From the classroom to the commentary box: Meet the Warwickshire teacher finding fame on a global stage
By day, Nick Hobbis helps children find their voices in the classroom. Away from school, he is taking his own voice to the international stage as a well-known pickleball commentator, presenter and interviewer.
The 42-year-old Warwickshire teacher balances a full-time career in education with a growing broadcasting diary, bringing the excitement, personalities and stories of pickleball to audiences across the UK and Europe.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is one of the fastest growing sports globally, with Pickleball England currently estimating there are 85,000 active players and over 1,500 venues offering the sport in England. Played in singles and doubles with paddles and a lightweight perforated plastic ball, the sport is attracting players of all ages and abilities.
From the classroom to the commentary box
Nick’s journey behind the microphone began at the 2024 Pickleball English Open in Telford, when one of the sport’s leading coaches invited him to step into the commentary box for a guest slot. His impressive performance was noted and he was offered chance to commentate and co-commentate at further events that year.
Having previously worked as a professional football match official (where his role included some media training), Nick’s experience helped him to feel comfortable with a microphone in his hand, giving him a valuable starting point.
An international schedule
Since Nick’s debut in 2024, his schedule has quickly gone international, with European pickleball organisations taking note of his talent and hiring him to commentate on leading tours and events across the globe.
With London, Austria and Turkey just a few of the places Nick has travelled to, his schedule is jam-packed. Next up is the Pickleball English Nationals in Bolton, running from October 29 to November 1. Organised by Pickleball England, it is the organisation’s second-largest tournament and another major opportunity to showcase the sport’s talent. For Nick, it is one of his favourite events, with many pickleball players tuning into the live stream to watch their friends or family play.
"There’s always a great atmosphere, some fantastic matches and so many brilliant people involved," he said.
"I love being part of it and helping bring the excitement of the tournament to people watching at home. This year, there are a record number of 1,500 players competing, so the atmosphere is going to be even better than usual!"
Helping children find their voices
Despite his growing commitments, Nick continues to teach full-time in Hartshill, and the two careers are proving a winning combination.
Bringing his media experience into school, Nick has helped pupils to launch podcasts, develop their speaking and communication skills, and is also preparing for the launch of a primary school radio station this year.
"It’s exciting to help children find their voices while continuing to develop my own," he said.
A passion for growing the game
Nick hopes to make broadcasting his full-time career if the right opportunity arises, adding that he "loves being involved in the sport and helping bring its players, personalities and stories to a wider audience."
He believes quality coverage is vital to pickleball’s continued growth, with live streaming offering a chance to introduce the game to people who may never have watched it before.
"The quality of pickleball coverage matters a great deal to me," he said.
"Live streaming gives us a huge opportunity to introduce the sport to new audiences, and the production, commentary and presentation all contribute to that first impression."