What’s the Score?
In a groundbreaking development for the Asian pickleball scene, Kyle Yates—a Hall of Fame inductee and one of the sport’s most recognisable American figures—has officially signed on as the head coach of the D-Joy Academy in Ho Chi Minh City. The move signals a major shift in the region’s approach to professional athlete development, as Vietnam looks to capitalise on its rapidly growing player base by importing world-class expertise.
Hit it deeper!
The appointment of Kyle Yates is not merely a hiring decision; it is a declaration of intent by Vietnam’s sporting infrastructure. Born in 1995, Yates dominated the men’s pickleball circuit from 2014 to 2018, a tenure that ultimately led to his induction into the Pickleball Hall of Fame in 2024. Now, he is relocating to Ho Chi Minh City to oversee a long-term strategic vision for the D-Joy Academy. His mandate is comprehensive: he is tasked with designing training curricula, developing a new generation of coaches and athletes, and instilling a playing style that meets international professional standards.
The facility where Yates will operate is nothing short of a behemoth. The D-Joy Academy is described as having one of the most advanced layouts in Asia, anchored by a complex of 63 high-quality courts—the largest such cluster on the continent. The academy operates on a flexible model that integrates training, competition, and education. It is designed to cater to everyone from beginners to elite professionals, featuring academic zones for coaching methodology and residential areas for athletes to live on-site.
Beyond the courts, the academy is positioning itself as a holistic high-performance centre. It includes units dedicated to sports therapy and psychological support, recognising that mental resilience is as critical as physical skill in elite performance. This infrastructure aims to nurture players capable of competing at continental and world-level tournaments, bridging the gap between recreational enthusiasm and podium finishes.
The World Pickleball Verdict
This move represents a significant maturation point for the global pickleball ecosystem. For years, the flow of expertise has largely remained within North America. By attracting a figure of Yates’ stature to live and work in Vietnam, D-Joy Academy is attempting to fast-track the country’s competitiveness.
With pickleball still seeking inclusion in major multi-sport events like the SEA Games and the Olympics, Vietnam is clearly building the professional foundation necessary to be a heavyweight contender when that door finally opens. The combination of Yates’ tactical knowledge and D-Joy’s massive 63-court infrastructure suggests that Ho Chi Minh City could soon become a primary hub for Asian pickleball excellence.
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.