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Meet Our Pros

At Home Court Pickleball Club, we do our very best to partner with a team of pros who come from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels, who are passionate about the game and excited to provide a fun, positive, nurturing environment while teaching the sport they love! No matter where you are in your pickleball journey, one of our pros can help you achieve YOUR goals.

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Peter Luck - Pro PLUS

Peter has been competing nationally in tournaments since 11 years old. He attained a USTA ranking of #2 in 18 and under Juniors Eastern Section. He went on to play Division 1 tennis at Pepperdine and Marist. Peter has been teaching tennis to kids and adults for over 15 years and transitioned over to pickleball the past 3 years as the Head Pro at Randolph Pickleball Center. Peter has taught from beginners to 5.0+ level players.

 

As a competitive player, Peter is currently a 5.75 DUPR and has attained above a 6.0 rating earlier this year.

 

Wins include:

2024 Mercer Bucs Open

2024 Lifetime Moneyball Open 

2023 USA Pickleball Atlantic Diamond Regional Open

2023 Monclair Pickleball Valentines Classic 5.0+

2022 North Mid-Atlantic Regional Classic 5.0+

2021 Virginia Open 50K Pro Division 

 

Teaching strategy and technical skill sets to high level players is his specialty. 

David Lavy - Coach

David is a seasoned pickleball player and instructor who has won multiple 4.5 tournaments:

  • Singles 4.5 (Age: 12-29)- Gold

  • Men’s Doubles 5.0+ (Age: 12-29)- Silver

  • Mercer Bucks Spring Classic Mens Doubles 4.5+

  • Berkeley Heights Spring Pickleball Bash

  • New Brunswick Moneyball

His background in both Tennis and Table Tennis has allowed him to quickly excel in the last 4 years as he continues to improve. He is a PPR Certfied Coach and focuses on his welcoming demeanor and positive teaching style. He loves helping others level-up their game and is always smiling on the court.

James Cannizarro - Coach

James is a passionate, creative, and enthusiastic pickleball player and coach who began his journey in 2023 and rose to the 5.0+ level in under a year. His rapid progression speaks to both his dedication and his deep understanding of the game—something he brings to every lesson he teaches.

 

James has coached a diverse range of students, from young children to seniors, including individuals with disabilities. What sets him apart is his ability to customize each lesson to meet the unique needs and learning styles of his students, helping them progress much more quickly than expected. Whether a student is working on foundational skills or advanced strategies, James tailors his approach to maximize both confidence and results.

 

One of James’s greatest strengths is his personal trove of tips, drills, and technical insights—distilled from his own intensive learning journey—that significantly sharpen his students' technique in less time. He fosters a uniquely supportive and motivating environment where players not only improve rapidly but also rediscover the joy of the game.

Cathy Ackerman - Pro

Cathy has long been avid racquet sport athlete. Growing up playing tennis and competed at the D1 collegiate level at Duke University where she had successful career. Since completing college tennis, she helped coach Dartmouth women’s tennis for a couple years as a graduate assistant and then found her way into other racquet sports. She has over 20 years of coaching experience.  She holds teaching certifications from the Platform Tennis Registry (PTR) and Pickleball Coaching International (PCI). 

Cathy is the Director of Business Development and an Instructor at Blu Court Sports.  She has competed in four APP events at the highest amateur level; medaling at all four. She is now playing at the senior pro level. 

  • 2022 APP New Jersey Open Mixed Gold Medal 4.5 50+

  • 2022 APP Philadelphia Open Mixed Doubles Bronze Medal 5.0 50+

  • 2022 APP Atlantic City Open Mixed Doubles Silver Medal 5.0 50+

  • 2022 Toms River Pickleball Open Women’s & Mixed Gold Medal 4.5 50+

Cathy is a patient and positive instructor that loves seeing her students develop and improve. Her energy, relatability, and ability to clearly provide digestible nuggets are what her students love most about her.

Michele Dabal - Coach

In 2017, Michele converted from tennis to pickleball to prepare for the US Transplant Games in 2018. She quickly fell in love with the sport.

In 2019, Michele earned the PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) Coach Certification and IFP (International Federation of Pickleball) Instructor Certification. Michele enjoys working with clients of all ages and abilities and is a YPP (Youth Pickleball Provider) with USA Pickleball. 

In 2021, Michele founded MD Pickleball Academy to share her passion of pickleball with others. She is an Engage Pickleball Brand Ambassador and regularly assists players on finding the right paddle for their game and budget.

Michele is a DUPR Preferred Event Director. She enjoys competitive pickleball and getting players involved with DUPR leagues and Minor League Pickleball tournaments. She is the Co-Founder & Director of the All State Pickeball League that has over 1,900 members competing across NJ with players and traveling to play from parts of NY and PA.

Karen Olivera - Coach

Karen began her pickleball journey in 2019 having a background in competitive sports,
other than those involving a racquet or paddle, and quickly became an enthusiast
of the game.

Karen is certified by the PPR and has taught students both privately and through
MD Pickleball Academy.  She has effectively competed in tournaments at the 4.0 level throughout New 
Jersey, in Pennsylvania and Florida.

Karen's pre-pickleball background includes serving as a certified personal trainer 
and Jazzercise instructor for two decades, as well as coaching high school
volleyball.

Sharon Streit - Coach

Sharon is a Certified Pickleball Coach and has taught pickleball in Morris County since July 2022. With a love of sports and a background in tennis, golf, and softball, Sharon loves to share her passion for pickleball with everyone who steps on the court.

Sharon played competitive tennis as an adult, and in 2021, she picked up her first pickleball paddle and never looked back. She is a captain of a New Jersey All State Pickleball League team (four seasons), and her team won Bronze at the state finals in December 2023.

As a coach, Sharon helps her students develop their skills and reach their full potential.  She enjoys teaching private lessons, small groups, and clinics for beginner to intermediate players. Sharon is committed to helping each player advance their game and build a solid foundation for pickleball.

Sharon is married with two kids (Katie, 17 and Jack, 14) and a yellow lab, Rosie. They live in Madison and can often be found on the pickleball court together!

Lisa Moro - Coach

Formerly an advertising executive turned stay-at-home mother of three, Lisa started teaching kids and adults to play tennis in 2019 for USA Sports and quickly transitioned to pickleball in 2021 when she fell in love with the sport. She became a certified coach through the Professional Pickleball Registry in 2021. Then she and longtime tennis friend and coach Michele Dabal started coaching together and have been teaching adults and kids ever since. Lisa is also a pickleball ambassador for USA Pickleball and volunteers teaching pickleball to elementary students in Madison where she and her family have lived for more than 20 years.  She spearheaded the recreation pickleball program in Madison which includes more than 800 players playing on 15 local rec courts, started the first-ever charity pickleball tournament for the Madison Education Foundation which has been running for the last 4 years and is actively involved in obtaining youth pickleball grants for the Madison Public School system. She and her husband Alan love playing pickleball because it is such an inclusive and fun sport that anyone can learn. The last question she asks at the end of every lesson is always  “did you have fun?” And the answer is always a resounding, “yes!” Smiles and laughter that’s what pickleball is all about!

Beth Ravin - Coach

Specializes in teaching beginners and those who are “Pickleball-Curious”. Find out what all this Pickleball fuss is about!

Beth has developed a special program to get new players to a competency level where they can join all the fun that Pickleball offers, providing a clear overview on the rules, scoring, serving, basic shots and strategy. Beth helps beginners with tools to elevate their game. She can suggest paddles and resources that might help with specific issues. This program can also fast track players who are coming from tennis and other sports so they can confidently and quickly join great Pickleball games!

Nick Roccaforte - Coach

Nationally ranked Senior tennis player for years in U S T A Eastern division.

  • Number 1 three times

  • Number 2 once

  • Number 3 once

Last number 1 ranking was last tournament played in 2017 at age 80. All with different partners.


Played in two state Pickleball tournaments and won both in Over 80 age category.  Played in National Senior Games National Championship in July 2023 and won Bronze Medal.
 

Lessons or Clincs
Interested In Membership?

Address:

235 Ridgedale Ave Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927

Email:

info@homecourtpickleballclub.com

Phone:

973-206-1258

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