Originally from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Thomas Farrell has always had a deep love for sports and the thrill of competition. His athletic journey led him to Belmont Abbey College, where he played college lacrosse. However, it wasn’t until the onset of the COVID pandemic that he discovered pickleball in Delray Beach, Florida—and he’s been hooked ever since.

Since then, Thomas has competed in tournaments ranging from the 4.5 to professional level. Over the past three summers, he’s loved coaching in Aspen.  This summer, he looks forward to another incredible season of helping players elevate their game, enjoy the sport, and experience the same passion for pickleball that he’s come to love.

Christina, joining us from Texas, has been playing pickleball since 2019 and coaching and managing programs since 2022. A lifelong racquet sports player, she loves pickleball for its welcoming community and accessibility.  Her love for the sport is contagious and she loves to make everyones time on the court a fun experience.  She’s passionate about growing both her own skills and those of the players she coaches, creating programs for all levels. Christina is thrilled to bring her expertise to the Aspen-Snowmass pickleball community!

Mary Layne Holloway is a dedicated pickleball player currently earned a spot on the Grand Canyon University team. She started her pickleball journey less than two years ago as a 3.0 player and has quickly risen to an impressive 4.0 rating. Mary Layne now competes in PPA and APP tournaments across the country, showcasing her rapid growth and passion for the sport.

As our Pickleball Community Coordinator, she helps ensure smooth communication, assists with programs and drop-in sessions, and manages scheduling to create an exceptional experience for all players.

Joel Karr was introduced to pickleball over 10 years ago and quickly became captivated by the game. What stood out was not just the excitement of playing, but the strategic nuances that make it so rewarding. Over the years, Joel has come to understand what defines "smart" pickleball: making the right shot at the right time, with precise execution and optimal positioning.

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A Special Note from the Founder:

I asked Joel to send me a bio, but true to his nature, he downplayed his accomplishments and gave himself far less credit than he truly deserves.  As someone who has had the privilege of learning from him, I know firsthand how Joel’s coaching style is rooted in patience, encouragement, and a genuine desire to see players succeed. His approach doesn’t just improve skills—it builds confidence and a deep love for the game. Joel is the one who taught me how to play real pickleball. I could not have asked for a better mentor in the game, and I feel incredibly blessed to now have the opportunity to work alongside him. The lessons Joel has taught me go beyond just technique—they are about passion, resilience, and the joy of the game. His ability to break down complex strategies and make them accessible is something I admire deeply. I am so excited for my community to get to learn from the coach that taught me.

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Age: 7½ (but basically 8)

Hazel may be small, but don’t let the sparkly tutu fool you—she’s got eyes like a hawk, ears like a bunny, and the reflexes of a very caffeinated squirrel. She can also climb up a swingset faster than I've ever seen.  After a long and storied career in kindergarten conflict resolution (mostly over crayons), Hazel has declared her mission: to tackle the Aspen pickleball drama

Armed with a plastic walkie-talkie (that totally works, she swears), a clipboard full of “incident reports” (stickers), and a badge she made out of glitter and determination, Hazel is ready to keep the peace. So think twice before you tell someone they are "not good enough" to be playing on your court for drop in--or Hazel will show up with her stuffed sidekick, and a very serious lecture about kindness. And maybe glitter.

We are excited to introduce who will be coming in for the summer to do some top notch coaching!  We will announce at the end of the month.  :)