Inside Adriana Tomazelli’s Gig at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
After years of helping open clubs and coaching at Ben Johns’ camps, I knew I wanted my next chapter in pickleball to be about more than just technique; it had to be about people. Coaching gives me the chance to connect with players on a deeper level, creating moments where progress and joy intersect. My role at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar brings that mission to life, combining the sport I love with an environment that celebrates connection and growth.
When I think about what drives me as a coach, it’s simple: I love pickleball and love to see people improve. Watching a player’s confidence grow, seeing that spark when something finally clicks, reminds me why I fell in love with this game in the first place. Pickleball has this incredible ability to make people feel part of something bigger from the very first rally, and I try to nurture that feeling every time I step on court.
This role is about creating spaces where anyone, regardless of skill level, can feel comfortable learning and competing. Whether I’m leading a beginner clinic or running a live-ball session, my focus is on helping players improve while keeping the experience lighthearted and social.
What coaching means to me
Over the years, I’ve realized that the real magic in coaching happens when you stop trying to control every detail and start listening to the players, the rhythm of the session, and even to yourself. Each group brings a different energy, and that’s what keeps it exciting. Some players want structure, while others just need encouragement; however, all of them want to feel seen and supported.
What keeps me coming back, day after day, are the moments when everything just clicks, when a player finally connects with a shot they’ve been struggling with, or when laughter replaces frustration during a tough drill. “Seeing people connect with the game as they gain confidence, that’s what makes it all worth it.” It’s not just about technical improvement; it’s about helping people discover a new kind of joy in movement and a sense of belonging.
That connection is what drives me more than medals or titles ever could. Whether it’s a guest trying pickleball for the first time or a regular refining their serve, every session offers a chance to build trust, laughter, and confidence. Those small moments of growth are the heartbeat of why I coach, and why this new chapter feels exactly right.
Building a program that feels like home
Building a program that works for everyone means staying flexible and responsive. I’ve actively experimented with different formats because how pickleball coaching at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar creates a unique experience for guests comes down to making each person feel welcomed from their first step on court. The magic happens in the mix.
Finding the right mix for every player
Testing formats that welcome everyone: Clinics help newcomers feel supported, private lessons build confidence, live ball sessions let experienced players feel challenged.
Matching energy to create comfort: Vacation mode calls for relaxed instruction that feels social, while regulars appreciate technical depth in a familiar setting.
Building natural connections: Pairing visiting beginners with local intermediates creates mentorship moments that make everyone feel part of the community.
Adapting to guest schedules: Hotel visitors often prefer focused 45-minute sessions that deliver quick wins and lasting memories.
Maintaining consistent warmth: Whether someone plays once or weekly, they experience the same welcoming approach that makes them want to return.
This experimental approach mirrors what luxury resorts are discovering about experiential programming: success comes from testing what resonates and prioritizing genuine connection. Guests often tell me they feel like regulars after just one session, which tells me we're striking the right balance.
For newcomers and regulars: My teaching philosophy in action
Pickleball naturally draws people together, but I add intentional structure to help everyone thrive. My approach adapts to each player's personality and pace. Beginners can expect a blend of focused instruction and genuine community connection that builds lasting confidence.
Here's how I make that happen:
Read the room first: I assess each player's energy and comfort level before designing drills.
Simple reps for quiet learners: Shy players get clear, repetitive practice without pressure to perform.
Strategic challenges for competitors: Ambitious players receive targeted drills that push their tactical thinking to the next level.
Celebrate small wins publicly: Recognition builds momentum that spreads through the entire group.
Mix skill levels intentionally: Pairing experienced players with newcomers creates natural mentorship.
Real progress occurs when players genuinely embrace change rather than merely going through the motions. Structured clinic sessions accelerate learning through focused practice and immediate feedback, creating an environment where skills develop organically.
Q&A With Adriana
When people hear about my community-first approach to coaching at the resort, they want to know how it actually works day-to-day. These are the questions I receive most often from people curious about what makes our program different from typical resort lessons.
What makes your pickleball program at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar different from other coaching experiences?
Our program seamlessly combines luxury and community, making it feel effortless. Guests don’t just show up for lessons; they become part of an experience. Whether it’s your first time holding a paddle or your tenth clinic with me, you’ll always feel included, supported, and challenged at just the right level. The goal isn’t just to improve your game, but to create genuine connections that make you want to come back.
I’ve never played pickleball before. Can I still join a session?
Absolutely! Pickleball is designed for all ages and abilities, and I make sure beginners feel confident from their very first swing. Our Saturday clinics are small and welcoming, giving new players personalized attention and space to learn at their own pace. You’ll laugh, rally, and walk away understanding why this sport captures the hearts of so many.
How do you balance the resort atmosphere with serious coaching?
The luxury setting adds relaxation, but the focus is still on growth. I match the energy of each session to the players on court, whether you’re in vacation mode, wanting a social hit, or a local regular chasing improvement, I’ll meet you there. The Fairmont’s atmosphere helps people open up, which actually makes learning smoother and more natural.
Do you think what a player wears on the court can influence how they play?
Absolutely. When your gear works with you instead of against you, it’s easier to focus on your game and play confidently. That's one reason I'm proud to be sponsored by PB5star. They truly invest thought into both style and performance. For example, take their PB5 Court2 shoes. They use footwear technology that keeps you steady during quick changes of direction, and a lightweight build helps you stay on point through long playing or coaching days.
What’s your favorite part of coaching at the Fairmont?
Without question, it’s the people. Seeing guests and locals connect through pickleball is the best part of my job. One day, I might be teaching a first-timer from across the country; the next, I’m watching them return for another session because they made new friends on court. That sense of belonging is what makes this program feel like home, not just another resort amenity.
Staying grounded
San Diego drew me in for two simple reasons: the community and the weather. Both create ideal conditions for the kind of consistent, open-door pickleball culture I love. The energy here is constant, players fill courts morning to night, and the connections formed on and off the court make the city feel like one big pickleball family. Coaching keeps me grounded, parenting keeps me balanced, and competing reminds me why I started in the first place, to play with heart and purpose.
I’m proud to be backed by PB5star, a brand that shares my passion for performance, consistency, and community. Whether I’m preparing for a tournament or helping others find their confidence on court, I’m reminded that the best results come from patience, preparation, and the people you surround yourself with. Together, we’re building something that goes far beyond the game.
