MEET THE TEAM
The EDGE Pickleball is directed by USAPA Certified Pickleball Coaches who are certified through the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) the Official Education and Certification Partner of USAPA.
Zack Dupont
RPPK Level 2 Certified Instructor
Zack is an avid pickleball player, regional tournament traveler, instructor, and the new Director of Pickleball at the EDGE. He has been a staff member since 2021 as an instructor offering private lessons, skills clinics, and boot camps to various players from complete beginners to 4.0+. He also had the pleasure of teaching and designing pickleball courses at the University of Vermont in the fall and spring semesters of 2023-24 for both students and faculty. Zack is a 5.0 DUPR-rated player ready to work with anyone passionate about taking their game to the next level.
Jeanne Hulsen
PPR Certified Coach, USAPA Member
As an accomplished athlete, teaching professional, and program director, I am passionate about building innovative instructional, recreational, competitive, and social programming in the racquet/paddle sports arena. My extensive experience as a multi sport coach is a great asset in the dynamic pickleball landscape.
I have coached collegiate women’s and men’s tennis and women’s volleyball, as well as high school varsity boys’ and girls’ tennis and volleyball. In addition, I have organized and coached youth development tennis programs and USTA adult tennis competitors.
My program administrative experience includes the University of Vermont Campus Recreation Director, Burlington Tennis Club Tennis Director, Burlington High School Athletics Director, and most recently Pickleball Director at The Sports and Fitness EDGE.
My credentials include: BS in Marketing and Management, Indiana University (‘82), M Ed in Recreation Management, University of Vermont (‘84), and PPR Pro/PTR Certified. I recently completed Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Train the Coaches Course. I am a DUPR + RPPK Master Instructor.
Helena Liu
RPPK Level 2 Certified Instructor
I have been a lifelong racquet sports enthusiast, playing badminton and squash in college. In 2020, I discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with the game. The Vermont pickleball community has been incredibly welcoming and helpful since I started, and I am committed to giving back by introducing others to this amazing sport. I genuinely enjoy working with people and helping them improve their skills so they can find the same joy I have found in pickleball. My goal is to share my passion and knowledge with players of all levels, ensuring they have a rewarding and enjoyable experience on the court.
Mark Chaffee
Mark is a Pickleball enthusiast and PPR-certified instructor. Mark has been playing Pickleball since 2018 and has medaled in many local and national tournaments, including Gold in the VT Senior Games in 2020. A current 4.5 DUPR-rated player, Mark enjoys teaching new players the basics of the game and helping existing players improve their game.
Timothy McCall
Timothy left his internal medicine practice 27 years ago to become, of all things, a yoga therapist. Before med school, he was the top player on his college tennis team and a tennis teaching pro. For the last five years, his full-time area of investigation has been how principles and practices from yoga can be applied to improving sports performance step-by-step. For students willing to do the work, it’s a path aimed at mastery. Like yoga, Timothy’s pickleball coaching is holistic, exploring body, mind, and breath. Working with everyone from beginners to elite athletes, he tailors his approach to each student’s unique situation and goals. He is the author of three books including Yoga as Medicine (Bantam) and at work on a book on yoga and sports.
Rhonda Colvard
I have a degree from UVM in Physical Education and have played many sports throughout my life. I was introduced to pickleball about 7 years ago by a tennis friend from California and have not looked back. The game came fairly easily to me as I had played years of tennis, racquetball, & platform tennis. I immediately loved the game, took clinics, and started to play in tournaments. I also began teaching the game to friends & family, then at The EDGE. I really enjoy introducing the game to others and watching their progress and how much pleasure the game brings to all who play.
For More Information
Programming/General Pickleball Information: Pickleball@edgevt.com