas pickleball scene by storm. He started coaching on public courts, teaching lessons and dodging park rangers. In October 2023,Pickleball Papi found his home at The Sandy Pickle.

Catering to beginner to intermediate players, Jorge’s coaching style is ultra-personalized. That’s right, no copy-and-paste curriculum for this guy! Jorge makes a point to listen to his students to help them to accomplish their personal goals, whether it’s mastering their backhand, or playing socially with friends.

Jorge Cortez is a PPR certified Associate Coach, certified by the American Red Cross in first aid/CPR/AED, and a Certified Cool Guy.