Our Facilitators
Our Facilitators are seasoned professionals who are passionate about the game of Pickleball!
Coco Lococo – Australia
Coco Lococo is a leading figure in pickleball and a three-time professional Major League Pickleball (MLP) Australia player. She formerly served as Coaching Director for MLP/PPA Australia and currently coaches multiple professional MLP teams.
As the first female professional pickleball coach in Australasia and India, Coco also coaches in the World Pickleball League (WPBL).
With decades of elite tennis coaching experience, she brings exceptional tactical knowledge to pickleball. Coco is passionate about developing players of all levels and is widely respected for her energy, leadership, and commitment to growing the sport.
Bonns Jerald Umali – Philippines
Bonns is a premier Filipino pickleball coach, educator, and elite competitor. One of the most credentialed trainers in the country (PPR, UPCC, PGA, PCI, IFP), he has been instrumental in professionalizing the sport in the Philippines.
As a former Asia #2 (Men’s 35+ Singles) with a peak DUPR of 5.6, he is a consistent podium finisher across the continent. His recent international honors include:
Gold Medals: 2024 Hong Kong Open (Mixed 35+), 2023 Asia Open Thailand (Mixed 35+), 2023 Oakley Championship (Men’s 35+).
Silver Medals: 2024 WPC Bali (Singles, Doubles, & Mixed 35+), 2024 Hong Kong Open (Singles & Doubles 35+), 2024 WPC Masters Vietnam (Doubles 35+).
Bronze Medals: 2024 WPC Masters Vietnam (Singles 35+), 2023 WPC Bali (Singles 35+).
Bonns’ coaching philosophy centers on a structured, athlete-first approach, bridging the gap between sound fundamentals and pro-level strategy for players and aspiring coaches alike.
TONY MORGAN – NEW SOUTH WALES
Tony Morgan has been a driving force in Australian pickleball since its early days in NSW in 2018. Over the years, he has played a key role in the sport’s growth and development, contributing as a coach, player, administrator, and promoter.
His transition into pickleball coincided with a career shift, leading to the establishment of PB Sports in 2019—his dedicated pickleball equipment supply and coaching business. With experience spanning local, state, and national levels (PAA), Tony has taken on multiple roles, including sports administrator, tournament director, representative player, commentator, and podcast host.
Coaching & Leadership
Coaching remains Tony’s greatest passion. With 15 years of badminton coaching and now over five years of pickleball coaching, he continues to shape players’ development at all levels.
- Head Coach at Discover Pickleball Newcastle (since 2023)
- Coaching Coordinator for Hunter Pickleball Association
- Former Level 2 Certified Coach – IPTPA & Pickleball Global Coaching Academy
- Current Level 2 Certified Coach – UPCC
Competitive Achievements
A decorated player, Tony has won multiple state, national, and international titles, including:
- 2019 APC – Gold (Men’s Doubles, 5.0)
- 2019 Vic Open – Silver (Mixed Doubles)
- 2020 Battle of the Border (NSW vs VIC) – NSW Captain
- 2020, 2021 & 2023 – NSW Battle of the Border Representative
- 2023 Asian Championships (Thailand) – Team Gold
- 2024 Tasmanian Open – Gold (Men’s Doubles)
- 2024 Tasmanian Masters – Gold (Men’s Doubles) | Silver (Skinny Singles)
Course Presenter & Educator
In addition to coaching, Tony is a passionate educator, delivering training and certification courses across Australia and internationally:
- 2+ years as a course presenter
- Conducted 20+ courses across NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania
- Delivered coaching courses in China and South Korea
With a deep commitment to the sport, Tony continues to drive the growth of pickleball through coaching, competition, and education.
TINA BIANCHI – VICTORIA
Professional Pickleball Player | MLPA Premiere League 2023/24
2024/25 Captain – Pro Masters 50+ MLPA Melbourne Mavericks Team
#1 Australian Ranked (AR) 50+ Women’s Doubles Player (2024)
Tina is a highly accomplished pickleball coach and competitor with three years of coaching experience. She specializes in training players of all levels—from beginners to professionals—helping them refine their skills and reach peak performance. Before transitioning to pickleball, Tina competed at a state-grade level in tennis and participated in international beach tennis tournaments.
Certifications & Qualifications:
- Pickleball Global Level 1 & 2 Certified Coach
- Master Club Professional Tennis Australia Coach
- IFBT Beach Tennis Coach
- Certificate IV Personal Trainer
- Bachelor of Science – Monash University
- Graduate Diploma of Audiology – Melbourne University
Competitive Achievements:
Tina has competed in premier pickleball tournaments across Australia and New Zealand, earning multiple state and national titles in both singles and doubles across open and masters divisions.
BRYAN WILSON – VICTORIA
Pickleball Coach | President, Wangaratta Pickleball Club | Founder, Moose Sports Academy
As a passionate advocate for pickleball in Northeast Victoria, I am dedicated to fostering a thriving and inclusive pickleball community. Serving as both a Level 2 Certified Pickleball Coach and President of the Wangaratta Pickleball Club, I have had the privilege of guiding players of all ages and skill levels on their pickleball journey.
My passion for coaching led to the creation of Moose Sports Academy, where I provide personalized training focused on skill development, sportsmanship, and a love for the game. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an introduction to pickleball or a competitive player aiming to refine your technique, Moose Sports Academy is the go-to destination for high-quality pickleball coaching in Northeast Victoria.
Competitive & Leadership Experience
Over the past six years, my journey in pickleball has been one of passion, growth, and achievement. What started as a casual interest quickly evolved into competing, coaching, and contributing to the sport at every level.
- Battle of the Border – Competitor & Tournament Host for multiple years
- Active competitor in state and regional pickleball tournaments
- President of Wangaratta Pickleball Club, promoting the sport’s growth in the region
- Mentor and coach, helping players develop strategy, technique, and confidence
Commitment to the Pickleball Community
Beyond competition, pickleball has been a gateway to building lasting connections. Coaching, mentoring, and watching the community thrive are some of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement.
This ongoing journey continues to inspire me every day—whether I’m competing, coaching, or just enjoying a rally with friends. My mission remains clear: to grow the sport, support players, and help pickleball reach new heights in Northeast Victoria.
ANDREW HORRIDGE – WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Professional Pickleball Player | Captain, Western Vipers (MLP Australia)
From Western Australia to the Global Stage
Born and raised in Western Australia, [Your Name] has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as a force in professional pickleball. His journey began with a breakthrough victory at his first State Championships, a defining moment that set him on the path to a full-time career in the sport.
Since turning pro in August 2024, he has embraced the demands of international competition, spending more time on the road than at home—and thriving in the process. His passion for the game, relentless work ethic, and competitive spirit have fueled his success on the global stage.
Captain of the Western Vipers – MLP Australia
One of Andy’s proudest achievements is being named Captain of the Western Vipers, an MLP Australia team. In this leadership role, he not only competes at an elite level but also mentors teammates, refines match strategies, and fosters a winning team culture. His dedication to the sport and his team has made him a respected figure in the pickleball community.
A Career Built on Dedication & Growth
Andy’s’s journey is defined by persistence, discipline, and continuous improvement. From training in Western Australia to competing against the world’s best, he has consistently pushed himself to elevate his game.
His career highlights include:
✔ Competing at the highest level, facing off against top international players
✔ Leading the Western Vipers, guiding the team to success in MLP Australia
✔ Inspiring the next generation, sharing his experience and helping to grow the sport
✔ Representing Western Australia, bringing recognition to the region and its rising talent
Looking Ahead
With the future wide open, Andy remains focused on:
- Competing in the global stage, testing his skills against top players
- Driving the Western Vipers to new heights, leading the team to championships
- Expanding pickleball’s reach, promoting the sport across Australia and beyond
His journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come. Keep an eye out for Andy as he continues to make an impact on the global pickleball stage.
the world
✔ Leadership & Teamwork – Guiding the Western Vipers to success in MLP Australia
✔ Inspiring the next generation – Sharing my experience and helping grow the sport
✔ Representing Western Australia – Bringing recognition to the region and its talented athletes
The Future of His Pickleball Journey
The road ahead is filled with opportunities, challenges, and new milestones. My focus remains on:
- Competing internationally, testing my skills against the world’s best
- Elevating the Western Vipers, leading the team to championships
- Promoting pickleball’s growth, both in Australia and worldwide
ROBBIE MANZANO -AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Director, Tennis Canberra | Pickleball Coach & Advocate | NPL Player
From Tennis to Pickleball – A Passion for Coaching
With over 20 years of coaching experience and a background in high-performance tennis, Robbie Manzano has dedicated his career to helping players of all levels excel on the court. A University of Canberra Coaching Science graduate, Robbie has spent his adult life mentoring athletes, refining techniques, and fostering a love for racquet sports.
In 2023, he expanded his expertise by introducing Pickleball to Tennis Canberra, seamlessly transitioning his coaching acumen onto the pickleball court. What began as a side project has quickly become a thriving movement, with over 300 active players participating in Pickleball Canberra each week.
Competing & Growing the Sport
Beyond coaching, Robbie has fully embraced the sport as a player in his own right, challenging younger talent in National Pickleball League (NPL) matches and major national events. His passion for learning the game firsthand has allowed him to bridge the gap between coaching and competition, offering players valuable insights drawn from both perspectives.
Recognizing the rapid growth and potential of pickleball, Robbie played a pivotal role in advocating for ACT’s first-ever representative team in the NPL for Season 3. His leadership and dedication have helped elevate pickleball in the region, giving Canberra players the opportunity to compete on the national stage.
A Vision for Pickleball in Canberra
Robbie is committed to expanding the reach of pickleball and providing inclusive, high-quality coaching to players of all ages and abilities. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the sport, he continues to be a driving force behind the development of pickleball in Canberra.
His coaching philosophy is built on:
✔ Personalized player development – Tailoring coaching to individual needs
✔ Competitive excellence – Preparing players for high-level competition
✔ Community engagement – Fostering a welcoming environment for all players
✔ Growth & innovation – Continuously evolving coaching methods for both tennis and pickleball
With his unwavering energy and commitment, Robbie is determined to help anyone who wants to step onto the court and improve their game. Whether as a coach, player, or advocate, he remains at the forefront of pickleball’s rise in Canberra, paving the way for the sport’s bright future.