MEET THE STINGERS

LESLIE BASHINSKY

Mountain Brook, AL • 5.266 DBLS DUPR

  • Meet Leslie Bashinsky, a former tennis phenom from Bay City, Michigan (now residing in Mountain Brook, Alabama) and PPR certified pickleball instructor at Magic City Pickleball in Birmingham.

    Leslie's athletic pedigree is simply outstanding. She was a high school All-American in tennis, ranked #1 in juniors in the entire South region. That earned her a full scholarship to Arizona State, where she played #1 and #2 singles all four years. She was ranked #1 (singles) in Alabama in every age division, juniors and adults, leading to her induction into the Alabama Tennis Hall of Fame in 2023. As a pickleball player, she's won 4 gold medals in various PPA tournaments, 2 silver medals at the US Open, and a bronze medal at the APP Senior Pro Masters.

    With her quickness, agility, and work ethic, Leslie is a true asset to the Kansas City Stingers. When she's not demolishing opponents on the court, this proud mom is cheering on her son Holt and daughter Nelle.

    • 2024: Bronze medal, APP Senior Pro Masters Doubles in Delray Beach

    • 2023: US Open 2 silver medals in age (55+) and age/skill (5.0), Gold Medal National Indoors 5.0 (50+)

    • 2021: PPA Georgia Gold medal 5.0 (50+), Gold medal doubles Atlantic South Region

    • 2020: Gold medal PPA Georgia 5.0 35+ mixed

    • 2019: Won the National Senior Games in Singles for age group in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Played a total of 16 games of singles to win the title

    • Before pursuing a career as a pickleball instructor, Leslie was a top sales rep for Wilson Sporting Goods

    • In her free time, Leslie has volunteered in a facility for trafficked women

    • Leslie enjoys spending time with her friends and family, attending sporting events, international travel, and home projects and design

  • "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps

YANNET BRISTER

San Marcos, TX • 5.0 DBLS DUPR

  • Introducing Yannet Brister, a senior pickleball pro with a lifetime of athletic excellence. This former Boeing employee traded her job at the Johnson Space Center to stay home with her three kids. While home, she pursued her passions of running, cycling, tennis—and pickleball.

    Yannet is an absolute beast on the courts. She was a top athlete in every sport and a cheerleader in high school. She later went on to dominate the Houston women's doubles tennis scene for over 20 years before discovering her calling in pickleball. She has run three full marathons and many half marathons, and has cycled across Texas in many events with her cycling team. With four first-gold medal wins already on the PPA tournament circuit, it's clear her confidence, grit, and team-first mentality have transitioned beautifully to her new sport. When she's not launching pickleball shots, this proud mom enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and traveling.

  • PPA Austin Open:

    • Gold in Mixed Senior Pro w/David Komie

    • Gold in Women’s Doubles Senior Pro w/Patty Gallegos

    • Gold in Women’s Double Senior Pro w/Jenny Marcos

    PPA Takeya Showcase Newport Beach:

    • Gold in Women’s Doubles Senior Pro w/Natalie Hill

    PPA The Masters La Quinta:

    • Bronze in Women’s Doubles Senior Pro w/Natalie Hill

    PPA Orlando Cup:

    • Silver in Women’s Doubles Senior Pro w/Diane Wainio

    APP Punta Gorda Summed:

    • Silver in Women’s Doubles Senior Pro w/Kristin Hickman

  • Yannet enjoys traveling, hot yoga, books, shopping, skiing, gardening, playing card games with friends and spending time with her family

  • “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice

MICHAEL CHEN

New Canaan, CT • 5.0 DBLS DUPR

  • Introducing Michael "Hammer Mike" Chen, the co-founder and chairman of the National Pickleball League, and a proud Kansas City Stinger. Michael brings intensity and excellence to everything he does, whether leading his advisory services firm Chen & Associates, or smashing pickleball shots. This part-time New Canaan, Connecticut and Naples, Florida resident only picked up a pickleball paddle in 2021, but he's already making a big impact on the sport. In just two years, "The Hammer" has racked up an incredible haul of gold medals at 4.0-5.0 tournaments, including coveted golden tickets. He's also medaled at elite Masters Pro (60+) events, showcasing his consistency, mental toughness, and brilliant strategic mind honed from a lifetime of playing sports like tennis, softball, baseball, wrestling, basketball, and golf.

    When he's not demolishing opponents on the court, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Jeanette, and is a proud father of four boys - with a granddaughter on the way.

  • Pickleball Highlights

    • Multiple gold medals and Golden Tickets

    • Placed at Masters Pro (60+) tournaments

    • Bronze medal with the Boca Raton Picklers in 2023

    Career Highlights

    • CEO of a Division of GE Capital

    • President of a Division of NBC News

    • Founder and Chairman of Peacock Equity Fund (a Venture Capital Fund)

    • Strategic Advisor to Bridgewater Associates

    • CEO of Chen & Associates (a Strategic Advisory Firm for CEO’s)

    • Chairman of The CEO Forum Group (a media company)

    • Grace Farms Foundation - Vice Chair

    • Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC) Advisory Council Member

    • Pickleball, golf, travel, NY Sports fan

    • Moderator and co-host of “Everything and the Kitchen Dink” NPL Podcast

  • "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers

JENNIFER DAWSON

Carlsbad, CA • 5.44 DBLS DUPR

  • Introducing Jennifer Dawson, a powerhouse on the Stingers! As the owner of a thriving Pickleball club, Jennifer doesn't just play the game—she lives and breathes it. With decades of experience in tennis and pickleball, and a season with the Boca Raton Picklers under her belt, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience, skill, and mental toughness to every match.

    Off the court, Jennifer is married to NPL player Steve Dawson, and is the mother of two grown boys, Callan and Tyler. Get ready to be inspired by Jennifer Dawson—she's as competitive as they come!

    • 2023 Inducted into the Pickleball Hall of Fame

    • 2015- Present: Won over 34 US Open, TOC, and National Championship Titles

    • 2017- US Open Triple Crown Winner (Gold in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed)

    • 2021- Nationals Triple Crown Winner (Gold in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed)

    • Played #1 Singles and Doubles for University Of San Diego for 4 straight years

    • NCAA Div 1 Senior Player of the Year Finalist

    • Played Senior USTA Tennis and won the 35, 40, and 50 National Championships

    • Played on the USTA International teams to Turkey, Australia, San Diego, Croatia, and South Africa

    • Won the 40 Worlds

  • In her free time, Jennifer enjoys padel, paint by numbers, and is a proud Quintessential Ambassador of QVC.

  • “Lil Boo Thang” by Paul Russell

DAVID GEORGE

South Bend, IN • 5.635 DBLS DUPR

  • Meet David "The Professor" George, a philosophy and ethics professor by day, and pickleball pro by night (and weekends). Hailing from South Bend, IN, David has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments, including a silver medal at the 2023 U.S. Open, top 10 rankings in senior pro doubles, and top 5 in senior pro singles. When he's not schooling opponents with his consistent play, mental toughness, and incredible fitness, you might catch him dishing out pickleball wisdom at pickleball clinics with Jennifer Gallwas and on the "Everything and the Kitchen Dink" NPL podcast. Off the courts, David enjoys spending time with his wife, Denise, and three kids, Derek, Dominick, and Dana.

    • 2023 U.S. Open Silver Medalist

    • Top 10 DUPR Senior Pro Male Doubles

    • Top 5 DUPR Senior Pro Male Singles

    • Top 10 APP Senior Pro Male

    • Division 3 three sport athlete (Wheaton College) - Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis

    • Division 3 Tennis All-American Doubles (Wheaton College)

    • Division 3 Academic All-American (Tennis, Wheaton College)

    • When David isn't in the classroom or on the court, he also spends his time as a Landscape Designer at Roseland Garden Center and as a Tennis Teaching Pro at South Bend Racquet Club

    • David is the head of a pickleball program at Juvenile Justice Center in South Bend, IN

    • Volunteer for TOP soccer for developmentally disabled youth

    • Volunteer at Youth Service Bureau for homeless teens

    • David enjoys raising ducks and chickens, playing spikeball, and playing cribbage

    • Having grown up with a father in the Air Force, David has been to over 20 countries around the world

  • "Lose Yourself" by Eminem

AMY HONEA

Evans, GA • 4.96 DBLS DUPR

  • Meet Amy Honea! From the tennis courts of her youth to the pickleball courts of today, Amy Honea has always had an incredible athletic pedigree. This Evans, Georgia resident (by way of Michigan and Knoxville, TN) was a top-10 junior tennis player in Tennessee, played for Coastal Carolina's team, and achieved a #1 ranking in USTA 4.5 singles in Georgia at age 35 alongside multiple USTA team titles.

    These days, the award-winning, nationally-published portrait photographer and rising senior pro captured two silver medals at her first pro event in Kansas City in August 2023. Her recent success is made even more impressive by the fact that just one year prior, she was recovering from a potentially career-ending injury that required two surgeries and 10 grueling months of physical therapy just to learn how to walk and run again. But with her dedication and perseverance, Amy worked her way back onto the courts. In her free time, Amy can be found running her portrait photography business specializing in high school and college portraits. At home, she has an equally supportive crew - her husband Dave (who also plays pickleball), three adult children/stepchildren, two golden retrievers, and a 15-year-old feisty cat. With her athleticism and mental toughness, this comeback story is sure to inspire us this season.

    • Top ten ranked junior in tennis in Tennessee

    • Played on the Coastal Carolina tennis team

    • Reached number one ranking in singles in USTA 4.5, age 35 in GA - tennis

    • Multiple USTA regional and state tennis team titles

    • Rising senior pro

    • 2023: first pro event at Kansas City PPA; won 2 silver medals

    • 2023: Women's Doubles Gold at National Championships

    • Medaled in every tournament played in 2023

    • Jan 2024: Started APP Championships Pro

    • Amy enjoys photography and volunteering.

    • She enjoyed various softball teams as a youth and played on church team as an adult.

    • Fun fact: Amy can throw popcorn into the air and catch it in her mouth with a 95% success rate

  • "Let's Go" by Trick Daddy (feat Lil Jon & Twista)

SAED IBSAIS

Urbandale, IA • 5.44 DBLS DUPR

  • Meet Saed Ibsais, aka "The Cyclone," hailing from Urbandale, Iowa. By day, Saed works as an engineer, but by night (and weekends), he's a force to be reckoned with on the pickleball court. Saed played for both the Austin and Boca Raton teams in the league last year, assisting in Boca's rise from 6th place to the Bronze medal in the championship weekend.

    Formerly a soccer player for three decades, Saed made the transition to pickleball five years ago (past two years as a PRO) and has competed in numerous PPA and APP tournaments since. A true team player, Saed's infectious energy and commitment to fun elevate every match, inspiring teammates to give their all on the court. In his free time, you'll find Saed coaching young athletes, or spending time with his wife and daughters.

    • Bronze Medal, National Pickleball League (2023)

    • Soccer player for 30 years

    • Biking

    • Hiking

    • Enjoys volunteering for and participating in pickleball fundraiser tournaments

  • “Pump it Up” by Endor

KIM KESNER

Denver, CO • 5.2 DBLS DUPR

  • Meet Kim Kesner, a strong player from Denver, Colorado who will battle it out until the very last point. Kim brings a lifetime of athletic excellence to the courts, with a background in college volleyball and softball, and an eye for strategy. Last year, she earned multiple gold and silver medals on the APP circuit, including a silver medal with Stingers partner Jen Dawson on the Senior Pro Tour, and a 4th place finish in the Senior Pro women's doubles at the US Open. She received the most improved player for APP in 2022, and had the highest viewed match in pickleball against Anna Leigh Waters.

    When she's not inspiring comeback wins on the court, Kim is a chiropractor and acupuncturist, and owner of her own practice with her husband Chad. She's also a supportive mom and proud mom to her son, Cole, who is studying chemical and biomedical engineering while playing college football at South Dakota School of Mines.

    • 2023: 3 gold medals, 3 silver medal and 1 bronze medal

    • 2023: 4th place in women's at US Open

    • 2023: 5th place in mixed at Nationals

    • 2022: APP Most Improved

    • Dirt biking, snowmobiling, razoring, hiking, golf

    • Kim donates her free time treating Lou Gehrig patients

  • "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor

CRISTEN KESSLER

Buffalo, NY • 4.993 DBLS DUPR

  • Meet Cristen "Cris" Kessler, a pickleball pro with quick hands and an aggressive offensive game. This math specialist and pickleball instructor from Buffalo, New York has made a seamless transition from the tennis court to the pickleball courts in just two years.

    Despite only starting to play pickleball in 2022 when her son, who works for Diadem, encouraged her to play, Cristen brings over three decades of elite racket experience from her days as a Division 1 tennis star at Saint Bonaventure University. During her collegiate career, she earned All-Academic and Atlantic 10 conference honors. Post-college, her USTA women’s 5.0 team and USTA mixed 9.0 teams made several trips to Nationals, including a national championship for the mixed team. These days, she brings that same well-rounded, versatile game and competitive fire to the pickleball courts. Off the court, she enjoys spending time with her partner, Nick, and is a proud mom to two adult children, Michael and Courtney. And with her sister living in Kansas City, she's excited to spend more time in the area playing for the Stingers.

    • Drafted onto Austin Ignite in 2023

    • Second place Senior Pro Women's in Senior Pro Tour Third Annual Curaleaf Boca Raton Masters Pickleball Championships, January 2024

    • Third place in Women’s Doubles in the Senior Pro Tour Sin City Classic in Las Vegas, March 2024

    • Third place in Mixed Doubles in the Senior Pro Tour Sin City Classic in Las Vegas, March 2024

    • Seventh place in AARP Champions Pro Mixed Doubles at the APP Sunmed Atlanta Open, September 2023

    • Cris played Division 1 tennis for Saint Bonaventure University.

    • Post-college, in USTA tennis, her 9.0 Mixed Doubles team went to Nationals several times and won once, and her women’s 5.0 tennis team made it to Nationals in Palm Springs.

    • Full scholarship to Division 1 program; played all 4 years with a winning record and became captain her junior and senior years of college

    • All-Academic and Athletic Atlantic 10 Honors

    • Cris loves to bike and swim

    • She taught religious education at Saint Christopher Parish

    • She loves to travel, and is looking forward to visiting her sister and her family more often in KC

  • "Roar" by Katy Perry

HUGH LAROQUE

Wayne, PA • 5.37 DBLS DUPR

  • Meet Hugh Laroque, from Wayne, Pennsylvania. This sales professional started playing pickleball a mere two years ago, but he's already making a name for himself on the senior pro circuit. Hugh was a multi-sport star athlete, earning various awards for his hard work and abilities. He also traveled nationally playing competitive men's softball. These days, when he's not hustling on the pickleball courts 5-6 days a week or incorporating HIIT and strength training, you can find him winning co-ed football league championships alongside former college athletes, and spending time with his family, including his dog Ruby. With consistent execution across all pickleball shots, a keen observation of opponents' weaknesses, and a relentless determination to get to every ball, this encouraging partner is a beast that we're excited to have on our side of the net!

    • Proudly defeated Paul Olin/Natalija Todorovic and Scott Moore/Mary Helen Atkins at APP Miami

    • Has competed in 5 senior pro tournaments, finishing in top 6 (mixed doubles) in 3 of the 5 tournaments

    • Hiking, golfing, watching/playing most sports, word games, fitness, nutrition, social activities, traveling and music

    • Hugh enjoys running and has achieved a 4.41-second time in the 40-yard dash, and a 5.25-minute mile

    • Hugh has an impressive list of side hustles and athletic feats including jumping over cars (he once scored a king-size bed as a prize on a local sports radio show) and throwing golf balls an impressive 150 yards in the air (he once threw a golf ball over a 13-story building in Myrtle Beach, SC).

  • "Run" by One Republic

STACEY MCKAY

Richland, MI & Naples, FL • 5.02 DBLS DUPR

  • Introducing Stacey McKay, a relentless competitor with a decorated athletic background. This Michigan native and part-time Naples, Florida resident brings a world-class work ethic and competitive fire to the courts.

    Stacey's athletic journey started early, playing tennis and varsity basketball before going on to dominate the USTA circuit for a decade and the over-30 women's soccer league. She's since brought that same persistence, determination, and athleticism to the pickleball courts with tremendous success, with bronze medals at the last two U.S. Opens, plus two 4th place finishes in 2024. As a PPR Certified Pro, Stacey also has a passion for teaching and growing the sport. Off the courts, Stacey is a proud mom to three daughters and a successful business investor. We're looking forward to Stacey's infectious positive energy and team-first mentality on the Kansas City Stingers!

    • 2023: U.S. Open Womens 40-49/5.0 Bronze Medalist

    • 2024 U.S. Open Mixed Age 55-59 Bronze Medalist

    • 2024 U.S. Open Women's Age 45-49/5.0, 4th place

    • 2024 U.S. Open Women's Double Age 40-54/5.0, 4th place

  • Stacey spent many years supporting her daughters’ sports endeavors as their #1 fan and volunteer coach. She also spent time volunteering in their classrooms and after school activities, and gives back by delivering food to people experiencing homelessness

    In her free time, you can find Stacey boating, socializing with friends, cooking healthy meals, going on long walks, and watching her girls play sports

  • "One of Them Girls" by Lee Brice

REED NEWHALL

Naples, FL • 5.02 DBLS DUPR

  • Introducing Reed Newhall, a player with an incredibly versatile racquet sports history from Naples, Florida. This humble "paddle guy" has transitioned seamlessly from squash to tennis to platform tennis and now finds himself passionate about his newest love - pickleball.

    Reed's athletic journey began in high school on the tennis and squash courts before he gave up squash to focus on tennis at Pomona College, eventually earning induction into their Athletic Hall of Fame. After college, he got hooked on platform tennis, working his way up to #16 in the country in doubles and winning the singles national championships in 1999 (and was technically the "reigning champ" for 7 years as they canceled the tournament the following years until 2006). Last year, in his first and only 4.5 singles tournament appearance, he took home the gold medal. These days, you'll find Reed showcasing his quick hands, touch, and groundstrokes on the pickleball courts, and spending time with his wife and two adult children. When asked what other fun facts his fans may want to know about, he humbly replied, "I don't know that I have any fans." Whether it's squash, tennis, platform tennis, or now pickleball, one thing's for sure - this lifelong student of the racquet sports always has another trick up his sleeve.

    • Won gold in first 4.5 singles tournament last year

    • Played Senior Pro Delray with Leslie Bernard, splitting with Paul Olin and Natalija Todorovic-Shaw (he notes it was more intimidating playing with Leslie than against Paul)

    • High school county tennis champion - a proud accomplishment 35 years ago

    • Singles National Platform Tennis Championship in 1999

    • Went to Nationals in Palm Springs for 4.5/5.0 40+.Middle States; won all doubles matches and bumped up to 5.0

  • Travel, tennis, and golf

  • "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled

NATASHA NUERGE

Fort Wayne, IN • 5.13 DBLS DUPR

  • Meet Natasha "Natty" Joshi Nuerge, a dynamic force both on and off the court! Standing tall with a left-handed advantage and an impressive reach, Natasha dominates the game with her powerful forehand drive and assertive approach. Married to her husband Dave, Natasha is a proud mother of two sons and has a successful career as a Sales Leader at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals. This year marks her debut in the league, having recently turned 50 years old.

  • Pickleball:

    • Started playing in 2020

    • DUPR: 5.13

    • Won multiple regional and local tournaments and qualified for Nationals multiple times

    Tennis

    • 1990: Western Open USTA Jr Champion

    • 1991: Jr. National Tennis Champion (India)

    • 1992: Represented India in Jr Australian Open, Jr. Wimbledon and Jr. US Open

    • 1992-1996: 4 year starting Varsity Tennis Player at Indiana University

    • 1993, 1994, 1995: 3 Time Big Ten Champion

    • 1996: All Big Ten Selection

    • Started a grassroots middle school tennis program

    • Volunteered as a high school boys tennis coach

    • Enjoys watching college sports (football, basketball) and pro tennis, travel, biking, hiking

    • Motto: Work Hard Play HardER

  • “Let’s Go” by Calvin Harris

STAN PERRY

Village of Loch Lloyd, MO • 5.13 DBLS DUPR

  • Introducing Stan Perry from Village of Loch Lloyd, Missouri. This retired gas liquids trader has made a name for himself in elite tennis and has become a dominant force on the pickleball courts.

    A former 5.0 USTA player who qualified for nationals 7 times and won the 2007 9.0 mixed national championship, Stan's ability to anticipate shots gives him a huge advantage in pickleball. He put those skills to good use in 2021, capturing the USA National Championship in the 55+ 4.5 division. More recently in 2024, Stan earned a silver medal at the APP Masters event in the 60+ pro division. When he's not strategically dissecting opponents on the pickleball courts, this 6-handicap golfer enjoys a more relaxing round on the links. Off the courts, Stan is a devoted family man, married to wife Cindy with a daughter Lindsey and son Taylor. With his mix of power, strategy, and decades of racquet/club sports experience, Stan's pickleball future is looking awfully golden.

    • 2021: USA National Champion 55+ 4.5

    • 2024: APP Masters Mens 60+ Pro Silver medalist

    • Stan was a 5.0 USTA tennis player 7-time National qualifier.

    • 2007: National 9.0 mixed champions

    • 6 Handicap golfer

    • Big fan of the Chiefs, KC Royals and Missouri Tigers

    • Stan enjoys being a pickleball ambassador to introduce others to the game

  • "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits

PAUL SALMELA

Plymouth, MN • 5.534 DBLS DUPR

  • Introducing Paul Salmela, a dedicated pickleball enthusiast from Plymouth, MN, making his debut this year in the NPL. Three years ago, Paul discovered his passion for pickleball and has since immersed himself in the sport, transitioning from singles to doubles, and now playing every day (that his body will allow). With a background in various sports, including beach volleyball, hockey, tennis, soccer, broomball, flag football, skiing and snowboarding, Paul's love for athleticism knows no bounds.

    Retired from the corporate IT world, Paul now spends his days perfecting his game and enjoying quality time with his wife and two young boys. Paul truly embodies the spirit of pickleball, making him a welcome addition to the Kansas City Stingers in his inaugural year.

    • 2023: Gold in Singles and Silver in Doubles at Senior Pro Level PPA event in Lakeville, MN

    • 2023: Gold in Doubles at Senior Pro Level PPA event in Austin, TX

    • Volunteer coach for kids baseball, hockey, and soccer

    • Paul enjoys nearly every sport and has a competitive yet fun nature on the court

  • Paul has traveled to every continent, except Antarctica.

DARYL WYATT

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