Matthew Barlow is a professional pickleball player and coach, and the founder of Midwest Pickleball Club in the Omaha metro. Ranked 25th in the world in singles (world pickleball ranking: 82), Barlow competes on the PPA Tour with a 6.2 DUPR and has beaten five top-10 players in 2026, including Hunter Johnson, Jack Sock, John Lucian Goins, Roscoe Bellamy, and Gabriel Joseph. He's also competed in Major League Pickleball 2026 season with the Texas Ranchers.

A former University of Nebraska Omaha tennis coach with over 7 years of coaching experience, Matthew brings a structured, fundamentals-first approach to every level — from first-timers learning the basics to advanced players chasing tournament wins.

Cole Wilcox is a 5.0+ pickleball player with a strong background in high-level athletics and coaching. A former college baseball player at Morningside University, Cole brings elite hand-eye coordination, footwork, and competitive instincts to the pickleball court.

In addition to his playing career, Cole coached varsity baseball and basketball at Columbus High School, giving him a well-rounded coaching foundation across multiple sports. His experience coaching basketball adds a unique edge to his pickleball instruction, particularly in areas like spacing, anticipation, transition movement, and team communication.

Cole’s coaching style is clear, energetic, and detail-oriented, with an emphasis on strong fundamentals, smart shot selection, and developing repeatable patterns that hold up in competitive play. Whether he’s working with advanced players or motivated athletes looking to elevate their game, Cole helps players move better, think faster, and compete with confidence.

Eric Nelson has been a vibrant part of the pickleball community for the past three years. After discovering pickleball, Eric quickly fell in love with the sport's dynamic gameplay and inclusive atmosphere. His level quickly rose, as Eric is now a 5.0 level player and competes with the best in town. His passion led him to start teaching lessons about a year ago, where he has enjoyed sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with players of all levels.

Now, as a member of the staff at Midwest Pickleball Club, Eric is thrilled to help enhance the experience for all members and newcomers. He is dedicated to growing the game of pickleball in the Omaha community and fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your game, Eric is excited to guide players in their pickleball journey!

402-312-9384

At the young age of 14, Emma is a rising star in not only the Omaha pickleball community but in the professional ranks of pickleball. In the last year Emma has won her first PPA 5.0 gold medals in all three events, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and singles. In the last few months Emma won her first main draw pro mixed match at the Mesa Cup PPA in February. As a junior, Emma is ranked #10 in the country for U18 girls doubles and #8 in singles. Emma has been teaching and coaching pickleball over the last two years, and has developed an eye for figuring out solutions for both technical and strategical problems on court.

Emma may be really intense when she’s playing, but kind and charismatic when instructing. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the MPC instructional staff and can help any player soar to new heights.

402-290-3690

Having recently retired from a 30-year career as a local High School teacher and coach, his passion for the game and his love of teaching and coaching has taken him seamlessly into his dream “retirement” job of pickleball instruction.

As a PPA certified instructor Brett has been serving the pickleball community with private lessons as well as leading several clinics for people of all skill levels. As a ember of the staff at Midwest Pickleball Club, Brett’s goal as an instructor is to foster a positive and encouraging environment that combines technical instruction, strategic game planning, and mental conditioning to help players reach their full pickleball potential.

402-672-7673

With an extensive background in high level tournaments, including a baseball career at Wayne State University and a decorated USTA adult tennis career, Mike knows the path to learning and excelling in sports. With recently picking up pickleball, He knows the ins and outs of beginning the game of pickleball and the importance of establishing good fundamental skills.

Mike has a big heart for teaching and growing the sport of pickleball and helping players get to the next level. Mike is a great fit for anyone that wants to improve their game!