Our Team

With a rich background in sports, leadership and personal development, Ricky has built a reputation as an exceptional pickleball player and coach who is dedicated to fostering excellence both on and off the court.

As a former member of the NYPD, Ricky understands the importance of discipline, teamwork and community service - qualities that continue to shape his approach as a coach and mentor.

Before excelling in pickleball, Ricky honed his coaching skills in high-level baseball, where he guided numerous athletes to reach their full potential.  His passion for helping others succeed is complemented by his commitment to personal growth having attended premier sales and communication seminars like the Lou Carnegie Public Speaking Course.  These experiences have equipped him with the ability to connect with individuals of all skill levels and inspire confidence in every interaction. 

A devoted family man, Ricky upholds strong family values that extend into his coaching philosophy.  He firmly believes in prioritizing the needs of his students, customers, and teams - always placing their growth and success above his own.  His extensive professional network serves as a testament to his ability to build lasting relationships grounded in trust, respect and collaboration.

Whether teaching beginners or refining the skills of seasoned players, Ricky combines his athletic expertise, coaching experience and people-first mindset to create an environment where players thrive.  His ultimate goal is to empower individuals to achieve their best on the court while instilling life lessons that resonate beyond the game.

Erik Forsythe is one of the top-ranked professional pickleball players in New York and the greater Northeast. With an elite DUPR rating of 6.1 in doubles and 5.9 in singles, Erik has spent the past five years competing in over 100 professional matches across the country. He plays on both the APP and PPA tours and also competes internationally in the Global Sports Pickleball events, captaining a pro team in their inaugural championship.

Erik’s athletic journey began at age four with tennis, which led to a decorated playing career at both Division I and Division III collegiate programs. This strong foundation in tennis has translated into a strategic and high-intensity playing style that sets him apart on the pickleball court.

As a top coach with The Academy of Pickleball Training, Erik specializes in working with advanced players on tournament preparation, leading Battle with the Pros clinics, and running high-level Up/Down matchplay sessions. While his focus might be helping elite players gain the competitve edge, Erik is equally committed to coaching students of all ages and skill levels, helping them build strong fundamentals, improve consistency, and to grow in confidence on the court.

Off the court, Erik is a dedicated husband and father of three, balancing his professional career with a strong commitment to family. He brings that same focus and perspective to his coaching—developing not just skilled athletes, but well-rounded individuals.

Gabe is a Level 1 & Level 2 certified coach of the prestigious DUPR and RPPK (Registry of Pickleball Professionals). This certification is the gold standard in pickleball coaching education and is also backed by Tyson McGuffin. He is committed to fostering a fun and engaging atmosphere where students can excel and enjoy their pickleball journey. His focus is on building confidence in his students, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the court. 

With 30 hours of weekly practice, Gabriel has mastered a variety of techniques and systems. He creates a dynamic learning environment that helps students develop the skills and playing style that suits their game. By collaborating with students to set goals and take actionable steps, Gabriel ensures they achieve their full potential.

While living in Florida, Gabriel competed and trained with PPA and APP professionals, sharpening his skills as a player. With no prior racquet sport background, he has excelled to the open level through persistence and discipline.

Gabriel currently helps run the Youth and Futures program in addition to giving private lessons for The Academy of Pickleball Training.

Frank Chi is a competitive pickleball coach known for his disciplined yet supportive approach to developing players of all ages. A former U.S. Army servicemember, Frank brings structure, efficiency, and mental toughness to his coaching. His philosophy blends precision, patience, and purpose—helping athletes break through technical barriers and develop a championship mindset.

Since 2017, Frank has focused full-time on coaching and developing his own children’s athletic talents through a unique, family-centered training system. His son Francis and daughter Serena have earned multiple medals at major national youth pickleball events, including the 2024 National PPA Youth Championship and the 2025 PPA Mesa Cup, with podium finishes in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Prior to their pickleball success, Frank coached them in golf, where they also earned top honors at youth tournaments, including the 2024 New York Long Island Youth Golf Tournament.

Frank is also a native Chinese speaker, which allows him to coach and connect with Chinese-speaking families and students, broadening access to quality instruction. In addition to his work with youth athletes, he regularly trains adult students seeking to improve match play, strategy, and fundamentals.
As a coach with The Academy of Pickleball Training, Frank has access to advanced tools, training methodologies, and a collaborative environment that supports growth at every level.