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.

A former #1 singles tennis player at Sacred Heart University, Justin made the transition to pickleball in early 2024. Drawing on his standout collegiate career, he quickly adapted to the sport, bringing a sharp competitive edge and tactical precision to the court. Since then, he has rapidly climbed the ranks, now holding a DUPR of 5.0+ and competing on the professional pickleball circuit. Justin is committed to becoming the best in the world—while pushing the boundaries of the sport and helping grow pickleball on a global scale.

Kayla Teape is not just a pickleball coach - she’s a connector, a creator, and a catalyst for change. With bold determination and an infectious joie de vivre, Kayla turns every court into a space for joy, growth, and limitless possibility.

As an athlete and the visionary founder of Pickled Minds - a movement breaking mental health stigma and championing wellness - Kayla brings a rare mix of high-level strategy, heartfelt mentorship, and unmatched passion to everything she does. Whether she’s drilling third-shot drops, breaking down doubles tactics, or sparking laughter mid-rally, her coaching combines technical mastery with an open, vibrant energy that keeps players inspired and coming back for more.

With deep roots in mental health advocacy, community building, and high-level competition, Kayla’s mission is simple: to help you show up as your best self - on and off the court. Her sessions go beyond the game. They’re about building confidence, honing intuition, and using pickleball as a powerful tool for connection, growth, and wellbeing.

Justin is a dedicated pickleball coach whose passion for the sport turned a weekend hobby into a full-time career. After years of competing and training with top-level instructors, he discovered his true calling: helping others fall in love with pickleball while improving their skills in a fun, focused environment.

Whether working with beginners or seasoned players looking to refine their strategy and technique, Justin tailors each lesson to individual goals. His upbeat, patient, and detail-oriented coaching style emphasizes footwork, smart shot selection, and the all-important dink.

As a certified instructor and lifelong athlete, Justin blends technical expertise with a laid-back, approachable vibe, making learning enjoyable for all ages. His mission is simple: to help players feel more confident on the court and have more fun with every game.