ABOUT OUR TENNIS SHOPS

We are a group of enthusiasts that LOVE tennis and pickleball—this is ALL we do! Between our incredible selection and our knowledgeable staff, we offer the best of both worlds. We have built many friendships and lasting relationships with thousands of loyal customers over the last 35 years through our brick-and-mortar shops, and now we look forward to doing the same with YOU online (or by phone for all those tough questions). We're here to help you find the right gear for your game!

OUR STORY

Will started working at Courtside Tennis & Pickleball when he was 18 years old. He grew up playing tennis with his Dad, and it was always something he enjoyed doing. He had no idea it would become a lifelong career. 

With each passing day, week, and year, he spent at Courtside Tennis & Pickleball, he started to grow even more passionate about the sport and helping customers. 

When the original owners of Courtside Tennis & Pickleball decided they were ready to sell, Will was faced with a difficult decision: Buy a business at 18 years old with no prior knowledge and know-how, or find another job. He took the path less traveled, got a loan, multiple loans...and bought the business.

He spent the next decade figuring out how to be a businessman. What worked and what didn't? What was profitable and what was a loss? The only thing that didn't change was his love for his customers, the products, and the sport. He has always stood by doing right by the customer, no matter what.

Courtside Tennis & Pickleball, as well as his life, changed when Jennifer walked through our Gold River location on July 23, 2016. From that point forward, Will had a partner in life and business. Jennifer brought a new flair to the business that Will was missing.

She saw ways to make more sales and find new items to carry. With each new booking order, Will would laugh and say, "This stuff will never sell,” but would always be surprised that they would sell out a few weeks later.

Jennifer brought in a different flair and customer service level from her background in automotive collision repair. She was able to listen closely and read between the lines of what customers wanted to see in the store.

Since 2016, there has been no turning back. They work together every day to provide the best customer service and to bring the best products from major brands to the tennis and pickleball community—and at the lowest prices around. They love what they do, their customers, and their brick-and-mortar stores and would love the opportunity to get to know you.

THE BEGINNING

Courtside was founded in 1985 by Jim Hubbard and his business partner Steve Broulliard. Our first location was in Eugene, Oregon where Jim's son Jake started working in the stores as a teenager. In 1994, Jake's brother Paul moved to Sacramento and was quickly regarded as one of the top Teaching Pros for Spare Time Sports Clubs. Jake decided it was time to expand, and he opened our first location in California in 2001.

Before becoming an instructor, Paul was one of the best professional players in all of California, winning the prestigious Ojai Open in 1991! Paul also coached and was a mentor to Joseph Gilbert, who is now coaching some of the TOP Americans on the ATP, including Jenson Brooksby! Paul sadly passed away in 2003, but Jake continues to help as a buyer and advisor for the stores to this day!

A NEW ERA

William Johnson started working at Courtside Tennis & Pickleball right after turning eighteen. Fresh out of high school and new to Sacramento, he wanted to apply for a job that was centered around a sport he loved and grew up playing with his Dad. Will loved the work and being around the sport so much—he poured his heart and soul into Courtside Tennis & Pickleball. In less than a year, he was managing the busiest store in the entire chain! A short time later (as chance would have it), the previous owners decided to sell the stores. Will jumped at the opportunity to buy BOTH locations in California, and the rest is history!

A NEW PARTNER

Jennifer Johnson joined Courtside Tennis & Pickleball in 2020. She met Will at the Gold River location, and after a few tennis dates, they began to date seriously, eventually tying the knot in November 2020. Soon after, they joined their lives both personally AND in business when Jennifer decided to leave her family's collision repair business (after 10 years in management) to join forces with Will at Courtside Tennis & Pickleball! You can now find them working in the stores almost EVERY day. Jennifer manages the Gold River location, and Will manages the Sacramento location.