In the heart of Key Biscayne, within one of Miami’s most iconic destinations, José María “Txema” Carrillo has become the driving force behind one of the most dynamic padel programs in the United States. As Padel Director at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Carrillo has not only introduced European-level professionalism to the courts — he has created a complete ecosystem for growth, community, and excellence.
When Carrillo arrived, padel at the Ritz-Carlton was still in its early stages. Within months, he revitalized the entire program, developing a comprehensive system for junior, recreational, and competitive players. Through his leadership and vision, the club now offers daily clinics, private sessions, tournaments, and corporate events that are setting a new benchmark for padel in the U.S. hospitality and sports industries.
His methodology combines European technical precision with an American sense of energy and inclusiveness. “The key was to make the sport accessible while maintaining top-level instruction,” Carrillo explains. “We built a methodology where every player — whether a child, an amateur, or a high-level athlete — feels part of something bigger.”
The result is a vibrant community that thrives on improvement, fun, and unity. Carrillo personally designed three progressive training pathways — development, performance, and competition — giving players a clear structure for progress. His focus on dynamism, tactical awareness, and technical refinement has become the signature of the Ritz-Carlton padel experience.
Yet beyond skill development, Carrillo’s greatest success has been building harmony and connection within one of Miami’s most remarkable communities. The program has become a hub for families, executives, athletes, and enthusiasts — a reflection of Key Biscayne’s cosmopolitan identity and the social power of sport.
Under Carrillo’s leadership, participation has multiplied, and the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is now recognized as one of the most active and respected padel destinations in the United States. His initiatives — from pro-ams and clinics to celebrity exhibitions — have drawn attention from media outlets and influential figures across sports and culture, positioning the club at the forefront of the sport’s expansion.
For Carrillo, this is only the beginning. “Padel in America is growing faster than anyone imagined,” he says. “My goal is to ensure that growth happens with structure, professionalism, and community — just as we’ve done here.”As the sport continues to gain momentum, leaders like Txema Carrillo are proving that the future of padel in the U.S. is not just promising — it’s already here.
