Meet Village Glen’s Pickleball Pros
We’re thrilled to be leading the charge in the exciting world of Pickleball’s growth. This fall, we’re opening six dedicated indoor Pickleball courts, showcasing our commitment to providing our members with diverse and engaging opportunities. Alongside this, we’re unveiling a newly renovated lobby, business office, and pro shop, creating a modern and welcoming space for our community.
As an added bonus, we’re delighted to announce that our own tennis pros have recently acquired certification in Pickleball instruction. This achievement enables us to elevate our Pickleball programming and deliver top-tier instruction to our community. The surging popularity of Pickleball has us eager to be part of this dynamic sport.
The Village Glen Tennis & Pickleball team is enthusiastic and ready to cater to your tennis and Pickleball needs with dedication. See you on the courts for some fantastic sporting experiences!
VG Team Introduction
Robert Gregoire
Director of Tennis
Robert Gregoire, Director of Tennis
As we strive to position the Village Glen at the forefront of Pickleball’s exhilarating growth, we’re excited to announce the upcoming opening of six dedicated indoor pickleball courts this fall. These will be accompanied by a newly renovated lobby, business office, and pro shop. Additionally, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently acquired certification in Pickleball instruction, enhancing our progressive programming at the Village Glen Tennis & Pickleball. This exciting addition underscores our commitment to providing diverse and engaging opportunities for our members.
Considering the surging popularity of Pickleball, I’m eager to participate in this dynamic sport and deliver top-tier instruction to our community. This expansion aligns perfectly with our mission to offer innovative and enjoyable experiences in both tennis and Pickleball. I’m truly looking forward to sharing the joy of Pickleball with each and every one of you.
My journey in the realm of tennis commenced in 1989 at the Village Glen Tennis Club, where I began as an assistant professional. Over seven enriching years, I delved into every aspect of the tennis business under the guidance of Tom LaPenna’s mentorship. As a high-performance junior coach, I derived immense fulfillment from instructing players of all ages and skill levels during my tenure at the club.
Subsequently, a rewarding three-year chapter unfolded at the South Towns Tennis Center. Alongside David Todoroff, I jointly directed Tennis Operations, nurturing a vibrant Junior Program and gaining recognition for our comprehensive adult clinics. In 1999, an opportunity to launch The Pennsylvania Tennis Academy in Pittsburgh emerged, thanks to Terry Pegula and Frank Baritot. Over the following five years, we established the largest and most successful junior and adult programs in Western PA.
Over a decade, Pittsburgh became the canvas for my professional growth and tennis expertise. By 2010, I had taken on roles as part owner and Director of Tennis at Alpha Tennis and Fitness in Pittsburgh. The subsequent year, I was honored as USTA Pro of the Year, while Alpha secured the prestigious Club of the Year title from the Allegheny Mountain District. In 2012, my responsibilities expanded further as I assumed the role of Head Coach for Duquesne University’s Men’s Tennis team. The season culminated in a remarkable 16-6 record, marking a historic achievement for the school. The following year, I led both the Men’s and Women’s programs, resulting in a significant 6-match improvement for the women’s team and their emergence as formidable contenders in the A10 conference.
Looking ahead, the Village Glen Tennis & Pickleball team is poised and ready to cater to your tennis and Pickleball needs with enthusiasm and dedication. See you on the courts!
Russ Tringalli
Head Tennis Pro, Director of Tournaments & Adult Development
Russ Tringalli, Head Tennis Pro, Director of Tournaments & Adult Development
Allow us to introduce Russ, the dynamic Tournament & Adult Development Director at Village Glen. Recently certified in Pickleball, Russ seamlessly extends his teaching experience and passion to this thrilling new sport within our community. A true virtuoso in molding adult beginners into formidable players, he drives the Rally Tennis Group Lesson Program, leading VG participants from novices to dedicated contenders, now embracing his new role with Pickleball enthusiasts.
With over 45 years in tennis, Russ orchestrates an array of USTA sanctioned and junior tournaments. He boasts multiple Western New York singles and doubles titles, crowned by the prestigious 1981 NYS SUNY Singles Championship. As UB’s number one singles player from ’81 to ’84, his prowess was unmatched.
With a storied teaching career and a stint as assistant tennis coach at the University at Buffalo, Russ nurtures emerging talents. Today, he passionately guides newcomers through VG’s programs, meticulously tailoring placements for optimal progress.
Beyond tennis, Russ co-owns Cavalier Fitness Studio, seamlessly blending fitness with tennis. His collaboration with Shelly Cavalier brings diverse group fitness classes, perfectly harmonizing physical activity and tennis. Russ epitomizes excellence for players and fitness enthusiasts at Village Glen.
Cristen Kessler
Pickleball Manager
Cristen Kessler, Pickleball Manager
Cris, a devoted mother of two, Michael and Courtney, wears multiple hats as a Math Specialist at Maple West Elementary School and the girls’ tennis coach for Williamsville North High School. Her love for tennis dates back to her childhood, evolving into a lifelong passion. Cris’s journey in tennis includes a competitive background, securing a full scholarship to Division 1 Saint Bonaventure University and coaching Division 1 tennis for Canisius College.
Remaining active in competitive tennis, Cris achieved notable milestones, participating in national competitions with her 4.5 and 5.0 rated women’s tennis teams. Her 9.0 rated mixed doubles teams even clinched a national championship. Recognizing her contributions, Cris was honored with induction into the MUNY All-Star Hall of Fame for tennis last summer.
In 2022, inspired by her son Michael, who joined Diadem Sports, a tennis and pickleball equipment company, Cris embraced pickleball. Her enthusiasm quickly turned into a dedication to the sport, leading her to transition exclusively to pickleball. Cris’s commitment paid off as she excelled in tournaments and was recruited to the National Pickleball League (NPL), a newly formed senior pro league. After a competitive combine in Oklahoma City, Cris was drafted onto team Austin Ignite during the first-ever NPL draft in Naples, Florida.
Not only did Cris contribute to Austin Ignite winning the regular season, but she also played a pivotal role in securing the silver medal in the post-season championship tournament. Cris is thrilled to continue her professional pickleball journey and is equally excited to share her expertise and passion by teaching pickleball at the Village Glen, passing on the joy and knowledge of this dynamic sport.
Al Pawlinski
Pickleball Coach
Al Pawlinski
I was born in England and moved to Western New York when I was 3 years old.
My dad was an avid tennis and table tennis player and got me hooked, as well. I’ve been
playing both since I was about 5 years old.
I played many years of USTA tennis and won a Junior State title in Utah (at the same courts that Dave Todoroff ran in Salt Lake) and I was honored to receive the Comeback Player Of The Year award from the USTA in 2021. About 3½ years ago, a friend introduced me to pickleball and, of course, I was immediately hooked. It is a perfect combination of tennis and table tennis. I play socially and in competitive tournaments.
My pickleball partner and I recently won a New York State tournament. I recently received my pickleball coaching certification and am excited to be a part of the Village Glen staff. I have met so many great people, players and staff alike, since we opened the pickleball area in October of 2022.
When I am NOT playing a racquet/paddle sport, I love spending time with my wonderful wife, our six great kids and our grandchild …another on the way!
