Seahawk Alumni Join to Launch Padel Clubs

South Florida residents now enjoy further opportunities to play padel, a rapidly growing racquet sport, thanks to Keiser University graduates Bastien Bauden, Ander Llona, Biel Roca, and Alberto Unionabarrenechea, and their August 2025 launch of Palm Beach Padel.

The four, who are all Keiser University Flagship Campus business and sport management graduates, recently unveiled their West Palm Beach location, and Unionabarrenechea shared that they are preparing to expand throughout South Florida.

All former Keiser University soccer players, the group’s strong collegiate business management and athletic foundation provides a strong foundation for business growth.

“Our experience at Keiser University was a key factor in making all of this possible. It’s what brought us together to West Palm Beach, the perfect place to turn our vision into reality. Many of the classes we took, especially in entrepreneurship and management, gave us the tools and mindset to start a business from scratch. Being part of the Entrepreneurship Club and having professors like Nihad Sakallah, who constantly encouraged us to think big and take action, pushed us to transform an idea into a real project. KU provided the foundation, environment, and network that made Palm Beach Padel possible,” said Unionabarrenechea.

A dynamic mix of tennis and squash, padel is gaining popularity, especially in the United States, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and Argentina, and is played on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls.

“We started this project in 2021 with the vision of introducing the exciting sport to West Palm Beach and creating a place where people could connect through the game,” said Unionabarrenechea, who first met Llona in their hometown of Bilbao, Spain, where they began competing in soccer and padel games as children back in 2010.

“Back home in Spain, padel is part of everyday life. Ander and I grew up playing regularly, and since our families were already involved in the sports industry, including padel facilities, it was always at the back of our minds that we would one day create something similar abroad. When we realized how rapidly padel was expanding internationally, but how limited it still was in the United States, we saw an opportunity to bring that same passion and community to Florida. Together with Biel and Bastien, we decided to make it happen, and that’s how Palm Beach Padel came to life,” said Unionabarrenechea.

Now thankful to embrace the endeavor, which blends their love for sports, entrepreneurship, and community, Unionabarrenechea advises others to remain steadfast.

“If you have a dream or an idea that excites you, start now. Surround yourself with the right people, stay consistent, and keep learning. What starts as a small vision can quickly grow into something much bigger than you imagined,” he smiled.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration focuses on an in-depth study of the functional areas of business, the business environment, including ethical business practices, and technical and communication skills needed in today’s business environment. The program offers various concentrations that allow students to specialize in a specific business discipline to enhance their career opportunities within that field. The program includes opportunities for students to apply skills and knowledge learned throughout the program.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science in Sports Management is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for a career in the sports industry. The sports industry is one of the largest segments of the economy, and opportunities for careers exist in international, professional, amateur, and collegiate sport, as well as in tourism, recreation, and private sport enterprises. The Keiser curriculum focuses on the business aspects of the sports industry, including marketing, management, law, sales, economics, and finance. The program is offered as a 120-credit program and a 60-credit degree completion program. Students enrolling in the degree completion program must have an approved associate’s degree.

About Palm Beach Padel

Palm Beach Padel is a European-inspired sports and social club located just five minutes from downtown West Palm Beach. The club features four panoramic outdoor courts, a chill-out area, and a growing community of players of all levels. With plans to expand across the U.S., Palm Beach Padel aims to bring the vibrant spirit of padel to new audiences through top-quality facilities, coaching, and events. Players experience world-class padel on panoramic courts imported from Spain, equipped with cutting-edge AI cameras, refreshing locker rooms, a stylish lounge, and more.

Transform Your Future at Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years.

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