EJ Karsten has a long background in coaching. Teaching youth sports in River Forest and Oak Park IL since 1995. He was the training coach for coaches for both soccer and softball. EJ played division I tennis at Eastern Illinois University and was MVP in his junior and senior years. e was certified as an IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association) instructor in July 2018. He established a program at Fitness Formula Club in Chicago in October 2018. FFC is now offering pickleball in 5 of their clubs. EJ currently teaches in the summers at Seward Park in Chicago and has been teaching group and privates lessons since 2018. He has played in various tournaments at the senior pro level. He has medaled in over 20 tournaments over the past 5 years. EJ’s greatest strength as an instructor is observing players and being able to illustrate and explain how to make the player understand what they are doing and the adjustments necessary to enhance those skills. EJ currently resides in multiple areas of the country including Scottsdale, Denver and Chicago with his wife.