OUR STAFF
Get to know the PPR team below! We exist to serve our members and grow the sport of pickleball together.
Our Team
Peter Hurley
CEO
Peter Hurley hails from a distinguished sports family in the Boston area, where he developed a deep passion for athletics from an early age. A gold medalist and Junior Olympic track champion, Peter also excelled in high school as a three-sport captain and all-star. His love for tennis was ignited during the sport's golden era, marked by legendary rivalries such as those between Borg, Connors, McEnroe, Lendl, Evert, and Navratilova.
Peter is the founder of Synergy, a leading experiential marketing agency recognized 11 times as one of Event Marketer’s “It List” Top 100 agencies. His career has been defined by a commitment to bringing tennis to diverse audiences, serving as a Strategic Engagement Partner for Fortune 500 companies, and activating at major global events including the Olympics, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and the World Cup. His innovative thinking has led to numerous industry firsts and 15 world records, including the iconic “KFC’s Face from Space,” the first logo visible from space.
His dedication to tennis extends beyond his professional achievements. Peter has been deeply involved in grassroots tennis initiatives, collegiate tennis, and the preservation and promotion of the sport’s history. His contributions have been recognized during his 18-year tenure on the Board of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where he has served on the executive board, chaired multiple committees, and was honored with the Chairman’s Award for outstanding service.
Peter’s leadership also extends to the Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club, the oldest of its kind in the United States, where he served as President from 2018 to 2022. He is a long-standing member of the U.S. Prentice Cup Committee, overseeing the world's oldest intercollegiate tennis competition, and he serves on the Board of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), where he chairs the Partnership Committee.
Currently, Peter leads the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and its affiliates as CEO. His focus is on expanding membership, elevating coaching standards across racquet sports, and driving the organization’s continued growth. Peter’s visionary leadership, combined with his deep industry knowledge and passion for tennis, positions him as a key figure in the sport’s future.
Peter resides in the Wesley Chapel area with his wife Paula. They have two children: William, a cadet in the Class of 2025 at The United States Military Academy at West Point, and Laura, a sophomore at Syracuse University.
Sarah Ansboury
Managing Director
Sarah Ansboury has made some of the most significant contributions to the sport of pickleball. Her journey as one of the first professional pickleball players, combined with her efforts to develop and grow the sport across the country, showcases her passion and dedication. Known as one of the top instructional coaches in the sport, Sarah continues to hone her own game, currently playing on the PPA Tour with her GAMMA Air Bender 10mm as a Team GAMMA sponsored Pro.
Sarah began with the Professional Pickleball Registry, (PPR) as the education consultant and clinician. At that time, her position as Director of Pickleball at Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island was instrumental in establishing the resort as one of the top pickleball destinations in the country.
Now, we are fortunate to have Sarah as the Managing Director of the PPR which has grown to 10,000 pickleball coaches in 14 countries. Sarah has been instrumental in launching the new Level 2 Certification as well as the enhanced Level 1 Certification. Working with the Italian Federation, among others, Sarah trains the first wave of International PPR Certified Pros to grow our sport globally.
You can learn from Sarah with her digital lessons and library at sarahansbourypickleballacademy.com where PPR members get a free subscription. Sarah Ansboury’s influence and footprint in the pickleball community are a testament to her skills both on and off the court.
Julie Jilly
Manager and Events Coordinator
Julie manages the all important PPR workshop program. In 2022, she has expanded workshops to 200+ in 36 states and 5 countries and is expecting to expand to 250 workshops in 2023. Julie also directs the PPR East and West Coast Conferences that annually attract more than 450 PPR members. In addition to her administrative duties, she also assists in the all important area of PPR member services.
Melanie Beckler
Membership Services
Melanie provides administrative support for PPR member services and workshops
Nigel Pugh
Coach Education and Delivery Coordinator
Nigel has been a dedicated member of PTR for over 17 years who recently joined the Education and Delivery team. Nigel holds certifications from various renowned associations including Professional Tennis Registry, Tennis Coaches Australia, Australian Professional Tennis Coaches Association, United States Professional Tennis Association, Professional Pickleball Registry, Pickleball Coaches International, and Padel Coaches Registry.
Nigel now plays a key role in supporting educational development and content creation for both Tennis and Pickleball at PTR/PPR. He has been instrumental in the creation of the Rec Coaches Workshop, High School Coaches Workshop, and PPR Pickleball Level 1 & Level 2. Additionally, Nigel serves as a Senior Coach Developer Trainer, collaborating with the Coach Developer team to ensure the standards are upheld for a consistent and high quality experience for every member.
