Jeff McKnight

Playing out of Des Moines, Iowa, Adam brings a competitive spirit and a large dose of swagger to the court. He prides himself on being a supportive and positive teammate on court and off. Don’t let his friendly demeanor and near constant smile fool you though as his passion for winning is nearly unmatched. Known alternatively as “Tall Adam”, “Hot Adam”, or “Smiley Horsey”, Adam is known for his friendly demeanor and near constant smile on court, as well as a nearly unmatched passion for winning.

When not playing for the Columbus Hotshots, Adam is the owner and lead pickleball teaching professional at 515 Pickleball Academy, Des Moines premier spot for pickleball instruction. Combining his high level tennis background with years of watching bodies in motion as a personal trainer has made Adam an excellent technical coach. This combination of body mechanics and on court strategy gets applied to students from beginners to players with professional aspirations.

Earlier in his life, Adam was a NCAA Division I tennis player at Portland State University, where he also earned his Master of Business Administration. He and his doubles partner Corey Bennett held the record for most doubles in team history over their time together. (To be fair, the team was trash and the number of wins wasn’t very impressive but a record is a record.) In his previous professional life he was also President of a regional insurance services firm in Portland and has served on several boards of state and national insurance associations.

Adam has a large number of local players in Des Moines that look up to and revere him, including, but not limited to Temu Adam, Slick, LG, and Carrie Mitchell. Adam also has a cat named Bruiser, who loves him as much as a cat can love a human being.

The co-owner and Head Teaching Pro at Dinks Pickleball in Des Moines, Bailey Saal-Lanning is a major presence in Iowa’s pickleball scene. Whether she’s coaching up players of all ages (excluding her two daughters who refuse to play with her) or indulging her competitive side, she’s very at home on the court.

Her athletic career is long and varied, including picking up tennis in high school and a short stint on her highschool bowling team. She prioritized her love for volleyball and played throughout college at Washburn University. Eventually, on a family cruise, Bailey discovered pickleball. The game suited her long frame and her court vision carried over from her time as an outside hitter. Unfortunately, most of her footwork from volleyball also carried over to the pickleball court with her movement resembling a baby giraffe crossed with a Clydesdale.

While difficult to slip away from her life and kids, Bailey has nonetheless amassed quite a medal haul. Gold medals from PPA Kansas City, PPA Minneapolis, and USA Pickleball National Championships as well as various other medal colors from the US Open Pickleball Championships and a variety of APP events.

Off court Bailey owns and practices at her mental health clinic where she provides therapeutic/counseling and assessment services for children, adolescents, and adults. She also delights in being a mother to her two children, Campbell and Lolo, and supporting their journeys into becoming well rounded human beings.

Lora Spilker is a lifelong competitor whose passion for sports has always centered on teamwork, growth, and bringing out the best in those around her. A multi-sport athlete, she has competed in basketball, softball, golf, tennis, and now pickleball. After playing four years of collegiate golf at the University of Indianapolis, she discovered tennis at age 30, worked her way to the 5.0 level, and eventually found her true passion on the pickleball court. She thrives on embracing new challenges and believes every sport has helped shape the competitor and teammate she is today.

Lora is a teaching professional at The Dink House in Carmel, Indiana, and also coaches at Cage Campus in Fishers. Whether she’s working with beginners or advanced players, she is passionate about helping others improve their game while building confidence, strong fundamentals, and a genuine love for pickleball. She believes the best teams are built on trust, communication, and lifting one another up, and she brings that mindset to every lesson and every match.

On the competitive side, Lora has earned gold, silver, and bronze medals at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in both women’s and mixed doubles. Most recently, she added a silver medal in women’s doubles at the CSP 40+ Pro Tournament in St. Petersburg, continuing to challenge herself against some of the sport’s top competitors.

Away from the court, Lora is a sixth-grade math teacher and former basketball and volleyball coach. Her experience in education and athletics has strengthened her leadership, communication, and ability to connect with people—qualities that make her a supportive teammate, coach, and competitor. Whether she’s competing, teaching, or cheering on those around her, Lora is committed to helping her team succeed.

When she’s not teaching or playing pickleball, Lora enjoys spending time with family, traveling, relaxing at the beach, and hanging out with her five-year-old dachshund mix, Benny.

Zac Brown brings an accomplished racquet sports background and a passion for competition to the Columbus Hotshots. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Zac played four years of collegiate tennis at the University of Alabama in Huntsville before transitioning to pickleball, where he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the Southeast.

Competing at both the 5.0 and professional levels, Zac has earned impressive results on some of pickleball’s biggest stages. His tournament highlights include a silver medal in Split Age Pro Men’s Doubles and a bronze medal in Split Age Pro Mixed Doubles at the Champions Series Music City Open in Nashville, a bronze medal in singles at the USA Pickleball National Championships, and two silver medals at the US Open Pickleball Championships in Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles.

In addition to his success on the court, Zac serves as a coach at The Picklr, where he is passionate about helping players of all skill levels improve their game while growing the sport throughout the region. Known for his strategic play, competitive drive, and team-first mentality, Zac combines high-level experience with a genuine love for pickleball, making him a valuable member of the Columbus Hotshots both on and off the court.

When he isn’t competing or coaching, Zac enjoys traveling the world, exploring new cultures, and seeking out new adventures both on and off the court.

Anna Shirley played college tennis at UNLV, where she was voted MVP her senior year. She went on to play professional paddle tennis, capturing numerous national titles in both mixed and women’s divisions, and won the National Singles Paddle Tennis Championship at just 16 years old.

She has been competing in pickleball for six years. In 2023, she was the season-ending #1-ranked woman in the Champions Pro Division, and in 2025, she was the season-ending #1-ranked woman in the Masters Pro Division. She captured double gold at the US Open in the Master Pro Division and has won numerous APP women’s tournaments with her teammate Nathalie Bagby. Anna has also competed in the NPL for the past three seasons.

Born and raised in Southern California, she still lives there today. She is married to David Shirley and has two children, Christina (26) and Michael (23). She is the proud owner of four rescue dogs and is a fierce Rummikub and backgammon player.

Chris “Mills” Miller is a Pickleball Pro from the Pacific Northwest. Born in Palo Alto, California, he resides in Kent (Seattle), Washington. Chris is the oldest of four brothers, growing up with a background in baseball and basketball. He is a former high school PE and health teacher, as well as a former high school baseball coach.

Mills developed a passion for pickleball in high school and college. He is a consummate professional and former #1 ranked player and Open Nationals Singles Champion, playing at the highest level of tournament pro pickleball for over 30 years since 1989. Since 2015, he has served as the Head Pickleball Pro at Bobby Riggs Racquet & Paddle (5 years).

Mills is best known for his all-out style of play – diving and sacrificing his body, making him one of the sport’s ultimate competitors. He is currently a top doubles Senior Pro Tour player and loves being an ambassador for the sport, helping continue its spectacular growth, whether it’s playing tournaments, giving lessons, or coaching clinics and camps domestically and internationally at Pickleballgetaways.com.

His accomplishments include being inducted into the Pickleball Hall of Fame, Class of 2025; being a 10x Nationals Champion; a 37x Nationals and US Open Medalist; a 3x Canadian National Champion; a 6x Grand Canyon Champion; earning over 100 career gold medals, over 75 career silver medals, and over 75 career bronze medals; being the 2010 Open Pro Men’s Singles National Champion (Gold Medalist); the 2009 and 2011 Open Pro Men’s Singles Nationals Silver Medalist; the 2014 Nationals Championship Open Pro Men’s Doubles Silver Medalist; a 2023 NPL World Champion (Indy Drivers); and a 2025 NPL League Champion, finishing 2nd place (Seattle Tsunami).

The community and friendships Chris has built playing pickleball remain his greatest legacy.

Known to be the spirit of the team and a natural leader, Chrishawn Spackman is a PPA Certified Coaching Pro out of St Pete Athletic Club in St Petersburg, FL. A first of its kind Pickleball (and Padel) Country Club! She is the proud Captain of the Gainesville Chomp competing in the All-Florida Pro League (AFPL) which has inked 11 ‘kids’ to the Pro Tour (8 PPA, 2 India, 1 APP Gen) in its’ first 2 seasons!

Chrishawn is the ‘dreaded middle child’ (therapy welcome) with two brothers as the bookends of the sibling clan. In that scenario, how could she not grow up to be a competitor? Chrishawn is an ‘over the top’ proud Mom of her 20-year-old daughter, Peyton, and a most grateful daughter of amazing parents. Chrishawn played Division I basketball before an injury benched her from sport her Senior year for more than 20 years.

Fast forward to 2018’ish, when Chrishawn was introduced to Pickleball and quickly found that the inner athlete and competitor was simply ‘in waiting’ to be called to the courts. Once awakened, she went from recreational play to tournament play to high level competitive play over the next few years. Her most proud moments include captaining, playing, and winning the inaugural USTA Team Pickleball National Championships in Las Vegas, becoming a US Open Champion in 5.0 Doubles (thank you Gillis), winning the 2024 APP Humana Cup Championship as part of Team Eva Welsher, being voted the 2024 NPL Influencer recipient, and being drafted for a third season to the MLP Champions Series League.

Coincidence or destiny – Chrishawn competed alongside her older brother, Jerry, in basketball shooting competitions as a kid for several years – those competitions (cannot make this stuff up) were called ‘Hotshot’ competitions! Let’s Go Hotshots!

Fun Facts about Chrishawn

• Chrishawn coaches in Ajijic, Mexico & for Costa Rica Pickleball Retreats in the Guanacaste Region of CR
• Her mother is a retired CEO from a time when women were NOT in leadership positions
• Her Stepdad (Dad) holds a JD, Financial Planner License, & Real Estate License – a Jack of all Trades!
• Her Father was a wide receiver in the NFL

Chrishawn Spackman

Team Gearbox

PPR Certified Coaching Pro
APP Senior Pro Tour
Texas Senior Pro League
National Pickleball League Pro Player
National Pickleball League Influencer Award
Humana Cup Pro Player
US Open Champion
USTA PB National Champions

Davidson Kozlowski currently resides in Sarasota, Florida, and brings a lifetime of high-level competitive and coaching experience to professional pickleball.

A former nationally ranked junior and collegiate tennis player, Davidson played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles at Florida State University before embarking on an accomplished collegiate coaching career. Over more than 20 years as an NCAA Division I men’s tennis coach, he established himself as one of the nation’s premier coaches.

During his 12 seasons as head men’s tennis coach at Drake University, he led the program to unprecedented success, earning six Conference Coach of the Year honors while guiding the Bulldogs to 11 conference championships and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. His teams advanced to the NCAA Second Round twice with victories over TCU and Louisville, achieved the highest national ranking in school history at No. 16, and recorded the program’s highest-ranked victory by defeating No. 14 Washington.

After returning to Florida in 2023, Davidson transitioned his focus to pickleball. He currently serves as Commissioner of the All Florida Pro League (AFPL), an eight-team, MLP-style professional team league. Prior to his commissioner role, he served as General Manager of DNA Pickleball in Fort Myers and Dill Dinkers SRQ in Sarasota.

As a coach, Davidson has worked with and mentored many of the sport’s top professionals, including Federico Staksrud, Zane Ford, John Lucian Goins, Mya Bui, and Jade Rau. He also served as the full-time coach for APP professionals Megan Fudge, Ryler DeHeart, and Jae Centonze.

New to the senior professional pickleball circuit, Davidson has made an immediate impact. In just his first professional tournament, he captured a bronze medal at the APP Sacramento Open, highlighting a promising start to his competitive pickleball career.

Away from the court, Davidson and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 24 years and are the proud parents of three children: Alexandra, Anya, and Chase.

Jeff McKnight is a Columbus-based professional pickleball player and the co-owner and general manager of the Columbus Hotshots, a National Pickleball League franchise competing in the Champions (50+) division. A lifelong sports enthusiast from Grove City, Ohio, McKnight transitioned from recreational athlete to dedicated pickleball competitor over the past several years, steadily training and testing himself in higher-level tournaments as his passion for the sport grew.

Alongside his playing career, McKnight spearheaded the creation of the Columbus Hotshots – an expansion team launched in 2024 – driven by a vision to bring top-tier senior professional pickleball to Central Ohio and build a community-focused franchise. As both owner and player, he leads on and off the court, from assembling the roster and shaping team culture to competing with his teammates in NPL events around the country.

Off the pickleball court, McKnight has spent decades as a business owner, serving as president of Command Heating, Inc., a residential and commercial HVAC and plumbing company serving the Central Ohio area since the mid-1990s. He brings that entrepreneurial experience – developing organizations, managing teams, and serving customers – to his role guiding the Hotshots’ growth and fan experience.

Proudly representing Greater Columbus, McKnight is committed to showcasing high-level champions-age pickleball, inspiring new players, and creating opportunities for local fans to connect with the fastest-growing sport in the country. Whether he is organizing showcase events, appearing on pickleball podcasts, or stepping onto the court in a Hotshots jersey, he embodies a hands-on, competitive, and community-driven approach to the game.

Jim Bronson is a Toledo, Ohio native who has spent a lifetime fueled by competition. Whether it’s racing motocross, competing in radio-controlled car racing, shooting competitions, racquetball, or now pickleball, Jim thrives on challenging himself and performing at a high level.

Before discovering pickleball in October 2022, Jim enjoyed a successful competitive racquetball career, competing at the Open/Pro level in both indoor and outdoor racquetball. His career highlights include reaching the men’s professional singles quarterfinals at the National Championships twice.

When the popularity of racquetball began to decline, Jim turned to pickleball, quickly embracing the sport’s competitive atmosphere. His favorite shot is the ATP (Around the Post), and his rapid success includes winning the 2024 Florida NPL Combine. Now entering his third season with the Columbus Hotshots, Jim values the opportunity to compete alongside like-minded athletes in the National Pickleball League’s unique team environment.

Away from the court, Jim serves as a Project Manager at GEM Inc. He and his wife, Brenda, have been married for 34 years and are proud parents of two children, Ashley and Michael. He also enjoys riding his motorcycle with his wife. Family is at the center of Jim’s life, and he especially enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren – Emmy, Leo, and Owen – with a fourth grandchild, Ellie, expected to join the family at the end of July.

Whether competing on the court or cheering on his growing family, Jim brings the same passion, dedication, and competitive spirit to everything he does.

Karen is a well-traveled athlete. She grew up in Baltimore, MD and Everett, PA, where she played multiple sports including volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis and now pickleball.

After high school, she enlisted in the Army where she did 2 deployments, one in Saudia Arabia and one in Korea, and then followed that up with 10 years in the Reserves.

After the Army, she received her degree in Finance from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She currently works as an Accountant at a small company in Indianapolis.

Karen transitioned from playing USTA tennis leagues for 15+ years to playing pickleball around 2018-2019. She has played in many tournaments, small and large, with lots of success.

This is Karen’s first year playing in this league. She is very excited to be a part of and play for the Columbus Hotshots.

Missy Grant is a highly accomplished athlete and fitness professional based in Birmingham, Alabama. During her college years, she played tennis at Auburn University where she played #2 her senior year. Her freshman and sophomore years she played at Flagler College where they WON the NAIA national championship team both years.

After her college years, Missy became a triathlete and qualified for Xterra’s off road event in Maui where she excelled in mountain biking. She then found her calling as a Pilates instructor and studio owner in NC in 2001. In 2019 her family moved back to Birmingham, AL where she grew up and continues to teach pilates and pickleball. She loves teaching and coaching, getting to know her clients, and helping them meet and even exceed their goals! She has a lot of experience in injury prevention/rehabilitation. She is at the top of her game as she is eagerly getting ready for the upcoming CSP season!

Natalija Todorović-Shaw brings a rare combination of analytical precision, competitive fire, and international leadership to the Columbus Hotshots. A Senior Pro standout, she is the 2024 US Open Senior Pro Women’s Doubles Champion, a 2024 European Championship Gold Medalist representing Serbia, and one of the top-ranked senior professional players in the sport. She has spent the last several years competing against the best senior pros in the world, earning podium finishes across major APP, PPA, and international events.

Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, Natalija grew up immersed in sports and competition. A former collegiate tennis player, she found pickleball later in life and quickly rose through the ranks with her quick hands, strategic mindset, and relentless competitiveness. Her impact extends beyond the court: she served as Captain of Serbia at the inaugural European Pickleball Championships and was selected to lead and help build Serbia’s first World Championship team, playing a key role in growing the sport internationally. Beyond competing, she is passionate about growing the sport in Serbia and currently serves as Vice President of the Serbian Pickleball Federation.

Away from pickleball, Natalija is a Group Manager at Adobe, where she leads analytics and strategic decision making for global marketing initiatives. With a BS in Mathematics, an MS in Statistics, and more than 30 years of experience in analytics, she spends her professional life turning data into business insights; a skill that translates surprisingly well to reading opponents, recognizing patterns, and making split second decisions on the pickleball court.

This marks a second season with the Columbus Hotshots, where her teammates know her as a fierce competitor, supportive teammate, and one of the sport’s most positive ambassadors. Whether she’s competing for a championship, representing her country, or helping grow the game she loves, Natalija brings energy, grit, and a genuine passion for pickleball wherever she goes.

When she’s not analyzing data or chasing medals, Natalija enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, creating gourmet Serbian, Panamanian, and Caribbean meals.

Ryan was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The oldest of four boys, he served as a manager for the Indiana University men’s tennis team while in college. After graduating from IU (the reigning NCAA football champion), he returned to his hometown to begin his teaching career. Now in his 31 st year teaching elementary physical education for Fort Wayne Community Schools, Ryan continues to “play all day.”

In addition to his day job as a PE teacher, he is also a part-time, IPTPA-certified pickleball pro at Wildwood Racquet + Wellness Club. Prior to his pickleball teaching, Ryan coached high school tennis at three different schools across 39 seasons. He was formerly a tennis instructor and played competitively in USTA leagues.

This will be Ryan’s second season in what is now known as Major League Pickleball Champions Series. Last season, he played for the Indy Drivers. He is excited to be on a team based in the Midwest with opportunities to practice and play with his new teammates.

Fun facts about Ryan:

• Ryan enjoys traveling for pickleball events with his wife, Emily, who is also a tournament player. Ryan is jealous of his mother, Sue, as she is retired so she gets to play more pickleball than he does.
• His two sons, Foster and Duncan, will both be at Indiana University this fall continuing his family’s IU tradition.
• Foster worked for BoxCar Productions during 2022-23 and was behind the camera for numerous Major League Pickleball events as well as Beer City Open. Ryan also worked as a scorekeeper.
• Sponsored by Paddletek
• Member of the Fort Wayne Tennis Hall of Fame

A lifelong athlete, Stéphane has competed in tennis, soccer, triathlon, and Spartan races before discovering pickleball just two years ago.

Originally from Paris, France, he is now based in Cincinnati, Ohio, after moving to the U.S. in 2023 from Geneva, Switzerland. He quickly established himself as one of the top French players, reaching the #2 ranking in France in the 50+ category in just over a year.

He represented Team France in 2025 at the European Pickleball Championships in Rome and the World Pickleball Cup in Fort Lauderdale.

He has also earned multiple titles, including gold medals at the Paris Open.

Before transitioning into competitive pickleball, he built a 20+ year career in sports marketing and event communication across Europe. He brings that experience to the court through a disciplined and strategic approach to the game.

Off the court, he enjoys traveling and connecting the European and American pickleball communities.

Nathalie Bagby, a former French tennis sensation turned pickleball powerhouse, brings her clay-court grit and doubles wizardry to the paddle sport with unstoppable energy. Once a top junior and pro tennis player peaking at WTA #41 in singles and #35 in doubles over a 13-year career – including a Wimbledon standout run- she traded rackets for paddles around 2021 and never looked back. Now based in Pacific Palisades, California, this 59-year-old dynamo is a PPR-certified instructor, sponsored by Paddletek, and a force in senior pro circuits.

Her pickleball journey exploded with back-to-back gold medals in women’s senior pro doubles, including triumphs at the US Open Pickleball Championships alongside Elizabeth Bellamy and other Senior Pro Tour events that left fans buzzing. She’s racked up golds like the recent Music City Open in mixed doubles with Dan Granot, silvers and bronzes across APP, AARP Champions Tour, and national championships- climbing to #2 in APP/AARP rankings after a Newport gold and holding top-5 spots in pro singles points. Teaming up in high-stakes battles, like bronze medal pushes at the 2024 USA Pickleball Nationals in mixed with Daryl Wyatt, she showcases tennis-honed precision and quick recoveries that wow crowds.

A previous captain of the Columbus Hotshots in the Champions Series Pickleball League (formerly the National Pickleball League/NPL), Nathalie leads with intensity, steering her squad to semifinal runs, 4th-place finishes, and check-earning performances across stacked fields- even guiding the 2023 Indy Drivers’ epic championship comeback. Her team’s resilience mirrors her own: down but never out, blending strategy with fun team spirit in pro-am celebrity clashes and beyond. Whether poaching at the net or drilling dinks, Bagby’s infectious passion makes every match a thrill, proving pickleball’s senior pros play with youthful fire.

Christine (Chris) Underwood is a lifelong racquet sports competitor and coach.

She began her tennis career at the age of eight years old and became a nationally ranked junior tennis player in both singles and doubles. She played tennis at Princeton High School, where she was enshrined in their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. She played

#1 singles and #1 Doubles for Division 1 University of Cincinnati. At UC she earned Most Valuable Player Honors for two years and graduated with the records of highest winning percentage and most combined singles and doubles wins in a season.

As a certified USPTA Teaching Tennis Professional 1, Chris has had the opportunity to develop national, collegiate, and professional-level athletes in tennis, while also giving back to the grassroots level by coaching the boys and girls tennis teams at Mason
Middle School.

In addition to playing competitive tennis, she also became a Nationally Ranked Platform Tennis Player and representative on the prestigious President Cup Team.

In recent years, Chris has channeled that lifetime of playing racket sports into pickleball. After rehabbing from knee surgery, she started playing in a competitive recreational league in 2023 and started playing a few tournaments. Following a successful battle with breast cancer in 2024, she devoted even more focus to mastering the game. She was drafted by the Villages Heat 50+ in the USLPL (Legends Pickleball League) last year and is super excited to represent the Columbus Hotshots in the Masters 60+ CSP League this year.

Dan Richards is entering his first season with the Columbus Hotshots in the Champions Series League. He competed last year in the Legends League with the Buffalo Blizzards

Dan has been playing and teaching pickleball since 2021 and has been a tennis instructor for over 20 years, offering lessons for individuals and groups as well as summer camps. He currently serves as the girls varsity assistant coach at Minnetonka High School, where his daughter Jessa is the head coach, and coaches the Eden Prairie boys high school team in the spring.

Dan has three children, and three granddaughters.

Lori Martinez brings a lifelong competitive spirit, championship experience, and passion for pickleball to the Columbus Hotshots.

A former collegiate tennis player at Purdue University, Lori was one of the Midwest’s top-ranked junior tennis players, competing twice at the prestigious Wightman Cup. Although her collegiate tennis career was cut short by an ACL injury, the resilience and competitive mindset she developed during that chapter have carried over to her pickleball journey.

Since discovering pickleball four years ago, Lori has embraced the sport with the same dedication that defined her tennis career. She has earned more than 25 tournament titles and over 45 podium finishes alongside her mixed doubles partner in sanctioned competition. Her accomplishments also include winning an APPL State Championship, earning a silver medal at the PPA Mesa Mixed Masters, and securing multiple APP Golden Tickets in both singles and mixed doubles. She is known for her strategic approach to the game, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Lori is excited to join the Columbus Hotshots and compete alongside talented athletes from across the country. She looks forward to contributing to the team’s success, building meaningful relationships within the pickleball community, and continuing to help grow the game at the highest level.

Randy Feger’s pickleball journey began the way many do – completely by accident. During a family vacation to Hilton Head, South Carolina, Randy picked up a paddle for the first time, and what started as a fun activity with his wife and kids quickly revealed a genuine passion for the game. Back home in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, the casual vacation hobby turned into local tournament play, often alongside his family, and over time evolved into competing at progressively higher levels of the sport.

That steady progression has taken Randy from family-friendly recreational play to competitive senior tournaments. Along the way, he’s earned notable results including a gold medal in Men’s Singles 60–64 at the 2024 USA Pickleball National Championship, a gold in Men’s Doubles 55–59 and a silver in Mixed Doubles 60–64 at the 2026 APP Tour Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati. He now brings that experience and competitive drive to the Columbus Hotshots Masters Division in the Champions Series Pickleball league – a natural next step in a journey he never could have predicted starting on a vacation court in South Carolina.

Being selected to compete with the Columbus Hotshots is something Randy doesn’t take lightly. He’s genuinely grateful to the ownership for the opportunity and excited to step on the court alongside such a talented group of teammates.

A proud member of the Cranberry Township Pickleball Association – one of the largest pickleball clubs in the northeastern United States. Randy trains and competes at the CTPA’s Graham Park complex, a world-class facility that has helped shape his game and fuel his love for the sport.

Off the court, Randy brings that same focus and dedication to helping business owners grow. As an Area President with FocusCFO, he partners with entrepreneurs on their journey to build sustainable, transferable value for their businesses – work he finds as rewarding as competition on the court.

Randy Psyk was born and raised in rural Minnesota, the middle of five children. He played football, basketball, and baseball in high school, with baseball being his favorite sport. After high school, he continued playing recreational sports while attending college.

Following high school, Randy enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard, where he served as an infantryman for three years while earning his degree. He graduated from North Dakota State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Design.

While at NDSU, Randy joined the Air Force ROTC program. Upon graduation, he entered active duty as a Second Lieutenant and attended pilot training at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas. After completing training, he remained in Lubbock for three years as a T-38 instructor pilot before moving on to several stateside assignments as an F-16 fighter pilot.

In 1994, Randy left active duty and joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard, flying the F-16 in Madison, Wisconsin. He retired from the Air Force in 2002 after completing 20 years of combined active-duty and reserve service.

While serving with the Wisconsin Air National Guard, Randy was also hired by United Air Lines. He retired as a Captain in April after a distinguished 31-year airline career, logging nearly 21,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft, including the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777.

Randy married his wife, Mary, in 1988, and together they have celebrated 38 years of marriage. They have three children, Benjamin, Ethan, and Samantha, and are the proud grandparents of Eli, Cam, and Charlotte. Randy and Mary continue to make their home in Madison, Wisconsin, with no plans to leave the area anytime soon.

In addition to his professional flying career, Randy owns a Citabria aerobatic airplane and plans to spend his retirement teaching aerobatics and spin recovery training.

Randy is grateful for the opportunity to compete with the Hotshots and looks forward to making the greatest contribution he can to the team.

Ricky Dietrich is a lifelong athlete, fitness professional, and competitor whose passion for performance has spanned more than four decades. A former professional ice hockey player, Rick also served his community for over 28 years as a firefighter, rising to the rank of Captain through his leadership, discipline, and commitment to service.

Following his firefighting career, Rick dedicated himself to helping others improve their health and longevity. As a respected fitness coach and content creator, he inspired adults over 40 to build strength, stay mobile, and live healthier lives. His educational approach and authentic style have earned him a loyal online community of more than 63,000 followers.

Ricky discovered competitive pickleball later in life and quickly established himself as a formidable competitor. Combining his athletic background, strength, and strategic mindset, he earned a spot with the Columbus Hotshots, where he continues to compete against some of the sport’s top players while representing the team with pride.

Ricky brings the same work ethic, leadership, and competitive spirit to pickleball that defined his career as a professional athlete and Fire Department Captain, making him a valued teammate and an ambassador for healthy, active living.

Roger Stern is a lifelong athlete whose path to pickleball was anything but predictable. A graduate of Clark University in 1987, Roger went on to play professional tennis for two years and along the way has competed at a high level across nearly every racket sport. Pickleball, however, was a tougher sell – Roger was a reluctant convert who only picked up a paddle three years ago. It didn’t take long for that reluctance to turn into obsession, and today he brings that same competitive instinct to the Columbus Hotshots.

Roger’s list of competitive pickleball results is too long to list – a testament to how quickly his tennis background translated onto the pickleball court. His proudest achievement is earning a spot on the Hotshots’ 60s Masters team, a milestone that speaks to just how far his game has come in a short time.

Roger is a certified coach through PPR and DUPR. He is most often found on the courts around Beaufort SC and Hilton Head , and is sponsored by Captain George’s Fishing Charters. Originally from New York, he and his wife Beth now live on Fripp Island, South Carolina with their dog, Jeff.

Known on and off the court as “Coach Pam,” Pam Lippy is a USPTA-certified teaching professional in both Tennis and Pickleball — and a force to be reckoned with in both sports. Originally from Beachwood, Ohio, Pam grew up as the oldest of four, crediting her trademark grit, persistence, and determination to a healthy dose of sibling rivalry.

For the past 16 years, Pam has served as the Head Teaching Professional at New Albany Links Country Club, where she inspired players of all ages to pick up a racquet or paddle. Under her leadership, participation in both Tennis and Pickleball has grown steadily, creating a vibrant and competitive community on the courts.

Pam’s passion for competition extends well beyond teaching. In January 2024, she captured the Boca Raton Pickler’s Survivor Challenge Senior Pro title — earning her a spot in the National Pickleball League (NPL), Next she was drafted by the Boca Raton Picklers. Later that year, she helped lead the team to victory, clinching the 2024 NPL Championship against the Columbus Hotshots.

Building on that success, Pam was drafted in 2025 into the Legends Pickleball League — a national platform for elite players aged 50 and over — as a protected player for the DMV Picklers (representing DC, Maryland, and Virginia).

Most recently, in March 2026, the Columbus Hotshots of the newly named Champions Series Pickleball League (formerly the NPL) announced Pam as a protected player for their Masters Division, featuring top athletes 60 and above.

Fun Facts About Coach Pam

• When she graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, Pam was ranked #1 in the USA in NAIA Singles and Doubles.
• She is a proud two-time Hall of Fame inductee for her remarkable contributions to the sport.
• Off the court, Pam embraces her favorite role of all — being “Pam-Pam” to two beautiful granddaughters.

Kelly Dakin is a standout professional pickleball player who has made a significant impact on the senior circuit. Competing out of Arizona, she reached a career milestone when she was drafted into the National Pickleball League (NPL) for the 2024 season. As a key member of the OKC Punishers, Dakin brought a high level of intensity and strategic depth to the team, helping to solidify their presence in the league’s competitive “Champions Series” for players aged 50 and over.

Before her professional pickleball career, Dakin was a versatile elite athlete. She played collegiate basketball at the University of San Diego and is a five-time Ironman finisher, having competed in the prestigious World Championships in Kona. This rigorous endurance background has translated into exceptional court coverage and stamina on the pickleball court, where she is recognized as an All-American triathlete with a reputation for relentless physical play.

Dakin’s trophy cabinet includes two National Gold Medals, reflecting her status as a top-tier competitor in the 5.0 and pro-senior divisions. She has frequently found success in major events, such as the Tommy Wong Memorial Tournament, where she has earned multiple gold and silver medals in women’s and mixed doubles. Whether representing Arizona in local championships or competing on the national stage with the OKC Punishers, Dakin remains a respected force in the rapidly growing world of professional pickleball.

Suzanne is a professional Pickleball player and coach, based in Columbus, Ohio. As a Coach, she is both IPTPA and PPR Certified, and has extensive experience teaching locally, as well as being hired to teach camps throughout the United States and destination camps internationally. In addition, her company, Premiere Pickleball LLC, takes groups to Mexico and the Caribbean and is contracted for a large variety of events – from Corporate Team Building, Senior Citizen Grant series, Family Reunions to Convention Hall experiences. As a playing Professional, Suzanne has won money in Pro, Senior Pro and Masters Pro tournaments, most recently in the 2026 APP Vlasic Classic Tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her sponsors include TMPR, Leorever and Pickleluxe Jewelry.

Suzanne considers her biggest highlight to date, being selected to play for the Columbus Hotshots – a MLP Champion Series Pickleball Team for the 2026 season. She welcomes the camaraderie, and the amazing competition of pro level athletes. Always, she has much gratitude for this incredible sport that brings us all together.

Fun Facts

• Won a TV game show in Los Angeles with her daughters
• Won a product concept / prototype design contest and the product was patented, produced and sold in Staples stores nationwide
• Is a serial Entrepreneur – business startups have included a Marketing Company, a Medical Supply, a Production Company and a Construction Company, among others