Our Story
Our Mission
TS Pickleball was born from our love for sports, coaching, and bringing people together through the game.
As former Division I tennis players with years of coaching experience, we discovered pickleball in the USA and quickly fell in love with its energy, accessibility, and the way it brings people together.
After helping introduce pickleball at a country club in the USA, we knew this was a sport we wanted to share with Ljubljana.
Our goal is simple: to help more people discover pickleball, improve their game, and experience what makes this sport so fun, accessible, and addictive.
Meet the coaches
We’re Teodora and Sandra, originally from Serbia, with 18 years of experience living, competing, and coaching in the USA. We both played Division I college tennis and coached for more than a decade.
In 2018, we introduced pickleball at the country club where we were coaching in the USA and had the opportunity to watch the sport grow from something new into a thriving program. That experience sparked our passion for the game and inspired us to bring pickleball to Ljubljana.
Today, as experienced coaches, JOOLA ambassadors, and passionate pickleball players, we’re here to help you learn, improve your skills, and most importantly, enjoy the game.
Teodora Zonich
Hi, I’m Tea
I’m a former Division I tennis player, coach, and pickleball enthusiast with over 15 years of coaching experience. During my time in the USA, I introduced pickleball at the country club where I coached and had the opportunity to help develop the program as the sport began to take off.
I’ve also had the opportunity to work alongside some of the sport’s top professionals, including Colin Johns and Dekel Bar, as part of coaching staff for pickleball getaways and training experiences.
These opportunities have allowed me to learn from some of the best in the game and bring that knowledge to every player I coach.
Today, together with my sister Sandra, I’m excited to grow the sport in Ljubljana and help players of all ages discover just how fun, social, and rewarding pickleball can be.
When I’m not on the court, I’m traveling, meeting new people, or spending time with my two amazing kids.
Sandra Spirta
Hi, I’m Sandra
My journey in the world of sports began in Serbia, where I picked up a tennis racket at the age of six and quickly discovered my passion for the game. By the ages of 10, 12, and 14, I was proud to hold the number one ranking in my categories.
A few years later, I moved to the United States, which became my home for over 15 years. I thrived in Division I college tennis and eventually took my skills to the prestigious Houston Country Club, where I worked as a tennis coach. It was there that I discovered pickleball, a sport that immediately captured my heart. My enthusiasm for pickleball was contagious, and I couldn’t help but start teaching it to others.
In 2019, my family and I relocated to beautiful Slovenia. Watching pickleball become the fastest-growing sport in the USA has inspired me to introduce this incredible game to Ljubljana and it’s vibrant community. I firmly believe that pickleball is a sport for everyone, transcending age and experience. I’m so excited to share the joy and connection that pickleball brings with everyone I meet on the court!
Our vision
Our vision is to make pickleball a sport that brings people together - a sport where people can stay active, have fun, build friendships, and enjoy every moment on the court. With our coaching background and passion for the game, we are dedicated to creating experiences that welcome everyone, from first-time players to lifelong pickleball lovers.
