About - In The Game MN

Introducing our General Manager

Marco Franco

Marco is a certified USPTA Elite Professional with over 10 years of coaching and leadership experience in racquet sports. He first discovered pickleball in 2020 and was instantly drawn to the energy, community, and excitement of the game. After just a few months of playing, his passion and dedication led him to turn professional, competing in tournaments on the PPA Tour.

Alongside his playing career, Marco has managed multiple athletic facilities and has grown pickleball programs for players of all ages and skill levels. He has coached at every level—from beginners picking up a paddle for the first time to high-level athletes—always creating an environment that is both fun and engaging while also competitive and challenging. His coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that pickleball is truly a sport for everyone, offering both joy and community.

As a man of faith and someone who values family deeply, Marco brings purpose and connection to everything he does. He is now excited to join In The Game Pickleball and Golf, where he looks forward to serving the Ramsey community and surrounding cities. With its state-of-the-art pro-cushioned pickleball courts, the facility is truly one-of-a-kind, and Marco is eager to share his passion for the sport.

He can’t wait to meet new players, build community, and spread the love of pickleball.

Brad Vaudt – Head Pickleball Coach

Brad Vaudt brings over 40 years of coaching experience, beginning in 1985 when he led a Babe Ruth baseball team to an AAU Championship. His lifelong passion for teaching and developing players now fuels his love for growing the game of pickleball.

After playing tennis in college, Brad dedicated his career to coaching and mentoring athletes of all ages and skill levels. His journey with pickleball began in 2003, introducing the sport in schools and using it to inspire students to join the tennis program.

In 2023 and 2024, Brad had the privilege of training Minnesota Physical Education teachers on how to teach pickleball to their students—helping expand the sport’s reach throughout the state.

Now as a Coach for In The Game, Brad is excited to teach everything from Intro Classes and Skills Clinics to Private Lessons and Coached Leagues, where he’ll be on court helping players strengthen their strategy and understanding of the game.

Brad’s goal is simple: to create a “FUN” welcoming pickleball community that provides opportunities for players of every age and skill level to learn, improve, and enjoy this amazing sport!

Hunter Ubel Golf Manager

Hunter Ubel is a 20-year-old collegiate golfer at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, where he is studying finance and economics. He plans to earn his PGA degree after graduation and pursue a career as a PGA professional at a golf club.

Hunter has been playing golf since age 3 and has worked in the golf industry for five years at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. In addition to his role there, he teaches junior golf camps and is passionate about introducing young kids to the game and developing their skills.

He lives in Blaine with his family. In his spare time, Hunter enjoys spending time with them at the family cabins in McGregor, Minnesota, and Danbury, Wisconsin, where he loves hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling.

Stop by In The Game to meet Hunter in person—he’s always ready to talk golf, share tips, or help you find the perfect gear for your next round.

Brian Eggleston Assistant Golf Professional

Brian has 25 years of experience in the golf industry as a leading teaching professional. His dedication and passion for helping golfers reach their full potential have been evident for the past 15 years as an Assistant Golf Professional at Edinburgh Golf USA. He works with golfers of all skill levels, from beginners and college players to professionals. With a background in Kinesiology and an understanding of Biomechanics, along with mentorship from Dr. Rick Sessinghaus (ranked No. 32 among Top 50 Teachers in America), Brian also applies his knowledge of the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) to simplify the golf swing. His goal is to help golfers become more physically capable of executing smooth, effortless golf motion.

Brian started his career in the golf industry by learning how to fit and build golf clubs. He is a Certified Club Fitter for major manufacturers: Titleist, TaylorMade, Ping, Cleveland Golf, Mizuno, Callaway, Fujikura, True Temper, KBS, and others. In 2015, he was recognized as a Top 100 fitter and has worked with many top brands, learning from some of the best club fitters in the industry.

He believes that working on every part of a player’s game is essential for improvement. His focus includes swing, short game, bunker play, putting, mental game, course management, and equipment. He understands that every player is unique and cannot be taught with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Brian moved to Minnesota from California with his wife, Lisa. He is a proud father of 8-year-old twins—a boy and a girl—and they have a Labrador named Koda.

Rates:

Single Lesson: $150
Youth Camps: Available
Junior Rates: Available

Next Steps:

Contact Brian Eggleston to discuss your goals and schedule your lesson or fitting session.
Decide which lesson or program best fits your needs (single lesson, season-long package, or youth camp).
Prepare any questions about club fitting, instruction, or rates in advance.
Arrive ready to learn and improve your golf game!

For more information or to book a session, please call or visit the In the Game pro shop.

612-597-4743