Dave’s pickleball journey began on a trip to California, where he watched his brother-in-law play and thought, that looks like a lot of fun. One game later, he was hooked—and five years later, he’s still all in. What keeps him coming back are the friendships he’s built, the challenge of constant improvement, and the pure joy of competition.
A PPR-certified instructor, Dave combines deep coaching experience with an approachable, thoughtful teaching style. He’s competed in numerous regional tournaments, including APP and PPA events, with one of his proudest moments being a championship win at an APP tournament. But his passion for coaching stretches far beyond pickleball—he’s spent over 25 years coaching volleyball, along with experience leading soccer and basketball teams. He’s also served as a coach for the Cincinnati Pickleball Club, helping players of all ages and skill levels grow their game.
Dave enjoys working with players of every level, from first-timers to advanced competitors. His favorite part of coaching is seeing steady, visible improvement over time. He loves teaching net play, transition shots, drop shots, and resets—skills that build consistency and confidence in all areas of the court.
Students can expect a personalized, technique-driven lesson built around their goals. Dave begins every session with one simple question: “What would you like to work on?” From there, he tailors the experience to meet each player’s needs, helping them refine mechanics, improve decision-making, and elevate their overall performance.
For Dave, pickleball has truly taken over his life—in the best way possible. It’s a sport that brings his family and friends together, fuels his love of learning, and keeps him active every day. He’s traveled everywhere from Idaho to Cancun with pickleball friends, built lasting bonds through social groups, and even jokes that his favorite shirt says it all: “Pickleball is life.”
Dave is a certified instructor with the Ohio Pickleball Academy at The Pickle Lodge, where he combines patience, precision, and passion to help players reach their full potential. Ready to train with Dave? Click here to book a lesson and click here to view our upcoming clinics.