Meet our team of certified tennis and pickleball professionals dedicated to helping you reach your full potential.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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. Since 2015, Brian has played a pivotal role in shaping programs at Avon Oaks Tennis Center in Avon, Ohio. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brian is a proud father to Logan and Ashley, both of whom are enthusiastic tennis players themselves.
Experience: 25+ years playing, 10+ years coaching
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.
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. Originally from Arizona, Joshua has lived in multiple states, including Hawaii, where he embraced the local culture and outdoor lifestyle. His 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.
Lorraine Wise has been an avid tennis player and head coach for the past 35 years. A lifelong instructor of a variety of sports, Pickleball came to her by way of a friend saying “just come out and try it.” Lorraine fell in love with the sport immediately and has been a 3-4 times a week player. She loves it so much that she wanted to share the game with others as well.
Earning her Coach’s Certification through PPR, Lorraine looks forward to sharing her passion with the members at Avon Oaks. “I am excited to see that pickleball will be a High School Sport in the next few years. I’ve always loved working with juniors and adults.”
The game of pickleball lends itself to lots of fun, exercise and socialization. Lorraine’s enthusiasm for the sport is infectious, and her decades of experience in tennis provide a solid foundation for her pickleball instruction. She brings a unique perspective that helps players transition between the sports or discover pickleball for the first time.
Contact any of our professional staff members directly or reach out to us to schedule your first lesson.