CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS
Meet our TRUE professionals!
EJ Hakala, Head Pro
Skill level: 4.0+
EJ is a PPR Certified Coach. He has coaching experience as an NFL Youth Flag Football Coach and AAU Basketball Coach.
He is a multi sport athlete and enjoys playing football, flag football, basketball, and found a passion for pickleball in 2021. He has been playing competitive pickleball for the past year! His love for pickleball stems from not only the competition but the strategy that's required in winning at the higher levels.
Random Fact: EJ is a DIE HARD Dallas Cowboys Fan!
Favorite Quote: "Heart is what separates the good from the great." - Michael Jordan
Brian Mahar
Skill level: 4.0
Brian is a key member of our TRUE training staff and is a certified PPR coach who enjoys coaching both private and small group lessons. His pickleball passion is teaching and learning different strategies as well as quick play at the net.
He began playing pickleball in 2022 when a friend introduced him to the game on a lined backyard basketball court. He has since played regularly, including leagues and tournament play. Brian enjoyed playing sports throughout his entire life, especially baseball and basketball.
Brian's coaching skills go beyond pickleball as he coached multiple youth sports teams over the years, including softball, basketball and soccer. The skills he's learned from these earlier sports were easily transferable to pickleball.
Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” - Wayne Gretzky
Sean O’Donnell
Skill level: 4.0+
Sean’s life has revolved around athletics. Throughout his years, Sean has participated in basketball, track & field, dirt bike racing and triathlons. Two years ago, Sean also found a passion for pickleball, which since has become a significant part of his life.
Sean works part-time for True Pickleball Club and is a certified PPR coach. He loves both playing and coaching pickleball. In addition, his coaching experience includes coaching both 5th and 6th grade basketball programs.
Apart from pickleball, Sean is an entrepreneur. He runs a photography business as well as a microgreens farm, which supplies local restaurants with nutritious greens.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Tyler Lantiegne
Skill level: 4.0+
Tyler is a certified PPR coach. He specializes in targeting players weaknesses to improve their game, in additional to perfecting shots and placement.
He grew up playing table tennis and board games with his grandfather, until he stumbled into pickleball in late 2018. Since then pickleball has completely taken over his and his families lives. Tyler is always looking for competitive games, improving skills and being the best player he can be. You have likely seen Tyler play on the courts with his trademarked one hand on his hip stance.
Tyler runs and manages leagues at True Pickleball Club and has managed leagues in other facilities.