Meet Our Coaches

Meet our Pickle Factory’s Teaching Academy Coordinator, Dr. Dahlia Hirsch!

Stepping into the Pickleball world with a tennis background and the agility of a dancer, Dahlia quickly established herself as a formidable player. But she believed in more than just talent. To Dahlia, true skill came from learning, refining, and being coached by the best.

Her journey saw her train under top-notch pros like Regina Franco and Sarah Ansboury, who recognized her skill and certified her as a PPR Professional Coach and Instructor. And her mentorship didn't stop there. Dahlia's coach, Steve Kennedy, once a tennis star and now among the elite Senior Pickleball Pros in the U.S., has been pivotal in honing her skills as a player and a coach.

Dahlia's teaching mantra revolves around a proper form. For her, the right form is the secret to consistent shots, enjoyable games, and ensuring players' safety. An advocate for nutrition and physical fitness, she believes they're crucial for long-term play and performance.

Dahlia appreciates the parallels and contrasts pickleball shares with other sports. One of her true joys? Guiding players transitioning to pickleball and mentoring those eyeing tournament glory. In her words, she "loves it all!" 

Fun Fact: Dahlia danced at the Grand Ole Opry.

Meet our Programming Coordinator of the Pickle Factory, Lori Phillips!

Hailing from Hilton Head Island, SC, Lori honed her skills with the help of pickleball champ Sarah Ansboury. And she's not just about playing; she's about winning too.

She's been smashing balls and clinching titles for over three years – from the 2023 National Senior Games and the 2023 North Carolina Open to the 2022 Hilton Head Open Golden Ticket. And come November, she's heading to the big leagues at the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships in Dallas. Her passion for the game's strategy and competitiveness radiates in every match.

As a USPTR tennis coach for over two decades, Lori has helped many local tennis enthusiasts transform into seasoned players. Her tennis accolades include being a two-time Pennsylvania collegiate state doubles champion, winning numerous tennis tournaments and USTA sectional titles. Lori is a PPR Certified Professional Coach and Instructor.

Now, she seamlessly blends her tennis coaching prowess with her pickleball passion, guiding beginners and tournament veterans.

Fun Fact: Lori's parents are left-handed, but she came out all right!

Alex's athletic journey is exceptional, from the soccer fields of Norway's national youth team to the fast-paced pickleball courts. Training under Collins Johns, Alex has 3.5 years dedicated to playing pickleball at the impressive 4.5/5.0 level, Alex especially shines in mixed doubles.

But it's not just sports where Alex has made his mark. For 27 years, he's steered the course of business at Wells Fargo Bank as Vice President. His dedication to both professional and athletic pursuits speaks for itself.

As a PPR Professional Instructor, Alex's passion now lies in coaching and guiding the next wave of pickleball enthusiasts, sharing the strategies and techniques that have made him a formidable player.

Fun Fact: Alex is Norweigen.

Back in late winter 2021, Evan's pickleball adventure took off at the Edgewood Recreation & Community Center with the help of some seasoned seniors. Despite not having much experience with racquet sports beforehand, Evan's commitment to the game has taken him from novice to expert player.

For more than three years now, he has been hitting the indoor and outdoor courts, becoming a certified instructor for beginners two years ago. He doesn't just love pickleball; he's all about promoting inclusivity and skill development for people of all ages and abilities

When he's not on the court, Evan's passion for special education and therapeutic recreation shines through his dynamic teaching methods that cater to a wide range of learners., whether it's through sports like basketball, arts and crafts, or the pure joy of playing pickleball.

Fun Fact: Evan showcases an impressive skill in golf – he can skillfully drive a golf ball exceeding 300 yards! 

Gary started playing pickleball in September 2020 with a small group in Rising Sun, MD.  At first, his wife Kelly had to drag Gary kicking and screaming to go play. It wasn’t long until Gary's wife had to drag him away from the courts because he didn’t know when to stop. Gary has entered 4 tournaments and reached the podium 3 times. Gary is a Leader of the Team Reach group for Calvert Regional Park, Cecil County’s premier outdoor courts. 

Gary's athletic background includes high school soccer and wrestling, college club table tennis, and several years of fast-pitch softball. Gary also coached youth baseball and soccer. 

Gary retired in 2018 after a 32-year career as a Department of Defense Cost Analyst at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Also, Gary owns Hilltop Tree Farm in Conowingo, selling Christmas trees since 1987.

Gary's pickleball teaching experience began in early 2022 at the Elkton YMCA working with Jimmy Russell in the ongoing clinics there. He enjoys helping beginners improve their game to the next level and has taught several beginners at our driveway court at home. 

Fun Facts: I danced on stage with punk rock icon Iggy Pop at the Lallapalooza concert in Chicago.

From powerful serves on Division 1 tennis courts to thrilling pickleball rallies, Jimmy brings a wealth of experience and passion to the game. As a certified USPTA instructor, he seamlessly translates his tennis skills onto pickleball courts, offering players a unique and rounded perspective on the game.

With two years under his belt as a certified pickleball instructor and notable tournament success, Jimmy is primed to elevate the games of beginners and seasoned pros. His dedication shines in every lesson, ensuring players tap into their full potential and enjoy every moment on the court. Jimmy loves spending time with his family when he's not on the court.

Fun Fact: Jimmy is a dog lover with adorable German Shepherds!