Our Team
Ricky Mango
Pickleball Coach & Mentor
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
Pickleball Pro
Erik Forsythe is among the top professional pickleball players in New York and the Northeast. With an impressive DUPR rating of 6.1 in doubles and 5.9 in singles, he has spent the past five years traveling across the country to compete in tournaments.
Erik competes domestically in the APP and PPA tours and internationally in the PWR tournament series. His athletic journey began at the age of 4 with a lifelong tennis career, which led him to play at both Division 1 and Division 3 colleges.
Jesse Tuozzo
Pickleball Coach
Jesse brings three years of dedicated pickleball experience and a DUPR rating of 5.0 to The Academy of Pickleball Training. With no prior tennis background, he has rapidly advanced by competing in open-level tournaments across the tri-state area, learning and refining his skills through hands-on experience.
Known for his highly analytical approach and passion for teaching, Jesse excels at breaking down complex techniques, making him an ideal coach for players looking to elevate their game.
Gabriel Sternlieb
PICKLEBALL COACH
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.