Padel Smash Academy

🎙️ In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Jack Corbett, the Sports Director for Reserve Padel, recorded live from our studios at Reserve Padel Sole Mia. Jack shares exciting insights about the club’s upcoming events, the growth of their academy and coaching programs, and plans for future expansion. Tune in to hear how Reserve Padel continues to set the standard for padel in the USA while building a thriving community for players of all levels.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Benji Reynoso, founder of WOQR Padel Brand. Benji shares his inspiring journey from being a passionate padel coach and player to building a brand that redefines padel apparel.Frustrated by clothing that limited mobility and lacked both performance and style, Benji set out to create something better—gear designed by players, for players. Drawing on years of experience on the court and valuable feedback from his students, he developed WOQR with a vision of combining high-performance functionality and modern design. Guided by the philosophy “The path is made by walking,” WOQR represents not just a clothing line, but a story of perseverance, passion, and progress in the world of padel.Tune in as Benji, Cesc, and Julian discuss the challenges of building a sports brand, the importance of listening to athletes’ needs, and how WOQR is carving out its place in the global padel industry.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Luis Fernando Ramirez, Director of the National Padel League (NPL), to discuss a landmark moment for amateur padel in the United States: the launch of the USA National Team League. Endorsed by the U.S. Padel Association (USPA), this is the first structured amateur padel team league with nationwide reach, set to kick off in Fall 2025.Luis shares how the league will bring competition to 40 cities across six regions, giving amateur players the chance to represent their city in a professional-style, team-based format. From city-level play to the Regional Championships and culminating in the National Finals in Miami (Feb 2026), the league creates a clear pathway for players of all skill levels to compete, connect, and grow within the sport.Cesc and Julian dive into the details of eligibility, team structure, competition format, and the exciting prizes awaiting the first-ever National Champions. Most importantly, they explore how this initiative will strengthen community bonds, elevate amateur padel, and expand the sport’s footprint across the U.S.Whether you’re a beginner looking to join a local team, or a seasoned player eager to compete nationally, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of American padel.🔗 Registration is now open until October 6 at nationalpadelleague.us

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Daniel from Wallich Padel, a brand born on the stark Swedish west coast. The story begins with William Wallich, whose expertise in carbon fibre started in the world of high-performance engineering—crafting components for Koenigsegg supercars and M32 racing catamarans. Through countless hours of innovation, William became a true carbon fibre virtuoso, discovering how this material’s limitless potential could be applied to padel.Daniel shares what sets Wallich Padel apart—from their roots in precision engineering to the craftsmanship that makes each racket unique. Listeners will learn how Wallich combines Swedish design, cutting-edge materials, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to create rackets that deliver not only performance but also a piece of engineering artistry on the court.If you’ve ever wondered what makes one padel racket different from another, or how a background in supercars can shape the future of sports equipment, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Alessandro Spedaliere, CEO & Co-Founder of Dragonet Sport Technology, to talk about one of the most exciting innovations in Padel and tennis training — the Dragonet machine.Dragonet is designed to revolutionize how players train. With its built-in bouncing plate and patented non-stop shooting system, it allows players to practice with just a handful of balls and a small space (as little as 3x5 meters). Players can fully customize their training by adjusting direction, distance, spin, and shooting rate to simulate real match conditions.Whether you want to perfect your forehand, backhand, volleys, or smash, Dragonet offers the chance to train anywhere, anytime, making it a game-changer for both amateur enthusiasts and professionals looking to sharpen their skills.Tune in as Alessandro shares the story behind Dragonet, how it’s helping players around the world, and why this compact machine could become an essential tool for the future of padel and tennis.

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Alejandro de la Cuadra Lozano, Growth Manager at Okatent, a company specializing in modular coverings for sports facilities, industrial warehouses, and aviation hangars.The conversation dives into why covering your padel courts can be a game-changer for clubs and players alike. Alejandro explains how Okatent’s custom solutions not only protect courts and players from harsh weather but also enhance the overall playing experience and extend the life of your investment.Key Takeaways:Play year-round, even on rainy or windy daysAvoid sun glare and improve player comfortExtend the lifetime of your courtsShield players from extreme cold or heatBenefit from acoustic insulation for a better atmosphereElevate the professional image of your clubWhether you’re a club owner looking to attract more players or a padel enthusiast curious about facility innovations, this episode offers insights into how modular coverings can transform the sport’s accessibility and sustainability.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Bram Moerman, CEO and co-founder of Padel Kiosk, a company revolutionizing padel club operations with smart vending machines. Padel Kiosk provides clubs with 24/7 automated kiosks that rent rackets and sell essential items like balls, grips, snacks, and drinks—offering players unmatched convenience while reducing staff overhead for clubs.From contactless payments to easy-to-use systems, Padel Kiosk is making it simpler than ever for players to access what they need, whenever they need it.If you’re a club owner looking for ways to enhance your players’ experience—or a padel enthusiast curious about the business side of the sport—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Hashem, better known as The Padel Guy, who joins us all the way from Dubai. Hashem shares the story of CYPEX GROUP, one of the leading sports equipment suppliers and contracting companies in the UAE and KSA. With over 1,000 padel courts installed, CYPEX has built a strong reputation across the GCC for delivering premium sports equipment, playground construction, and turnkey installations.We talk about the company’s vision to expand into the U.S. market, how they’re shaping the future of padel globally, and the exciting possibilities they’re bringing with court sales, rentals, and even pop-up padel courts. Hashem also discusses the growth of padel, his vision for CYPEX, and what it takes to build world-class courts that last.Tune in to hear firsthand insights into the business side of padel, the costs of building courts, and how CYPEX continues to set new standards in the industry with transparency, quality, and innovation.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Peter Consuegra, a professional player on the Premier Padel Tour and seasoned coach based near Madrid. Peter has dedicated more than 14 years to padel—reaching 13th in Spain’s U18 category, competing in national championships, and making his mark internationally with appearances in Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and the Netherlands.Beyond his career as a player, Peter has spent 9 years coaching and sharing his knowledge of the game, as well as offering insights as a padel commentator. Together, the guys dive into his journey from junior competitions to the professional circuit, his experience with the Pro Padel League, and the crucial role social media now plays for athletes. They also tackle the big question: can padel players truly earn a living through the sport?Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends passion, career lessons, and the evolving landscape of professional padel.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Sarah Horrocks, Founder and CEO of PALAIR, the bold new name in precision apparel that blends international lifestyle and high-performance design. With padel at its core, PALAIR is redefining what it means to create apparel that’s both trend-savvy and technically complex across women’s, men’s, and accessories lines.Sarah shares her journey into padel, how a viral moment helped accelerate her brand’s visibility, and the strategy she’s using to position PALAIR as a leader in performance fashion. This conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, the fusion of sport and style, and what it takes to build a movement in the ever-evolving padel industry.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA, Cesc and Julian sit down with Jose Manuel Delgado, founder of AFP Courts. Jose has played a key role in bringing padel into the spotlight, partnering with Whitney Kraft of All Racquet Sports to launch an adidas-branded showcase for padel in the U.S.Together, they explore Jose’s journey in padel, how his collaboration with adidas is helping grow the sport, and what the future holds for padel facilities and brand partnerships in America.👉 Tune in to hear insider insights on court innovation, global brand collaborations, and the momentum driving padel’s expansion.

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Reid Alper, General Manager of Reserve Padel Hudson Yards, to dive into the story behind Manhattan’s first padel club. Reid shares how he discovered padel, what makes the Hudson Yards location unique, and how Reserve is building a community where sport becomes a lifestyle.With its three outdoor glass-enclosed courts, stunning views, lounge, locker rooms, and pro shop, Reserve NYC is redefining the urban sports club experience. Plus, hear about their bold vision for expanding padel across the U.S. through activations, pop-ups, and high-level tournaments.Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just padel-curious—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.Next week on Padel Smash Academy—we’re debuting the Northeast Edition of our Padel Club Reviews! 🎾 From Boston to NYC to Philly, Cesc & Julian are spotlighting the clubs you need to see.Proudly sponsored by Fromuth Racquet Distribution—your go-to for elite Padel gear.These live-streamed walkthroughs feature full club tours, plus Cesc and Julian testing the courts with a quick match.Streaming only on YouTube—make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss when we go live!

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Chase Woodsum, Founder of the first dedicated padel facility in the Boston area. A lifelong athlete and adventurer, Chase shares his journey from collegiate golfer to outdoor enthusiast—and now, padel club pioneer. After falling in love with the sport just two years ago, he made the bold leap to bring padel to his hometown of Boston.They dive into the story behind his club, the challenges of launching in a new market, and his mission to create a vibrant, inclusive community for all skill levels. Chase also opens up about pricing, amenities, coaching plans, and the unique events already making waves in the Boston Padel scene.Whether you're a local player or just love hearing how padel is expanding across the U.S., this one’s worth a listen.Building padel from passion—Boston style.Next week on Padel Smash Academy—we’re debuting the Northeast Edition of our Padel Club Reviews! 🎾 From Boston to NYC to Philly, Cesc & Julian are spotlighting the clubs you need to see.Proudly sponsored by Fromuth Racquet Distribution—your go-to for elite Padel gear.These live-streamed walkthroughs feature full club tours, plus Cesc and Julian testing the courts with a quick match.Streaming only on YouTube—make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss when we go live!

In this new episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Santiago Gomez, Founder and CEO of Padel Haus, for an exclusive on-site interview at the stunning new Padel Haus Dumbo location in New York City. A visionary entrepreneur with roots in both hospitality and sport, Santiago shares how summers playing padel in Acapulco and a pandemic rediscovery of the game led to his bold mission: to redefine the U.S. padel experience.From co-founding the globally acclaimed restaurant Cosme to launching a premium padel lifestyle brand, Santiago blends cultural sophistication, design, and elite-level athletics in every Padel Haus location. Now expanding to six clubs, including the luxe Brooklyn waterfront site with its indoor courts, social lounges, and spa-quality amenities, Padel Haus is building more than just places to play—it's building the future of padel in America.Tune in as Cesc and Julian explore the journey, the vision, and what’s next for one of the sport’s most ambitious U.S. entrepreneurs.Next week on Padel Smash Academy—we’re debuting the Northeast Edition of our Padel Club Reviews! 🎾 From Boston to NYC to Philly, Cesc & Julian are spotlighting the clubs you need to see.Proudly sponsored by Fromuth Racquet Distribution—your go-to for elite Padel gear.These live-streamed walkthroughs feature full club tours, plus Cesc and Julian testing the courts with a quick match.Streaming only on YouTube—make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss when we go live!

In this special episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, recorded during our Northeast road trip, Cesc and Julian sit down with Mehdi Rhazali, CEO and Co-Founder of VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club in Philadelphia—the city’s first exclusive outdoor padel club. Nestled in downtown Philly, VIVA is more than a sports facility—it’s a lifestyle destination blending padel, pickleball, wellness, and community in a high-energy, state-of-the-art space.Mehdi shares the story behind building VIVA, the dedicated team that made it happen, and their impressive early success—already in the black and expanding fast. He also teases a new indoor Padel Club just 30 minutes away. The conversation dives into what it takes to grow a Padel club in the U.S., from community engagement to strategic planning.This episode is a teaser for our full walkthrough and video review of VIVA, dropping next week during Padel Smash Academy’s Week of Padel Club Reviews—proudly sponsored by Fromuth Racquet Distribution.

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with David Gutstadt, CEO and Founder of Ballers—a bold new concept bringing country club sports to the heart of the city. The flagship location inside Philadelphia’s iconic Battery building will feature pickleball, padel, golf, squash, and soccer, all under one roof—plus a premium bar & restaurant, spa-like amenities, and curated event spaces. David shares his vision, how he raised funds from some of the “big ballers” backing this project, and what makes the Ballers business model so unique. The trio also talks expansion, revealing when and where future Ballers clubs are opening. This episode sets the stage for our upcoming YouTube video on-site walkthrough and match featuring Cesc, Julian, David, and the Ballers Head Padel Coach.Perfect for listeners curious about the future of urban racquet sports, next-gen club concepts, and what it takes to build a premium sports destination from the ground up.

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Gabriel Perez Krieb — co-owner and chairman of the San Diego Stingrays, head of Taktika Padel, and Vice President of the US Padel Association (USPA). As a founding figure in the Pro Padel League (PPL), Gabriel shares his insight into the explosive growth of Padel in the U.S., the vision behind the San Diego Stingrays, and why developing homegrown American talent is crucial for the sport’s long-term success. From league expansion to national representation, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Padel in the USA.

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Sergio Ortiz, owner of the Houston Volts and one of the true pioneers of Padel in the United States.Sergio shares his incredible journey through the sport — from his roots as a passionate player to becoming President of the USPA, and now leading one of the Pro Padel League's standout teams. They discuss the explosive growth of the PPL, what it takes to build the largest Padel facility in the USA right in the heart of Texas, and his vision for the future of the sport in North America.This episode is packed with insight, passion, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to build Padel from the ground up in the U.S.

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Oswaldo Torre, owner of the Cancun Waves, to dive into the evolution of the Pro Padel League. From its early beginnings to the recent overhaul and new ownership, Oswaldo shares his perspective on how the league has transformed in just two seasons.They also explore:Why Cancun became a key team in a U.S.-based leagueThe rising momentum of Padel across North AmericaWhat goes into selecting the right playersAnd what the future of the sport looks like through the eyes of a new team ownerWhether you're a fan of the PPL or a Padel business insider, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Alejandro Hernández, co-owner of the Pro Padel League's Las Vegas Smash. Alejandro shares his deep-rooted background in racket sports, his personal journey into the world of Padel, and why he believes this sport is just getting started. He gives us an inside look at the evolution of the PPL, the strategic moves being made to grow the league, and what it takes to build a competitive and sustainable team in a rapidly growing league. A must-listen for anyone curious about the business and future of Padel in the USA.