About
Crew Pickleball Club Story
At Crew Pickleball Club (CPC), our mission is to create an engaging, accessible, and fun environment where players of all ages can discover, develop, and thrive in the sport of pickleball.
Our name is a nod to the roots of pickleball and the Bainbridge Island, WA founders of the sport who shared a love of rowing. In rowing, a “pickle boat” is a crew made up of rowers from different teams - much like the inclusive and community-driven spirit of pickleball.
At Crew Pickleball Club, we bring people together from all backgrounds to enjoy the game, grow their skills, and have fun - just like a great crew.​
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OUR MISSION
Crew Pickleball Club exists to grow the game of pickleball by delivering accessible, high-quality experiences for everyone.
Crew Pickleball Club exists to grow the game of pickleball by creating accessible, fun, and meaningful experiences for everyone.
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We bring experienced instructors, high-quality equipment, and a thoughtfully designed curriculum directly to schools, recreation centers, and communities. We meet players where they are, whether it is a child picking up a paddle for the first time, a teen looking to compete, or an adult stepping onto the court to learn and connect.
We believe great programs do more than teach technique. They build confidence. They reinforce sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect. Every session is intentional, every coach is accountable, and every participant deserves an experience that is structured, positive, and built to last.
From afterschool programs and camps to leagues, clinics, private lessons, and community events, everything we do is designed to help players improve on the court and grow as people off it.
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That's the mission. That's the Crew.
OUR TEAM
The people behind the paddles. Our team brings years of playing experience, coaching certifications, and a genuine love for the game to every session. Get to know the coaches who make Crew Pickleball Club what it is.
Chuck Powell
Originally from North Carolina, Chuck founded Crew Pickleball Club to create a structured, scalable model for youth and community pickleball programming. After earning his degree in Exercise and Sports Science from UNC–Chapel Hill, he built his career at the intersection of athletics, business development, and growth strategy.
As a PPR Certified Level 1 Pro, Chuck combines a foundation in sports performance with an operator’s mindset. He leads Crew’s vision, partnerships, and expansion strategy, focused on building a durable brand, scalable systems, and a clear development pathway that serves players from their first rally through competitive academy training.
Co-Founder & CEO
TJ Davis
A graduate of the University of Utah, TJ co-founded Crew Pickleball Club with a focus on operational excellence and disciplined execution. From day one, he helped build the systems, scheduling processes, and staffing structure that allowed Crew to grow from startup phase into a scalable organization.
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As COO, TJ oversees day-to-day operations, financial alignment, and performance accountability across programs. His leadership ensures that every session, partnership, and expansion effort meets Crew’s standards for consistency, professionalism, and growth.
Co-Founder & COO
Ed McCrann
Ed McCrann leads Crew Pickleball Club’s recreation programming, including after-school enrichment programs, camps, summer camps, and beginner development clinics across the Charleston area. A Mount Pleasant resident for more than 10 years, he has helped introduce hundreds of new players to the sport while building a strong foundation for youth and recreational players.
Originally from Queens, New York, Ed is a graduate of Fairfield University where he competed as a Division I baseball player. His high-level athletic background informs the structured, fundamentals-first approach he brings to coaching.
As a PPR Certified Level 1 Coach, Ed’s teaching strength is helping players understand court positioning, shot selection, and the angles that drive successful doubles play. He works with players of all levels, creating energetic and supportive sessions where players build confidence while improving their game.
Director of Recreational Programs
Kyle Lewis
Kyle Lewis is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and brings both high-level athletic experience and operational leadership to Crew Pickleball Club. A former Division I lacrosse player at Ohio State University and Lynchburg College, Kyle developed a strong foundation in competitive strategy, athletic movement, and the discipline required to perform at the highest levels of sport.
As a PPR Certified Level 1 Coach, Kyle works with players across a range of ages and abilities, helping them build reliable fundamentals, improve positioning, and make smarter decisions during live play. His coaching style emphasizes efficient movement, clear thinking on the court, and creating a positive environment where players can gain confidence while developing their skills.
In addition to coaching, Kyle serves as the Director of Operations for Crew, overseeing scheduling, instructor coordination, and communication with families and partners. His ability to combine on-court instruction with strong organizational leadership helps ensure Crew programs run smoothly while delivering a consistently high-quality experience for every participant.
Director of Operations
Mike Burcin
Originally from Pennsylvania, Mike brings more than 17 years of Division I coaching experience at the University of Wisconsin and the University of South Carolina. His leadership background in collegiate athletics shapes the relationship-driven approach he brings to Crew.
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In addition to his role at Crew, Mike serves as a Board Member of First Tee Charleston, reinforcing his commitment to youth development and community impact. He leads partnerships, school relationships, and community engagement efforts, helping expand Crew’s footprint while strengthening long-term trust with families and institutions.
Community & Partnerships
Max Wild
Max grew up in Indiana, Colorado, and California before competing as a Division I tennis player at UCLA. He is now a professional pickleball player on the PPA Tour and a member of the Toronto team in the Canadian league, bringing current, high-level competitive experience directly into the Academy environment.
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As a PPR Certified Level 1 Pro, Max leads the Crew Pickleball Academy’s curriculum, player evaluations, and competitive pathway. His experience on tour, combined with a structured development philosophy, provides athletes with a clear roadmap from foundational skills to elite competition.
Academy Director
Local Instructors & Community Talent
We’re proud to collaborate with talented players and instructors from across the Charleston pickleball community and local universities. From collegiate athletes to respected local competitors and coaches, these instructors bring energy, relatability, and deep community roots to every session. They support leagues, clinics, private lessons, and special events, helping us deliver high-quality programming while strengthening connections within the local racquet sports ecosystem.
Crew Pickleball Club Partners
Crew Pickleball Club is built on strong partnerships. From the schools and recreation centers that host our programs to the facilities and brands that help us deliver a great experience — every partner plays a role in growing the game of pickleball across the Charleston area.
Schools
Corporate Partners
Developing the Future of Pickleball
Benefits of Pickleball
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Improved Physical Fitness
Playing pickleball regularly can enhance overall physical fitness, helping players stay active and healthy.
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Enhanced Coordination
Pickleball requires quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination, making it an excellent way to improve these skills.
Social Interaction
This sport promotes social interactions, allowing players to meet new friends and build a sense of community.
