David Velardo

Dave Velardo is a professional pickleball player, coach, and entrepreneur from Wilmington, MA, who climbed to a world ranking of No. 27 by summer 2021. A retired finance executive who found his second act in pickleball, Velardo jumped onto the pro tour in 2020 and immediately got a trial by fire, drawing Ben Johns in his very first pro match. Rather than get discouraged, he used that experience as fuel to climb the rankings rapidly.

Off the court, Velardo is the owner of New England Pickleball Club (NEPC), which operates locations in Middleton and Rye, bringing the sport to the Northeast with over 9 years of experience in the pickleball community. He offers lessons for players of all levels and has become a respected voice in the New England pickleball scene. When he's not on the court or running the club, Velardo enjoys skiing, golf, and travel.