When Branford's Pickelball Club Opens In August, Award-Winning Expert Joins Staff

BRANFORD, CT — Set to open on East Industrial Road in August, Serve and Smash Padel and Pickle Club, has brought aboard an "internationally recognized" pickleball professional Bruno Semino, as the club’s new Racquet Director.

"A dynamic athlete and elite coach, Semino brings a global resume of accomplishments and a fresh perspective to the fastest-growing spot in the U.S.," a news release from the club reads.

"With over 15 years of international experience in Paleta Frontón and Pelota Vasca, Semino is no stranger to the world of racquet sports," it's noted. His accolades include a Pan American Gold Medal and a 7th-place finish at the World Championship, "proving his versatility and athletic prowess across disciplines."

At Serve and Smash, he will offer a variety of programming, including private lessons, group clinics, '3 and me' training, and competitive strategy sessions.

Semino represented Peru at the 2024 Pickleball World Cup, earning a Silver Medal and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honor, "a remarkable achievement in just his second year of playing the sport. He is an IPTPA-certified coach known for his high-level instruction, infectious energy, and results-driven training style," the Club wrote.

"I’m beyond excited to join the Serve & Smash family. The team is fully committed and passionate about the growth of Pickleball and Padel, and provides a high-qualit" experience at the Club,” Semino was quoted as saying. "Our goal is to inspire players of all levels, foster a strong culture on and off the court, and create a space where people not only play, but thrive."

Semino holds an MBA from Southern Connecticut State University and is "passionate about helping players of all levels achieve their goals on the court."

"Semino’s rapid rise in the pickleball world has been nothing short of spectacular, with standout performances at major events like the 2024 and 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open where he won Gold and Silver Medals. His holistic approach to coaching integrates strength, flexibility, and strategy, drawing from his past career as a dance professor at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Lima, Peru, and his expertise in biomechanics and movement science," the Club noted.

Serve and Smash Padel and Pickle Club co-owner Tom Hinding said Semino's "elite experience, coaching style, and passion for the sport make him an incredible asset to our club and community."

"We have created a model unlike anything you’ve seen in the U.S.," he said, adding, "Having a first-class facility with a pro like Semino will bring a whole new level of excitement to both the pickleball and padel communities.”

For more information, visit www.smashclub.us