We are so excited to welcome Padel Pals to the Stroll Agritopia program. It has quickly become a favorite in our household. Our family loves learning a new sport together, and the kids and their friends cannot get enough of it. The indoor facility is a huge bonus no worrying about the weather, and the kids zone is perfect when the adults are playing and the kids need a break. Add in a full bar for parents, and it has become a place we all genuinely look forward to spending time together.

Padel is a fast paced, social racket sport that combines elements of tennis, pickleball, raquetball and squash. It is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court, making rallies longer, points more engaging, and the game easier to pick up for beginners. Its rapid growth is driven by how accessible and fun it is for all ages and skill levels. Much like Agritopia, Padel is highly social, in is considered less intimidating than traditional racket sports, and creates instant community, which is why it has exploded globally and is now catching on quickly here in the Valley.

I’m originally from Tucson, Arizona, but I was raised in Hermosillo, Sonora. I moved back to the U.S. about 12 years ago. Since then, I’ve lived 8 years in Miami, 2 years in Scottsdale, and as of last year, I’ve been happily calling Gilbert home.

My family is a small but a very special one we’re a family of four: me, my wife Luisa, and our two Yorkies, Kirri and Timmy. They definitely keep us entertained and on our toes!

I built my career in consulting and corporate strategy, spending more than a decade in leadership roles at companies like McKinsey & Company, Ryder, REEF, and Carvana. That experience gave me a strong foundation in business operations, strategy, and scaling organizations. After 12 years in the corporate world, I made the decision to step away and build something of my own. As a lifelong athlete and passionate padel player, I quickly noticed a major gap in the local sports scene there was only one padel court in the entire Valley which ultimately inspired what I’m doing today.

My business is a padel club built around the idea of bringing a world-class padel experience to Phoenix. What began as a personal frustration quickly turned into a business opportunity. I saw a clear lack of padel clubs in the Valley, despite the sport’s rapid growth globally.

I knew Phoenix had the climate, energy, and community to support the sport, but it was missing the infrastructure. With my family by my side, I decided to take the leap and launch a padel club that meets international standards while also fostering a strong sense of community.

It is more than just a padel club, it’s a vibrant hub where families connect, newcomers become friends, and players of all levels play, compete and belong.

My advice to residents is to stay connected and support what’s happening in the community. Spaces that bring people together like sports and local businesses play a big role in building real relationships.

Padel has been a great example of that for me. It’s social, inclusive, and brings people of all ages together. When people show up, try something new, and support one another, the community becomes stronger.

Family is at the center of everything we do. We’re very family-oriented, and that mindset carries directly into our business. Our goal isn’t just to build a padel club, but to create a true community around the sport.

We want our club to be a place where families feel welcome, a playground and gathering hub where people of all ages can spend time together, stay active, and build lasting connections. For me and my family, padel is the starting point, but community is the real focus.

To contact Padel Pals:

Just down the street at Power/Ray

4945 South 71st Street

Mesa Az 85212

instagram: @padelpals.usa