The success of Golden Age Pickleball is entirely due to our team of friendly and professional coaches.
Jerry Bisson
Jerry, a PPR certified coach, started playing pickleball in 2018 and began teaching in 2020. He played competitive tennis and shifted to pickleball to enjoy the wicked fast rallies, creative strategies, laughs and the many opportunities to make new friends.
Dan Melvin
Dedicated Assistant Coach with a passion for the game, Dan thrives on seeing his students improve. Pickleball has become the highlight of his retirement, offering not just sport but camaraderie with fellow players. Let’s improve our Pickleball game together!
Kevin Filbey
Kevin, a lifelong fan of racquet sports, shifted his focus from tennis to coaching pickleball enthusiasts in 2023. Along with competing in tournaments, he enjoys fostering a vibrant sense of fun and community on the pickleball courts.
Colleen Harris
Colleen, the Pickleball Director of the NZone, caught the pickleball bug in 2021 and enjoys the exercise, challenge and friendships she has made. She enjoys, traveling, cycling and time with her family and two dachshunds.
John Connell
John played volleyball, racquetball, and softball before committing to pickleball in 2017. He began coaching and teaching in 2021. He was PPR certified in 2023 and, along with Jerry Bisson, is a founder of Golden Age Pickleball.
Elaine Rupp
Elaine is a retired College Physical Education Professor with a passion for teaching. She first began playing and teaching pickleball in 1997 after playing racquetball and tennis. Elaine began coaching with Golden Age Pickleball in 2023 and was PPR Certified in 2024.
Nancy Prichard
Nancy, a lifelong tennis player, switched to Pickleball in 2022, recognizing the ease and fun of drop-in play with fellow competitors from all over the world. She has enjoyed coaching since 2023, enthusiastically encouraging others to tweak their strokes and strategies. She is in line to gain PPR certification in February, 2024.
Shana Wallace
Shana is an experienced sports coach with a background in coaching and playing ultimate frisbee at the highest levels (National and World competition). After adding tennis, cycling, and skiing to her repertoire, she took up pickleball in 2022. Shana’s experience in multiple sports makes her a versatile and knowledgeable coach.
Kami McClelland
Kami started playing pickleball in 2021 and coaching in 2023. She relishes the exercise, laughs and fun from pickleball. She brings a passion for playing and teaching the game.
Gary Cline
Gary started Pickleball in 2022 and found it a great way to exercise and meet new people. He is a friendly and patient coach.
Barbara Cline
In 2021, shortly after retiring, Barbara discovered pickleball and never looked back. The game’s rhythm, camaraderie, and thrill of competition quickly became her newfound passion, enriching her healthy lifestyle and fostering new friendships with fellow players.
Zhaohui Zhang
Zhaohui, a tennis player and coach, transitioned to pickleball in 2022 and began coaching in 2023. She relishes the joy of the game and the thrill of competition. Zhaohui won a silver medal at the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Senior Open. Her accomplishments reflect her dedication, competitive spirit, and love for pickleball.
Suzanne Wharton-Lake
Suzanne has a background in tennis and ping pong. She began playing pickleball in 2022 and coaching in 2023. She enjoys playing in tournaments and loves the social and community aspects of the game. She is PPR certified and committed to expanding her expertise in playing and coaching pickleball.