Sisterhood of Pickleball in Antigua 9 - 14 March 2027 (5-nights/6-days)

Meet your coaches: 

Daniella Niss, IPTPA Coach a.k.a.BlockNiss Monster

Daniella Niss competes and medaled in Pickleball tournaments throughout the United States, including US Nationals (2 times); Senior Nationals (player and referee); US Open (2-time medalist). Daniella is a Level 2 Certified Referee. She is part of the coaching staff for Delray Beach Pickleball Club’s Intermediate Clinic. Volunteerism and making a difference are important to Daniella. As Delray Beach Pickleball Club Board Member, Daniella establishes relationships through Pickleball in support of charitable organizations, including the Gift of Life; Make-a-Wish Foundation; Achievement Center for Children and Families of Delray Beach Wounded Warriors; and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

She oversees tournament operations for the Delray Beach Pickleball Club - 2021 had over 800 participants and 2022 had over 960 participants. Daniella’s background is in education as a teacher and administrator. Using her knowledge in education and educational leadership, Daniella enjoys teaching players of all levels.

Ellen Korelitz, IPTPA Coach and PickleHIT Instructor

Originally from Massachusetts, Ellen Korelitz now resides in a hotbed of Pickleball action: Boca Raton, Florida. After a successful professional career in the corporate world, Ellen traded in her Montblanc pen for a Pickleball paddle. With an unending passion, Ellen shares her skills and passion for the game, coaching all levels of players in both one-on-one and small group settings. She served as consultant for a popular line of Pickleball clothing where she helped build the company infrastructure and launch the brand. Ellen is a brand ambassador for Franklin Pickleball, one of the top Pickleball companies in the world. Ellen has an impressive tournament record medaling in singles’, women’s, and mixed doubles’ tournaments. Her podium appearances include The South Florida Slam, Davie Shootout, USAPA Atlantic Regionals, Beer City Open, just to name a few.

She is an instructor for clinics of all types and has held several “learn to play” colloquiums, fast-tracking new players to immediate proficiency on the court. Ellen is quite passionate about combining her love for Pickleball and her belief in philanthropy and community outreach. In addition to countless volunteer hours for numerous organizations, she creates and executes several highly successful Pickleball fundraising events. A recent focus is supporting Leukemia Lymphoma Society and Gift of Life. Fitness is critical to level up one’s game and to sustain health and longevity. Ellen conducts fun and engaging Pickleball fitness classes designed to build strength, coordination, and cardio health, all curated for the advancement of one’s game. She guides participants through a paddle-integrated program consisting of warm up and cool down stretching, high intensity workouts, Pickleball-specific circuit training, Pickleball Tabata, and interval training for all levels of fitness.

Melinda’s pickleball life began on Frye Island, Maine when it was introduced there in 2012.  This also led her husband Patrick to recall early childhood memories of being witness to the earliest iteration of the game at his family home in Washington State as told in his book Pickleball! The Curious History of Pickleball from its Origins as Picklepong,1959 – 1963.

Childhood family travels sparked her lifelong passion for exploration. Upon graduating Antioch College with a self-designed major entitled Movement, Rhythm and Culture, Melinda’s early work life focused on a teaching career which spanned over three decades.

A Certified Level 2 IPTPA Pickleball Coach and local USA Pickleball Ambassador, Melinda loves to share her love of the game with others. Her vision for Carpe Dink’em Pickleball is to utilize the power of pickleball and travel as forces for good to serve as vehicles for change, creating opportunities for people to build connections and friendships throughout the world.

Melinda is honored to have the opportunity as a Signature Travel Expert® and Transformational Travel Council Experience Designer to offer customized travel planning support to create meaningful and memorable experiences for families, couples, groups, and individuals for all types of travel.