A pickleball brand dedicated to strengthening your relationship with the sport on and off the court through authentic connection, shared passion, valuable industry insights, and continuous progress.
MELO OUT MONDAY
Subscribe to the MELO OUT MONDAY Newsletter for weekly pickleball tips, stories, updates, and exclusive industry insights—brought to you by founder Carmelo Carbone.
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“With me, I'm 100% in or I'm not going to pursue it. This is my journey through pickleball.”
— Founder, Carmelo Carbone
My Story
My name is Carmelo Carbone, and I graduated from Babson College — the #1 entrepreneurship school in the country. Over the last few years, I've worked on multiple ventures across different industries. I've explored ideas, launched businesses, and navigated the highs and lows of what it means to actually build something real. But nothing has impacted me — or reshaped my path — like pickleball.
The Spark: My First Steps into Pickleball
In April of 2023, I co-founded Pikel, a pickleball apparel company that sold gear direct-to-consumer and through clubs.
Coaching: Learning by Teaching
That summer, I started teaching beginners — people who were nervous, hesitant, unsure of themselves — and I found so much meaning in helping them feel seen and supported.
Creating The Babson Pickleball
When I returned to school in the fall, I launched the Babson Pickleball Club. What began as casual Monday open plays turned into something much more meaningful.
Brand Strategy and Storytelling at Picklin
During that same school year, I took on a Brand Manager role at Picklin, a company focused on at-home pickleball training products.
Park Avenue Tennis – Building My First Full Program
In the summer of 2024, I saw an opportunity close to home in Long Island — two outdoor pickleball courts that weren't being used.
Longfellow Club – A New Chapter of Growth
At the start of 2025, I joined the Longfellow Club, a high-end tennis and fitness facility that was expanding into pickleball.
What's Next: PickleBOS
This fall, I'll be stepping into my biggest role yet — the Director of Pickleball for PickleBOS, two brand new pickleball facilities opening in Boston.
Why I Created
MELO was born from everything I've seen — and everything I believe in.
I've coached hundreds of players, built grassroots communities, and watched this sport evolve in real-time. The one thing that never changes is how personal this game is. People don't come back for the perfect drill. They come back for how it makes them feel.
MELO is a brand built on authentic connection, shared progress, and the belief that pickleball is more than just a sport — it's a journey we take together.
That's where the MELO OUT Philosophy comes from. It's how I've approached every clinic, every program, every conversation. It means showing up with energy, with patience, with passion. It means being present — both for your own growth and for those around you.
This Isn't a Coaching Brand.
It's a Community in Motion.
I'm still learning. Still growing. Still figuring things out as I go. And that's exactly why I created this platform.
Through MELO, I'll be sharing the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to build something in this industry — the highs, the lows, the breakthroughs, and the lessons.
If you're passionate about pickleball, curious about the business behind it, want to progress your game or just want to follow someone who's building something real — this is your invitation to come along.
Thanks for being here. We're just getting started.
— Carmelo
Testimonials From Clients I've Worked With
“My friends and I knew nothing about pickleball and we were lucky to find Carmelo! He was an amazing instructor right from the start! He was encouraging and I truly looked forward to the lesson every week! We all learned so much in an environment that was not intimidating! Thank you so much!”
- Larisa
“We had a great time learning Pickleball with Carmelo Carbone. He did a great job of explaining all of the basics of pickleball. He taught us the rules, the paddle positions, the scoring, and strategies on trying to win. Everything was carefully scaffolded so that each week built onto what was already learned. Carmelo was always encouraging and praising our efforts, while critiquing our mistakes so that we could improve our skill set. After several sessions, we left feeling like we were ready to get out and play with others. We had a wonderful experience and are so pleased that we were able to learn from him.”
- Sharon
“Learning how to play pickleball from Carmelo this summer was truly a positive experience. He was patient, knowledgeable, and a great teacher. I am new to pickleball and Carmelo patiently demonstrated techniques and explained the rules, always using a positive and encouraging tone. Carmelo knows the sport well. He was able to explain the rules, techniques, and answer all questions without any hesitation. Carmelo had a sensible plan to teach me how to play. Each week he taught a new technique with the rules. We continually built on what we had previously learned. The final week we put everything we learned together. Carmelo did an excellent job of teaching me how to play pickleball and I am ready to play with others.”
- Maria
“Carmelo is an excellent coach. He is very patient and calm as well as extremely knowledgeable. I enjoyed my lessons with him and would highly recommend him to my peers.”
- Kathleen
“Thank you for the wonderful pickleball sessions. You have a gift for teaching and explaining a difficult game to beginners like us! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you.”
- Connie, Mary Ellen, Toni, Mary Ann
“I've participated in numerous lessons and clinics over the years, and I can confidently say that Carmelo's instruction is top-tier. His deep knowledge of Pickleball—from the mechanics of the strokes to advanced strategy—sets him apart as an exceptional coach. Each lesson was packed with valuable insights, and I noticed immediate improvements in my game, which I was able to apply in both league and pick-up matches. I'm eager to continue my lessons with him in the near future.”
- Michele
“The way Carmelo articulated his instructions were easy to understand. He watched and corrected our form, stances, dinks, power hits and added so much more instruction to each lesson. He made our games fun and he will be missed. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you!”
- Barbara
“What an honor to be coached by you. I've learned so much and I'm already implementing all the tools you've given me. You are so kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable. You're the best instructor I ever had! You will be missed. Thank you.”
- Marie
“Carmelo is an exceptional instructor who had patience, understanding, and the knowledge of the game that exceeded my expectations. I loved his teaching style! Positive and knowledgeable! I truly enjoyed learning this sport with him and all the ladies I met. We learned while having so much fun, many laughs!”
- Joanne
“Carmelo is a natural at instruction. He is extremely positive. He listens to your concerns to guides the lesson accordingly. I've learned a great deal from him while working with him at Park Avenue Tennis. I look forward to learning more as my game progresses. I would recommend his instruction and Park Ave Tennis.”
- Jennifer
“Carmelo was very professional and knew exactly what I needed. Such a short period of time he improved my skills. He always encouraged me to do better, and he made me a better player.”
- Aree
“Thank you for all of your knowledge and patience with us as we learned the game of pickle ball.”
- Mary Jo
“Carmelo is an awesome instructor! Totally knowledgeable and nice to be around. He surpasses anything I thought pickleball would be. I am a big fan of his!”
- Ivy
“The best! I learned so much!”
- Claudia
“Carmelo was very professional and took the instructions very serious. He did an excellent job coordinating and make appropriate level groups. Fabulous trainer.”
- Birthe
“Carmelo was the best! He taught the game very well and had a lot of patience. He was very easy to work with!”
- Keri
“Carmelo was an excellent instructor, very patient as we were all beginners and extremely knowledgeable about the game.”
- Barbara Jo
“Carmelo is the most thorough, Patient, kind, encouraging instructor! I'm so happy I was able to join his pickleball lessons. He's just a fantastic instructor & person”
- Diane
“The lessons with Carmelo were very informative and fun! Highly recommend!”
- Regina
“Thanks for your patience and kindness and knowledge!! I love it and plan to start playing on a regular basis. You have a great mindset and I know you will be extremely successful with your future endeavors.”
- Alisa
“Working with Carmelo was a great experience. Both his knowledge about the game and his teaching skills are excellent. He is kind and patient, and is dedicated to doing anything he can instruction wise to help his clients learn the game and have a fun time doing it. Carmelo emphasizes teaching both the correct rules of the game, and the development of the proper skills to play. From prior experience, I have learned that this is not something a lot of instructors emphasize. It has been a wonderful experience that has certainly enhanced my knowledge of the game, my skills to play the game and my subsequent love of the game. Anyone who is fortunate enough to work with Carmelo will benefit tremendously. I can't wait until he returns to continue.”
- Lisa
“Carmelo is a talented teacher. He is patient and kind while instructing. His lessons were well thought out and his ability to critique in a useful way is fantastic.”
- Amy
“Carmelo was an excellent instructor. I thought I was an advanced beginner when I started, and then I realized that I really hadn't learned anything about volley or drops or the real way to play. His lessons were so good and I feel so much more aware of the game and how to play properly.”
- Cindy
“He is patient, very knowledgeable about the game, great at explaining the rules. He never makes you feel stupid and is equally enthusiastic when we play well! Such a great instructor!!!”
- Mary
“Carmelo was such a great instructor! He was very patient and explained everything well. We had so much fun with him and would absolutely recommend him to anyone needing instruction.”
- Melissa
“Carmelo is an excellent instructor. He is patient and thorough. He explained all skills well through modeling and assisting. I would highly recommend him for lessons to anyone who was interested in learning pickleball.”
- Andrea
“Carmelo was an amazing teacher. Super knowledgeable, patient, consistent and enjoyable. Great at what he does!”
- Andrea
“I had been looking for a beginner pickleball group training. Carmelo has provided an incredibly positive experience for me. He is knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. Very organized. Clear communications. I have no doubt that Carmelo will become a very successful businessman. His kindness and integrity shines bright.”
- Kathy
“Carmelo is truly a one-of-a-kind coach! His passion for the game and strength for teaching comes through as relentless patience and care for every student, every play, of every lesson. He single-handedly launched a growing pickleball business for the tennis club, and did it with modesty, resilience and a smile. The accolades are the same from every single student…Carmelo's impact is super special!!”
- Heidi
“My friends and I knew nothing about pickleball and we were lucky to find Carmelo! He was an amazing instructor right from the start! He was encouraging and I truly looked forward to the lesson every week! We all learned so much in an environment that was not intimidating! Thank you so much!”
- Larisa
“We had a great time learning Pickleball with Carmelo Carbone. He did a great job of explaining all of the basics of pickleball. He taught us the rules, the paddle positions, the scoring, and strategies on trying to win. Everything was carefully scaffolded so that each week built onto what was already learned. Carmelo was always encouraging and praising our efforts, while critiquing our mistakes so that we could improve our skill set. After several sessions, we left feeling like we were ready to get out and play with others. We had a wonderful experience and are so pleased that we were able to learn from him.”
- Sharon
“Learning how to play pickleball from Carmelo this summer was truly a positive experience. He was patient, knowledgeable, and a great teacher. I am new to pickleball and Carmelo patiently demonstrated techniques and explained the rules, always using a positive and encouraging tone. Carmelo knows the sport well. He was able to explain the rules, techniques, and answer all questions without any hesitation. Carmelo had a sensible plan to teach me how to play. Each week he taught a new technique with the rules. We continually built on what we had previously learned. The final week we put everything we learned together. Carmelo did an excellent job of teaching me how to play pickleball and I am ready to play with others.”
- Maria
“Carmelo is an excellent coach. He is very patient and calm as well as extremely knowledgeable. I enjoyed my lessons with him and would highly recommend him to my peers.”
- Kathleen
“Thank you for the wonderful pickleball sessions. You have a gift for teaching and explaining a difficult game to beginners like us! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you.”
- Connie, Mary Ellen, Toni, Mary Ann
“I've participated in numerous lessons and clinics over the years, and I can confidently say that Carmelo's instruction is top-tier. His deep knowledge of Pickleball—from the mechanics of the strokes to advanced strategy—sets him apart as an exceptional coach. Each lesson was packed with valuable insights, and I noticed immediate improvements in my game, which I was able to apply in both league and pick-up matches. I'm eager to continue my lessons with him in the near future.”
- Michele
“The way Carmelo articulated his instructions were easy to understand. He watched and corrected our form, stances, dinks, power hits and added so much more instruction to each lesson. He made our games fun and he will be missed. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you!”
- Barbara
“What an honor to be coached by you. I've learned so much and I'm already implementing all the tools you've given me. You are so kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable. You're the best instructor I ever had! You will be missed. Thank you.”
- Marie
“Carmelo is an exceptional instructor who had patience, understanding, and the knowledge of the game that exceeded my expectations. I loved his teaching style! Positive and knowledgeable! I truly enjoyed learning this sport with him and all the ladies I met. We learned while having so much fun, many laughs!”
- Joanne
“Carmelo is a natural at instruction. He is extremely positive. He listens to your concerns to guides the lesson accordingly. I've learned a great deal from him while working with him at Park Avenue Tennis. I look forward to learning more as my game progresses. I would recommend his instruction and Park Ave Tennis.”
- Jennifer
“Carmelo was very professional and knew exactly what I needed. Such a short period of time he improved my skills. He always encouraged me to do better, and he made me a better player.”
- Aree
“Thank you for all of your knowledge and patience with us as we learned the game of pickle ball.”
- Mary Jo
“Carmelo is an awesome instructor! Totally knowledgeable and nice to be around. He surpasses anything I thought pickleball would be. I am a big fan of his!”
- Ivy
“The best! I learned so much!”
- Claudia
“Carmelo was very professional and took the instructions very serious. He did an excellent job coordinating and make appropriate level groups. Fabulous trainer.”
- Birthe
“Carmelo was the best! He taught the game very well and had a lot of patience. He was very easy to work with!”
- Keri
“Carmelo was an excellent instructor, very patient as we were all beginners and extremely knowledgeable about the game.”
- Barbara Jo
“Carmelo is the most thorough, Patient, kind, encouraging instructor! I'm so happy I was able to join his pickleball lessons. He's just a fantastic instructor & person”
- Diane
“The lessons with Carmelo were very informative and fun! Highly recommend!”
- Regina
“Thanks for your patience and kindness and knowledge!! I love it and plan to start playing on a regular basis. You have a great mindset and I know you will be extremely successful with your future endeavors.”
- Alisa
“Working with Carmelo was a great experience. Both his knowledge about the game and his teaching skills are excellent. He is kind and patient, and is dedicated to doing anything he can instruction wise to help his clients learn the game and have a fun time doing it. Carmelo emphasizes teaching both the correct rules of the game, and the development of the proper skills to play. From prior experience, I have learned that this is not something a lot of instructors emphasize. It has been a wonderful experience that has certainly enhanced my knowledge of the game, my skills to play the game and my subsequent love of the game. Anyone who is fortunate enough to work with Carmelo will benefit tremendously. I can't wait until he returns to continue.”
- Lisa
“Carmelo is a talented teacher. He is patient and kind while instructing. His lessons were well thought out and his ability to critique in a useful way is fantastic.”
- Amy
“Carmelo was an excellent instructor. I thought I was an advanced beginner when I started, and then I realized that I really hadn't learned anything about volley or drops or the real way to play. His lessons were so good and I feel so much more aware of the game and how to play properly.”
- Cindy
“He is patient, very knowledgeable about the game, great at explaining the rules. He never makes you feel stupid and is equally enthusiastic when we play well! Such a great instructor!!!”
- Mary
“Carmelo was such a great instructor! He was very patient and explained everything well. We had so much fun with him and would absolutely recommend him to anyone needing instruction.”
- Melissa
“Carmelo is an excellent instructor. He is patient and thorough. He explained all skills well through modeling and assisting. I would highly recommend him for lessons to anyone who was interested in learning pickleball.”
- Andrea
“Carmelo was an amazing teacher. Super knowledgeable, patient, consistent and enjoyable. Great at what he does!”
- Andrea
“I had been looking for a beginner pickleball group training. Carmelo has provided an incredibly positive experience for me. He is knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. Very organized. Clear communications. I have no doubt that Carmelo will become a very successful businessman. His kindness and integrity shines bright.”
- Kathy
“Carmelo is truly a one-of-a-kind coach! His passion for the game and strength for teaching comes through as relentless patience and care for every student, every play, of every lesson. He single-handedly launched a growing pickleball business for the tennis club, and did it with modesty, resilience and a smile. The accolades are the same from every single student…Carmelo's impact is super special!!”
- Heidi