Meet the Instructors
Harry Atwood
PPR Certified | Harry recently retired from a career teaching at a local high school (Turner Ashby) where he also coached baseball and football. He has participated in a wide variety of sports throughout his life and obtained his pickleball coaching certification through the Professional Pickleball Registry in March of 2023. Harry finds great fulfillment in coaching beginners and more experienced players to learn and improve their technical and tactical skills. He is a firm believer in the power of patience, enthusiasm, and positivity. Pickleball can be played for casual, light-hearted enjoyment or it can be played for the intense rush of vigorous competition. Whatever your goals, Harry looks forward to improving your game and making your experience at Massanutten fun and productive.
Dara Sodikoff
PPR Certified Coach | Dara Sodikoff is the founder and head instructor of Friendly City Pickleball, a community-focused organization dedicated to growing the game of pickleball throughout the Shenandoah Valley. As a PPR Certified Coach, Dara is passionate about creating welcoming, engaging, and confidence-building experiences for players of all ages and skill levels. Her coaching philosophy centers around making pickleball fun, approachable, and accessible while helping players develop the skills and confidence needed to enjoy the game for years to come.Through Friendly City Pickleball, Dara has developed a variety of programs including beginner clinics, youth camps, ladder leagues, social events, and community partnerships designed to bring people together through pickleball. Dara believes that pickleball is about more than learning how to hit a ball—it’s about building friendships, creating community, and fostering a lifelong love of movement and competition. Her energetic and encouraging teaching style helps new players feel comfortable while challenging experienced players to continue improving their game. In addition to coaching throughout the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area, Dara partners with local organizations and recreation facilities to expand opportunities for players to learn, compete, and connect. Whether you're picking up a paddle for the very first time or looking to elevate your game, Dara is committed to helping every player feel welcomed, supported, and inspired on the court.
