Coaches
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Tom Sweeney
Tommy is a PPR-certified pickleball coach with experience training players at NJ Pickleball Academy and Ramsey FCC. As a competitive player, he regularly competes in local and MPLS-sponsored tournaments, earning multiple gold and silver finishes. Drawing on a strong multi-sport coaching background in soccer, baseball, and softball, Tommy brings a reliable, hands-on approach focused on skill development, strategy, and game understanding.
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Jim LoPresti
Jim is PPR-certified pickleball instructor with CPR/AED/First Aid certification from the Red Cross. He combines competitive pickleball experience with a long tennis background and 15+ years of coaching youth sports. Every lesson is tailored to the player’s needs, with a strong focus on strategy, skill progression, and real-game improvement—while keeping sessions energetic and enjoyable.
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Leo Fornasieri
Leo is an advanced pickleball player with exceptional on-court knowledge and a deep understanding of the modern game. Known for his high-level shot selection, court awareness, and tactical decision-making, he works closely with players to elevate consistency, confidence, and competitive play. His sessions emphasize real-game situations, smart strategy, and efficient technique tailored to each player’s goals.
Team Members
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Allison Witkowski
Allison has been playing pickleball for the past three years and quickly fell in love with the game. A Syracuse University graduate, Allison spent many years in Corporate America before transitioning into real estate and currently serves as a Realtor with RE/MAX.
Married for 36 years and proud pet parent to a Persian cat named Charlie, Allison is excited to be part of the Passion Pickleball team and enjoys being part of the club’s welcoming community atmosphere.
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Bruce Reicher
Bruce discovered pickleball three years ago while his children were away at college and quickly developed a passion for the game. Since picking up a paddle, he hasn’t looked back.
A recently retired educator, Bruce spent 27 years teaching video and audio production before transitioning into retirement. He now brings that same dedication and energy to Passion Pickleball, where he enjoys working with members and contributing to the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. In addition to his role at the club, Bruce continues to serve as a substitute teacher in Bergen County.
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McKayla Markowski
McKayla first discovered pickleball two summers ago while playing casually with her family. What started as a fun summer activity quickly turned into a genuine passion for the sport and the strong sense of community it creates. McKayla is currently a senior at Ramapo College of New Jersey and hopes to build a career in the sports industry. She is excited to continue growing within the pickleball community and contributing to the sport’s rapid expansion.
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Stephen Feehan
Stephen joined the pickleball community in 2019 and quickly developed a genuine love for the game and the people who play it. Stephen enjoys helping beginners learn the basics of the game.
Known for being approachable, patient, and encouraging, Stephen brings an infectious enthusiasm to the club and takes pride in creating a welcoming environment for players of all levels.