
Julian Wortelboer

Julian’s illustrious career began as a professional padel and tennis player before transitioning to become a trailblazer in racquet sports management. He combines the discipline and dedication of a world-class athlete with over 25 years of excellence in private club management, bringing unparalleled expertise to every engagement.
Central to Julian’s impact on the sport is Padel Smash Academy, which he co-founded with Cesc Caceres. As the largest and most influential padel content platform in the United States, Padel Smash Academy has redefined the growth of the sport. Guided by a “growth before profit” philosophy, the Academy has built a robust ecosystem through daily content creation, strategic partnerships, and investments in padel entrepreneurs. The Academy’s innovative approach has positioned it as the leader in shaping the future of padel education and management in the United States.
Julian is also the only certified Padel Master Coach in the United States, with a methodology and instructional techniques that are second to none. His expertise sets the standard for elite educational programs and serves as the foundation for best-in-class padel club management practices.
As the President of the Padel Coaches Association (PCA), Julian leads the global organization in raising coaching standards and promoting greater awareness of padel worldwide. Through his partnership with the Padel Coaching Registry (PCR), Julian developed the first Padel Coaches Certification in the United States, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Julian’s professional achievements extend to becoming one of the first two Racquet Sports Directors in the U.S. to earn the prestigious Professional Sports Registry (PSR) “4-Star” rating. His numerous certifications include USPTA, PTR, PPR, PPTR, PCR, USPTA Padel Certification, Padel Coaching HAC Method Levels 1 & 2, and CRSE (Certified Racquet Sports Executive), as well as a Master’s degree in Racquet Sports Management from the University of Florida.
In 2023 and 2024, Julian’s contributions were recognized on an international level with his nomination to represent the USA National Padel Team at the Pan American Games, underscoring his leadership and lasting influence on the global growth of padel.
























