ABOUT
Hello! I’m Bonnie Church — a well-being strategist, life coach, and functional nutritionist.
In this joyful chapter of my life, I’ve discovered an unexpected passion: playing and coaching pickleball [IPTPA-certified]. Who knew the local rec center would become one of my favorite places?
My heart has always been in helping people live with more joy.
Over the years, I’ve co-authored a success guide with NFL football players (Go Eagles!), contributed as the Wellness columnist for All About Women Magazine, and traveled the country as a trainer for an incredible company known for top-tier nutraceuticals.
But athlete? Nah. That was never my thing. Unless you count a short-lived cheerleading gig in high school. Yet here I am — a certified pickleball coach and enthusiastic recreational player.
My mission is simple: Have fun. Stay fit. Make friends.
My steep learning curve and lack of natural athletic ability nearly made me give up. But then, the “Life Coach” in me kicked in. Mastering this game turned into a personal challenge—a test of growth and resilience. As I listened to others, I realized I wasn’t alone. So many were wrestling with the same inner struggles: anxiety, self-doubt, lack of focus, and inconsistency.
I saw high-potential players give up — not from physical limitations, but from the inner game.
That insight led me to team up with two amazing athletes, Rodney Bunch and Elizabeth Barry, to create The Stillpoint Method — a mind-body approach to learning and loving pickleball at any age or skill level.
Through it all, my purpose stays the same: Have fun. Stay fit. Make friends.
Beyond the court, I share life in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with my husband of 50 years, Michael. I find joy in painting, writing, making music, seeking truth, and hanging out with my 3 beautiful granddaughters
Paddle Tap – “We Got This!’,
Coach Bonnie
THE STILL POINT METHOD COLLABORATORS
Coach Rodney Bunch
Coach Rodney Bunch is a dynamic, multi-sport athlete and accomplished leader with a strong foundation in both athletics and ministry. A former collegiate baseball player at Appalachian State University, Rodney brings a competitive edge and deep sportsmanship to everything he does. He is a certified pickleball coach through both the Pickleball Coaching International (PCI) and the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) and a decorated player with numerous medals earned across the Southeastern United States.
Rodney currently serves as a USPA Pickleball Ambassador in North Carolina, advocating for the growth of the sport at the grassroots level. He also served as a tennis professional with Peter Burwash International (PBI) in Qatar, where he promoted elite tennis instruction in an international setting. Previously, he was a board member of the American International Baseball Association in Vienna, Austria, supporting the development of youth and amateur baseball programs abroad.
Beyond the court and field, Rodney holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor and a key figure in Christian sports and educational leadership, impacting communities both in North Carolina and internationally. Currently, Rodney is collaborating with business leaders to develop state-of-the-art pickleball facilities in Thailand, combining his passion for sport with global outreach. He resides in the greater Raleigh, NC area with his wife, Jane.
Coach Elizabeth Barry
Elizabeth Barry is a Pickleball Coach who brings a wealth of experience and passion to the courts of North Carolina’s High Country, where she teaches in several resort communities. A National Senior Games gold medalist, Elizabeth competes actively in regional tournaments, demonstrating both skill and sportsmanship.
Her certifications include IPTPA [International Pickleball Teaching Professionals], PCI [Pickleball Coaching International] and PPR [The Professional Pickleball Registry].
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Elizabeth holds academic degrees in Health and Physical Education, Religion, and Counseling—an interdisciplinary background that enhances her coaching with a deep understanding of both physical training and personal development.
Outside of her professional and athletic pursuits, Elizabeth and her husband, Peter, are proud parents of seven children, balancing a dynamic family life with her commitment to excellence in coaching and competition.