SoCAL CAMPS​

JILLY B

Jillian Braverman is the #1 ranked female on the APP World Tour, the current and 2x USAP National Champion, and silver medalist from the 2025 US Open, with over 40 professional medals to her name, including 16 golds. Jill is a true believer in teaching her students how to COMPETE and WIN--not just how to hit the shots.

Before playing professional pickleball full-time, she was the CEO of DUPR, a startup founder, tech CEO, and collegiate D1 scholarship tennis player from Pepperdine University. Jill has also qualified for 3 USGA Mid-Amateur Championships in golf. Off the court, you'll find her reading non-fiction, crushing NYT puzzles or cooking.

ALEX EMERY

Alex Emery is a Top 30 APP pro player and coach with a competitive pedigree spanning both collegiate tennis and the elite-level pickleball (including a gold medal with Jill in a men's-doubles moneyball in 2025). A former Division I college tennis player and coach, Alex holds a DUPR of 6.01 and has competed at the highest levels — recently earning a gold medal at the PPA Challenger in Newport Beach and a bronze medal at the Vietnam D-Joy APP tournament. He channels that elite experience into strategic, results-driven coaching that helps players at every level elevate their game.

MARK NAHUM

Mark is a 27-year-old pickleball coach from Turkey and one of the head coaches at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. With a 5.5 DUPR and three years of competitive play, he brings a strong athletic foundation from soccer, basketball, and beach volleyball into his coaching style. Mark plays and coaches full time, with plans to expand his tournament presence this year. He has been instrumental in growing pickleball in Turkey, leading multiple clinics for both players and coaches to help develop the sport internationally.

DEAN AYERS

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Dean Ayers is a 5-time National Pickleball Champion and full-time teaching professional, known to his students as "Coach Dean." He has been playing pickleball for 11 years, bringing the strategic insight and competitive edge that earned him national titles into every lesson, whether coaching one-on-one or leading group clinics. He currently teaches at The Coto Pickleball Club and is also actively involved with the Coachella Valley Scorpions, helping grow competitive pickleball in the region.

When he's not on the court, Dean enjoys spending time with his wife, their 4 kids, and 2 granddaughters.

KRISTIN WALLA

A former D1 golfer (Texas) turned pro (playing & coaching), Junior Olympian skier, Kristin brings multi-sport experience to her coaching. Despite her minimal tennis background, she's climbed from a 3.0 to 4.5, thanks to the support and coaching from Jill.

When she’s not playing pickleball, she's busy as Jilly B’s mental coach, drill partner, and wife! Obsessed with continuously learning new skills, Kristin also sings, plays the ukulele, edits most of the Jilly B content you see (including this website!), and loves puzzles.

CARL TAIBL

Carl Taibl is a 5.0+ rated player dedicated to creating an engaging, high-energy, and personalized experience for every player he encounters. Since discovering pickleball in 2019, Carl has been driven by a passion for both competition and player development. As a pro competitor, Carl has tested his game against some of the sport’s best players. His experience competing at a high-level gives him valuable insight that he brings directly into every lesson. Carl is a passionate student of the game. He spends countless hours studying match footage, analyzing patterns, discussing tactics with other elite players, and refining the latest techniques to stay at the forefront of the sport. A constant favorite at all of our camps, we are so proud to have Carl on the team.

KADEN KRING

Kaden is a Coach at Life Time Fitness with a passion for helping players grow their game and enjoy the sport of pickleball. Kaden trains with PPA and APP pros,  keeping his game and coaching on the pulse of the evolving strategies at the  highest-level of competition. His players improve rapidly by shoring up their fundamentals, confidence, and overall understanding of the game in a way that feels fun, encouraging, and competitive.

CARSON NGUYEN

Carson brings a multi-sport background in basketball and soccer to his approach on the pickleball court. In just a few years, he has risen to a 5.2 DUPR and now regularly competes in high-level pro events. A student of game theory, Carson is drawn to the strategic depth of pickleball, and how tactical decisions shape the outcome of a match. His rapid rise gives him a unique perspective for connecting with students and helping them reach their own goals — all while keeping the game fun.

JACK SAHID

Based in Orange County, CA, Jack Sahid has been competing in pickleball since 2023, rapidly progressing from a new player to the professional level. He regularly competes in PPA events as well as local pro moneyball tournaments throughout Southern California. In 2023 and 2024, Jack won back-to-back PPA and USAP Junior U16 National titles, establishing himself as one of the sport's most exciting young competitors. He has since advanced through qualifying rounds to earn spots in Pro Main Draws at PPA events. As passionate about teaching as he is about competing, Jack brings energy and firsthand experience to every lesson and clinic he coaches. When he's off the court, you'll find him enjoying the outdoors—especially surfing.