Meet the founders
John, a father of four, retired from a successful career in business to be a full-time grandfather to 11. He has a long history of competitive sports including playing college basketball, coaching basketball, golfing, and completing numerous marathons. John brings his experience in the financial world and passion of competitive sports to enhance the Pickleball Prime experience.
Maggie, a mom of four kids, has spent close to two decades on the sidelines of various sports watching and helping her children achieve their own athletic goals. She has completed several marathons and is a manager of a local physical therapy practice. She understands the importance of proper stretching, warm up, and post-game recovery. Maggie brings her organizational and management skills as well as her emphasis on total well-being to Pickleball Prime.
Kevin, a dad of three girls, is a fitness enthusiast. His professional experience is in Sales and Marketing. Whether on the basketball court, golf course or in the gym, Kevin is always working hard to excel and grow stronger. He is looking forward to building a community centered around health and fitness.
Together the team at Pickleball Prime aims to create a competitive, health focused environment attentive to a player’s total well-being and development all while making it feel like you are part of our pickleball family.
General Manager
Sam Anjo, a proud graduate of Farmingdale State College with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management and a minor in Sports Management, combines his passion for athletics with a strong foundation in business. As a four-year collegiate soccer player, he developed a deep appreciation for discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement. After his playing career, Sam continued to give back to the program as an Assistant Coach for the Men’s Soccer team at Farmingdale State College, further strengthening his leadership skills. Whether he’s out on the golf course or following his favorite teams as an avid sports fan, Sam is always looking for ways to stay competitive. He’s looking forward to contributing to a positive and driven community that shares a passion for pickleball.
Instructors
Bob Kessler brings a lifetime of racquet sport expertise to the pickleball court. A former top collegiate tennis player and decades-long teaching professional, Bob has seamlessly transitioned his competitive drive and instructional mastery into success on the pickleball scene—where he now competes and wins.
Bob has a natural gift for analyzing strokes, breaking down strategy, and customizing instruction for players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners to world-class competitors. His coaching is rooted in a deep love for the sport, its social energy, and the satisfaction of helping others elevate their game.
After a lifetime of competitive tennis, Bob jokes that he’s now “addicted to pickleball.” He continues to train, compete, and refine his skills—driven by passion, purpose, and a commitment to excellence.
2024 Pickleball National Championships – Arizona
• 🥇 National Champion – Mixed Doubles 60+
• 🥉 Bronze Medalist – Men’s Doubles 60+
Credentials & Background
• Former #1 Tennis Singles Player, University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Certified Pickleball Instructor, Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA, formerly USPTA)
• Over 40 Years of Tennis Instruction Experience
• 4 Years of Pickleball Coaching & Competition Experience
Susan Ohngemach has been a dedicated pickleball instructor since 2019. She is IPTPA-certified and shares her passion for the game with players of all ages and skill levels. Over the years, she has taught more than 1,000 students, helping beginners build confidence and fundamentals while guiding intermediate and advanced players to sharpen their strategy and technique.
Known for her clear instruction, positive energy, and encouraging coaching style, Susan creates a welcoming environment where players feel comfortable learning and improving. Her lessons focus on strong fundamentals, smart court positioning, effective shot selection, and developing a love for the game.
Kayla Koch brings energy, experience, and a passion for teaching to the pickleball court. She is an elementary Physical Education Teacher in the Mineola School District, Head Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, and Girls Middle School Soccer Coach, and has been running pickleball clinics, private lessons, and events across Long Island and New York City for several years. Kayla is a PPR Level 1 Certified Pickleball Instructor and specializes in beginners, advanced beginners, and kids eager to learn the game.
Kayla discovered pickleball in 2020 and quickly fell in love with its fun, fast-paced style. A former NCAA basketball player at Concordia College and Farmingdale State College, she blends competitive experience with a proven ability to motivate and engage players of all ages and abilities. She holds a BS in Technology Studies from Farmingdale State, a Master’s in Sport Management from St. John’s University, and a graduate certificate in Physical Education from Queens College. Kayla also works as an Adjunct Professor in Sport Management at St. John’s University and SUNY Old Westbury.
Kayla is dedicated to meeting players where they are and creating a supportive, exciting environment that makes learning pickleball fun and rewarding. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to refine your skills, Kayla’s teaching will leave you confident, energized, and excited to play again!
