Instructors

Learn From The Best

Unlock your potential with a Standard Pickleball Academy Membership! Whether you're new to pickleball or chasing your next tournament win, our all-in-one academy membership is your fast track to stronger skills, better strategy, and a community that shares your passion.

David Bieger

David discovered pickleball at the University of Virginia, where he and fellow Standard Instructor Lauralei Singsank won the 2023 National DUPR Collegiate Championship. Since then, David has elevated his game by qualifying for the PPA Tour Mixed Doubles Professional Main Draw with Lauralei, and he consistently medals in open 5.5+ tournaments. As of June, 2025, David has earned the following credentials: #1 Doubles Player in VA (6.010); #2 Singles Player in VA (5.988); R16 Men’s Singles at PPA NC (April 2025); R32 Men’s Doubles at PPA NC (April 2025); 22 events in local open tournaments in 2025 with 22 medals, 14 Gold.

Lauralei Singsank

Lauralei started playing pickleball in early 2020, and got more serious about the game during law school at UVA. She joined the pickleball team there, and went on to become one of the top-ranked college players in the country. She and her on-and-off the court partner David Bieger led UVA to a National championship in 2023. Since graduation, David and Lauralei have qualified for the PPA main draw in Bristol, and regularly medal in multiple open tournaments each month. As of June 2025, Lauralei is the top female player in Richmond, and one of the top 3 women in Virginia. She's medaled at 9 open division tournaments so far in 2025, and in her career has earned 13 bronze, 12 silver, and 29 golds at the open division level.

Cindy Welch

Cindy grew up on a grass tennis court in central Virginia and began teaching tennis at 18. She discovered pickleball inside a rec center in middle TN (2013) and two years later made the final transition from tennis to pickleball. In 2018 she earned her instructor certification through the IPTPA, and has been teaching private and group lessons/classes ever since. Despite earning a gold medal at the 4.0 level in 2019, Cindy gave up tournament play to focus her attention on helping others improve their game. She is most passionate about safety, strategy, & body awareness, and believes that understanding the mental element is the key to unlocking every player's full potential.