Mary Herrick is a prominent figure in the world of tennis, not just for her extensive coaching credentials but also for her unwavering commitment to promoting the sport at the community level. As the founder and CEO of Yellow Ball Tennis, Mary has cultivated a reputation as a USPTA Elite Tennis Professional, a designation that underscores her expertise and dedication to the game.
Throughout her career, Mary has developed numerous accomplished athletes, including state champions, collegiate players, as well as leading two National AAU Junior Olympic Gold Medal Teams to victory. Her coaching tenure with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) saw her mentor nationally ranked players, further solidifying her impact on the sport.
Beyond her coaching achievements, Mary has played a vital role in the tennis community, serving as the past President of the United States Professional Tennis Association’s Midwest Division and as President of the Northeastern Ohio Tennis Association. Her leadership and advocacy for tennis have been recognized with several prestigious awards, such as the Herb Nold Volunteer Award for Northeast Ohio and the National Tennis Industry Excellence Award from the USPTA. Mary was also inducted into the Hall of Fame for the City of Elyria and the United States Professional Tennis Association’s Midwest Hall of Fame.
In recent years, Mary has focused her efforts on nurturing a love for tennis in local communities. She has successfully developed city-wide recreation programs throughout Lorain County, aimed at introducing the sport to young children. This initiative has not only made tennis more accessible but has also fostered a new generation of players. Her dedication to community engagement was recognized with the USTA Northeast Ohio Community Tennis Association Award.
Mary’s passion for tennis extends beyond her professional endeavors; she shares it personally with her daughter, Ashley and her grandchildren. Through Yellow Ball Tennis, she continues to inspire and mentor young athletes from the area to teach tennis as well, ensuring that the love of the sport is passed down and enjoyed by future generations.
Brian DeHaven is a dedicated and experienced Professional Tennis Registry certified instructor, who has been a cornerstone of tennis development in the Cleveland area since 1999. His passion for tennis ignited in childhood, leading him to a successful collegiate tennis career at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he proudly won two conference championships. This early foundation has propelled him into a career focused on nurturing talent across various age groups and skill levels.
Brian is renowned for his versatility as a coach, working with a wide spectrum of players—from young children seeking exercise and enjoyment to advanced juniors aspiring to compete at the collegiate level. His coaching prowess has resulted in numerous accolades for his students, including state championships, top junior rankings, appearances in junior grand slams, and All-American Honors at NCAA Division 1 tennis programs. Such accomplishments reflect Brian’s ability to cultivate talent and provide guidance that leads to significant achievements.
In addition to developing young players, Brian has made a name for himself in the adult tennis community. He has successfully trained adult players, helping them compete on USTA teams, showcasing his adaptability and comprehensive understanding of the game. His teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, allowing him to connect with players of all ages and abilities.
Since 2015, Brian has played a pivotal role in shaping programs at Avon Oaks Tennis Center in Avon, Ohio, one of Northeast Ohio’s premier tennis facilities. His contributions have not only enhanced the center’s offerings but have also created a vibrant community around the sport.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brian is a proud father to Logan and Ashley, both of whom are enthusiastic tennis players themselves. This personal connection to the sport adds another layer to his commitment, as he not only teaches but also shares his love for tennis with his family, further enriching the tennis culture in the community. Brian DeHaven’s journey is a testament to his passion for tennis, his dedication to player development, and his influence on the local tennis scene.
Aziz Hoosenally is a distinguished USPTA Elite Professional whose expansive career in tennis spans continents and cultures. His journey began in Hong Kong, where he honed his skills at the German Swiss International High School, competing in high school tennis. Driven by his passion for the sport, Aziz moved to the United States to attend the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, known today as The IMG Academy. This experience laid the foundation for his collegiate tennis career at Eastern Michigan University, where he played for two years, further developing his competitive edge.
After his time in Michigan, Aziz relocated to Australia with his family, transferring to Murdoch University. There, he earned a degree in Economics and Commerce while maintaining his connection to tennis through State Grade Club Tennis at Kings Park Tennis Club. This dual focus on academics and athletics exemplifies Aziz’s commitment to personal and professional growth.
Aziz eventually returned to the United States, where he brought his wealth of experience to various tennis clubs in Cleveland, Ohio. His talents and leadership were recognized when he became the Head Tennis Instructor at Glen Abbey, where he not only taught but also competed in the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association in Georgia. This role allowed him to further cultivate his coaching skills and share his love for tennis with a diverse range of players.
Now back in Cleveland, Aziz plays a pivotal role in the Avon Oaks Tennis Center, contributing to its mission of promoting tennis to players of all skill levels. His extensive knowledge, combined with his enthusiasm for the game, makes him an asset to the local tennis community, inspiring both adults and juniors to embrace the sport and reach their potential. Aziz Hoosenally’s journey reflects a deep dedication to tennis, education, and community engagement.
Joshua Doberstein is a dedicated educator and coach with a lifelong passion for tennis. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development Education, he has played tennis for over 25 years and coached for over 10 years. As a former college tennis player, he understands the commitment and discipline required to excel in the sport. His playing experience has shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing skill development, strategic thinking, and mental toughness.
Joshua has spent 8 years mentoring athletes as the Varsity Boys and Girls Tennis Coach at North Ridgeville High School in Ohio and Seton Catholic High School in Arizona. Under his leadership, players have improved their technical abilities while developing a strong sense of teamwork and sportsmanship. His ability to connect with athletes and adapt his coaching style to different learning needs has made him an influential figure in the tennis community.
Joshua was brought in, by the USTA at The Royal Lahaina Resort in Maui to help give back to the community, where he further honed his coaching expertise while sharing his love for the game with players of all skill levels. His time at the resort allowed him to engage with a diverse range of players, reinforcing his belief in the sport’s ability to bring people together.
Originally from Arizona, Joshua has lived in multiple states, including Hawaii, where he embraced the local culture and outdoor lifestyle. His adventurous spirit extended to building and living in a converted school bus, spending over a year exploring the continental U.S. This journey reflects his adaptability, creativity, and willingness to embrace new challenges—traits that also define his approach to coaching.
Joshua’s passion for tennis extends beyond coaching; it is a family affair. His wife and two children are active tennis players, and together they share a deep love for the game. Whether playing, teaching, or simply enjoying the sport as a family, tennis remains a cornerstone of their lives. His personal connection to the sport enhances his dedication to player development and community engagement, making him an asset to Avon Oaks Tennis Center.
Lorraine Wise has participated as a player and a coach in both the tennis and pickleball community for over 35 years. As an avid tennis player, Lorraine was a member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and had participated at both the local and state tournament level. Lorraine also currently holds a coaching / instructor certification with both the Professional Pickleball Registry ( PPR) and the Athletics and Fitness Association of America ( AFAA ) as a Certified Personal Trainer.
Lorraine had previously held the position of Tennis Director with the City of Rocky River and was the head varsity tennis coach at Magnificat High School from 1994-2007. She was named the 2003 Cuyahoga County Tennis Coach of the Year by the Cleveland Plain Dealer as her team reached the Division 1 state finals. Lorraine was fortunate to have had multiple individuals and doubles teams qualify for state honors during her tenure as head coach.
In early 2023, Lorraine was approached by Mary Herrick of Avon Oaks to address the growing pickleball needs of their members. While providing individual pickleball instruction to both men & women players of all ages at the club, they were also looking to address the student level of participation. This led to the inaugural season of the Lorain County CYO youth pickleball training session and by all indications it was extremely successful. Lorraine believes that Pickleball will become a high school sponsored sport soon as more student participation and opportunities are right around the corner.
Off season, Lorraine spends much of her time with her family in the Marblehead / Catawba area enjoying all summer recreational opportunities and fine tuning her own pickleball game.
Alan Ritvo is a Certified Pickleball Coach dedicated to helping players build skills, confidence, and consistency on the court. As a Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, fitness professional, and owner of Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness and ZenQuest Health & Wellness, Alan combines proven coaching techniques with a lifelong commitment to health, performance, and personal growth. His coaching style emphasizes skill development, movement efficiency, strategy, and creating a fun, positive learning environment for players of all ages and abilities.
Alan’s coaching philosophy is simple: focus on continuous improvement, enjoy the process, and let success follow. He believes every player, regardless of age or ability, can improve through purposeful practice, positive encouragement, and a growth mindset. His goal is not only to help players become better pickleball athletes, but also to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of the game.
Outside of pickleball, Alan enjoys staying active through strength training, fitness, martial arts, and spending time with his family. A military veteran, business owner, and community leader, he believes that sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful connections. Alan has four children, Brittany, Lauren, Alison, and AJ, and enjoys sharing his passion for health, fitness, and lifelong learning with both his family and the people he coaches.
