About David “The Professor”
David George, widely known throughout the pickleball community as “The Professor,” is a Senior Pro pickleball athlete, accomplished coach, former professional tennis player, and educator whose approach to competition combines athletic performance, strategic thinking, and sports psychology.
Before establishing himself in professional pickleball, David earned Division III All-American honors in collegiate tennis and competed professionally on the satellite tennis circuit. His competitive accomplishments in pickleball include a silver medal at the 2026 Senior Pro Nationals, top-ten DUPR Senior Pro rankings in singles and doubles, and a position with the Kansas City Stingers in the MLP Champions Series.
Beyond the court, David brings an exceptional academic background to the sport. He holds a master's degree from Princeton University and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, where he has also taught philosophy and ethics. His interest in education, positive psychology, and the mental aspects of athletic performance has helped shape his distinctive approach to coaching and competition.
With more than 30 years of coaching experience and both PTR and PPR certifications, David travels the country teaching clinics and camps through PT & The Professor Pickleball. He also shares his expertise as an MLP commentator and co-host of the PT & The Professor Podcast.
David's passion for mentorship extends beyond professional competition. He leads a weekly pickleball and basketball program for youth at the Juvenile Justice Center, using sports to encourage confidence, discipline, and personal development.
Competing with the Engage X2 Elongated 16mm, David represents Team Engage with a combination of competitive excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to growing the game and making a positive impact both on and off the court.
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Matthew Kawamoto