Sea Colony Welcomes Gustavo "Guga" Goncalves as Director of Racquet Sports

Guga Goncalves, Director of Racquet Sports, Sea Colony

(August 2026) - Sea Colony, the premier beach & racquet sports community just south of Bethany Beach, DE, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gustavo "Guga" Goncalves as its new Director of Racquet Sports. Goncalves will officially begin his role on August 31, 2026, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience at some of the nation's most prestigious private clubs and racquet facilities.

Known throughout the racquet sports industry for his innovative programming, hospitality-first leadership, and ability to develop exceptional teams, Goncalves will oversee Sea Colony's nationally recognized racquet sports program, featuring over 46 tennis and pickleball courts. He will lead all aspects of racquet sports operations, including instruction, tournaments, leagues, special events, junior development, and member and guest programming.

"Guga's passion for racquet sports, proven leadership, and commitment to creating outstanding player experiences make him the ideal person to lead our program into its next chapter," said Patti DuBuque, General Manager of Sea Colony. "His track record of growing participation, mentoring professionals, and building vibrant racquet communities aligns perfectly with Sea Colony's reputation as one of the country's premier racquet destinations."

Goncalves most recently served as an investor and founding operator of Pickleball Kingdom in Plano, Texas, where he helped launch one of the country's premier indoor pickleball facilities. Previously, he served as Director of Racquets at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas and Director of Racquet Sports at the nationally recognized Chevy Chase Club in Maryland. Throughout his career, he has successfully expanded tennis and pickleball programming, increased participation across all age groups, developed innovative events and instructional programs, and mentored ten professionals who have gone on to become racquet directors at clubs across the country.

"I'm honored to join the Sea Colony team and become part of such a special community," said Goncalves. "Sea Colony has built an incredible reputation for racquet sports, and I'm excited to build on that tradition by creating outstanding experiences for homeowners, guests, juniors, and players of every age and ability. I look forward to meeting everyone and getting on the courts this fall."

A native of Brazil, Goncalves competed professionally on the Satellite Tour before continuing his tennis career at Southern Illinois University and Florida Southern College, where he achieved a high ranking of No. 3 in the country. He later transitioned into club leadership, becoming a USPTA, PTR, and PPTR certified teaching professional. Goncalves was named the 2018 USPTA Maryland Professional of the Year and has served as a national clinician, conference speaker, and industry leader, sharing his expertise with racquet professionals across the country.

Sea Colony has long been recognized as one of the premier racquet sports destinations on the East Coast. Under Goncalves' leadership, the community will continue to offer exceptional tennis and pickleball programming while expanding opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels through innovative instruction, engaging events, and a welcoming community atmosphere.