SkyBeach Resort Appoints Eduardo Ferreira as Director of Racquets

SkyBeach Resort, a 113-room resort located on the southern tip of St. Petersburg, facing Tampa Bay, announces the appointment of Eduardo Ferreira as its director of racquets. Ferreira will lead the development of SkyBeach’s racquet sports programs at SouthSide Sports, an outdoor community sports facility featuring 12 pickleball courts, four professional beach volleyball courts and one tennis court. He will also teach private lessons.

“We are thrilled to have Eduardo join SkyBeach and SouthSide Sports as our first-ever director of racquets,” said Ben Willner, president & CEO of Willner Realty & Development Co (WRDC), the owner of SkyBeach Resort. “His innovative approach and dedication to advancing racquet sports make him an invaluable asset to our team.”

Above: Eduardo Ferreira. Source: SkyBeach Resort.

Born in Brazil, Ferreira began participating in sports at a young age. His father founded the Sama Tennis Academy, a transformative initiative that Ferreira says not only shaped his athletic career but also instilled in him a deep commitment to empowering others through sports. Ferreira has represented his home state and country in prestigious tournaments and was a top-ranked junior player in Brazil. Exemplifying dedication and resilience, he eventually became an international champion, winning the Trophée BNP Paribas de la Famille in Annecy, France.

Ferreira has served in various leadership roles throughout his career, including as director and head pro at Lake Wilson Tennis Club in North Carolina, where he managed leagues, tournaments and training programs for athletes of all ages and skill levels. As a co-owner of Academia Performance in Brazil, he developed tailored fitness programs and expanded access to high-quality sports training.

Above: A look at the pickleball courts. Source: SkyBeach Resort.

Ferreira’s expertise extends beyond coaching to racquet and paddle customization, with specialization in leading brands like Selkirk, Joola, Diadem, Head and Babolat. As a Selkirk Labs Elite Member and Advocate, he actively contributes to the development of innovative technologies in pickleball. His commitment to the sport has earned him certifications from leading organizations, including the ITF Academy, USTA, PTR and PPR. He holds the prestigious title of “CBI Master Coach” and has accumulated over 114.63 CPD credits in advanced coaching and athlete development. His work has garnered praise from students and peers alike, including testimonials highlighting his passion, professionalism and ability to connect with players of all levels.

“I am proud to represent SkyBeach as its director of racquets and to continue to build out SouthSide Sports’ various racquet programs,” said Ferreira. “My goal is to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where players of all ages and abilities can thrive, learn and share in the joy of racquet sports.”

SkyBeach Resort is located at 800 Sunshine Skyway Lane S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711. For more information, visit skybeach-resort.com, call 727.867.1151, or follow at @skybeach.stpete.

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Source: SkyBeach Resort