Meet the Stingers

Man in a Kansas City Stingers sports shirt, fist raised, indoors.

DARYL WYATT

Kansas City, MO

  • Born and raised in DC, Daryl started playing tennis at the age of 11. By age 14, he had already secured the impressive ranking of number 8 nationally. His talent led him to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where he earned the prestigious All-American title during his freshman year. Daryl left UNC to pursue a career as a professional tennis player in 1993, and ranked on the ATP Tour. Despite his early success, a career-ending injury redirected Daryl's path to coaching. In 2022, Daryl acquired SW19 Tennis Club and turned it into a thriving pickleball community, where he also found a passion for playing the sport. Daryl is a proud player on the Stingers and is currently ranked #6 in Men’s Pro Doubles Champions Division (APP).

    • Currently ranked #6 in Men’s Pro Doubles Champions Division (APP)

    • Pickleball, playing pickleball, coaching pickleball.

  • “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins

Woman playing pickleball on a court wearing a black outfit, holding a paddle and mid-stride as she hits a pickleball.

JEN DAWSON

Carlsbad, CA

  • 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, mah jong, and is a proud Quintessential Ambassador of QVC.

  • “Lil Boo Thang” by Paul Russell

Man wearing Kansas City Stingers t-shirt and cap, smiling, standing in front of a pickleball court.

DAVID GEORGE

South Bend, IN

  • 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

Woman playing pickleball on a court, about to hit a green pickleball with a paddle.

KELLY OJEDA

Bakersfield, CA

  • Raised in Glendale, CA and now calling Bakersfield home, Kelly brings a wealth of experience to the team. As a Registered Nurse with the California Department of Public Health, Kelly is dedicated to making a difference both on and off the court. A four-time All American tennis player at USC, Kelly’s competitive fire carried her to the National Pickleball League, where she’s played two seasons with the Denver Iconics. Off the court, Kelly is a proud wife and mother of four, balancing family life with her passion for competition and community.

    • Played in NPL 2 years prior for Denver Iconics

    • Played tennis at USC, four time All American

  • Hiking, reading, crafting with friends, family time

  • “More Passion, More Energy, More Footwork”  by DLMT

Two men playing pickleball indoors, holding paddles, with a net and other players visible in the background.

KYLE GARDNER

Leawood, KS

  • From Prairie Village, KS, Kyle is a baseball coach at Shawnee Mission South High School and a retired youth pastor who has led 40+ mission trips serving communities nationwide. Kyle discovered pickleball after Covid when a neighbor invited him to play, quickly turning it into a passion. He’s won numerous local and regional tournaments while balancing life with four active kids. A two-time All-Conference and All-Region baseball player at Ottawa University, Kyle brings strong athleticism and leadership to the court. Off the court, he loves supporting his kids in their sports and activities.

    • Has won many local tournaments and a few regional, but with 4 very active school age kids has not had time to play many national tournaments.

    • Kyle has always loved playing any sport with a ball. Played college baseball at Ottawa University – 2 time All Conference and All Region player - 17th in the nation in doubles in 1994, was part of Ottawa’s 1st Conference Championship in 1995.

  • My favorite thing to do is watch and support my kids in their sports and activities. I have been blessed with so many opportunities in my life and want them to be able to experience their passions and dreams as well. I also love everything baseball!

  • “Chicken Fried” by the Zach Brown Band

Woman playing pickleball indoors, wearing a visor and glasses, holding a paddle, with a ball in foreground.

CRISTIE SHARPSTEEN

Kansas City, MO

  • Meet Cristie Sharpsteen, a Kansas City realtor and pickleball instructor making her debut this season in the National Pickleball League. With a rich athletic background spanning high school softball, basketball, swimming, and a colorful mix of recreational sports like racquetball and volleyball, Cristie brings adaptability, a strong desire to learn, and a positive, encouraging spirit to the court. Off the court, she’s been happily married to Jason for 23 years and is a proud mom of two sons, Cooper and Burke, with her greatest achievement being the loving, fun-filled family she’s built.

    • US Open Gold 5.0 Women’s and Mixed

    • PPA Austin Sr Pro Women’s Bronze

    • PPA KC Sr Pro Double Gold Women’s and Mixed

    • Nationals Sr Pro Top 5

    • Volunteer activities: Host free Learn to Play Pickleball Events, Rose Brooks, Harvesters, Wayside Waifs

    • Comedy, Travel, Art, Literature and Fun

    • Cristie enjoys creating Coach Kitty videos. She’s an over-the-top pickleball persona—a blend of southern sass, locker room wisdom, and unapologetic flair.

  • “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khalid

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KIM KESNER

Littleton, CO

  • The Stingers are thrilled to have this Houston native and Littleton, CO local back on the squad. Kim’s a powerhouse on the court—mentally tough, never gives up, and always brings the positive vibes. From college volleyball and softball to being named APP’s Most Improved Player and a nomination for 2024 'Sportswomen of Colorado' for pickleball player of the year, she’s a true competitor and team player.

    • Most improved player of the year (App 2021)

    • Nominated for 2024 Sportswomen of Colorado for pickleball player of the year

    • Two sport athlete, played 4 years of college volleyball and 2 years of softball

    • Won one game against Ben Johns in Vail, CO in 2019

  • Off the court, Kims a dedicated chiropractor, coach, volunteer, and always up for a laugh or a dance to 80s hits.

  • “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne

Man wearing a black Kansas City team t-shirt and cap, holding a pickleball paddle, standing against a brick wall.

HUGH LAROQUE

Wayne, PA

  • The Stingers are excited to have Hugh returning to the team! From Wayne, Pennsylvania, Hugh may be relatively new to pickleball—just three years in—but he’s already a fierce competitor on the senior pro circuit. Off the court, he’s a multi-sport athlete who enjoys spending quality time with his family and his dog Ruby. We’re thrilled to have this beast back on our side of the net! 

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

    • Multi-sport athlete in High School (Outstanding Senior Athlete Award).

    • Competed and traveled Nationally for Mens Softball.

    • Competes in a co-ed Football League alongside former Division 1 athletes, consistently winning championships

    • Hiking

    • Golfing

    • Watching/playing sports

    • Word games

    • Exercising/Fitness/Nutrition

    • Social activities

    • Friendships

    • Traveling

    • Music

  • “Light Em Up” by The Fallout Boys

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AMY HONEA

Evans, GA

  • Amy brings grit and a competitive spirit from Evans, GA, where she’s lived since 1994 after growing up in Knoxville, TN. A top-10 junior tennis player in Tennessee and former Coastal Carolina collegiate athlete, Amy transitioned her lifelong passion for racquet sports into a successful pickleball career, with multiple medals at APP and PPA events. Her greatest victory, however, is her comeback from a traumatic knee injury in late 2021, overcoming two surgeries and nearly a year of rehab to return stronger than ever at the senior pro level. Off the court, Amy is a retired property manager turned award-winning portrait photographer, and enjoys spending time with her husband Dave, her daughter, stepson, and stepdaughter, her 90-year-old mother Lila, and their two golden retrievers, Munson and Willow.

    • National Championships ‘23 - Gold medal in Womens Doubles

    • Multiple gold medals in 5.0, with the most recent at the UTR Macon Open Golden Ticket event with gold in 5.0 Womens Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Singles

    • APP New York - 6th place Womens Doubles Champions Pro

    • KC PPA - Silver medals in Womens Doubles and Mixed Doubles Senior Pro

    • Top ten ranked junior tennis in Tennessee

    • Ranked number one in singles in USTA Georgia at age 35

    • Multiple USTA regional and state tennis team titles

    • Compassion International - sponsored two children over the past 12 years

    • Led various ministries at her churc, helping people navigate and recover from divorce. 

    • Led 6th and 7th grade youth at her church

    • Served Under the Bridge Ministries (homelessness) and served the "Downtown" Ministry which fed the homeless

    • Served in Haiti

    • Other hobbies include photography, interior design, health

  • “Right Now” by Van Halen or “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down

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DANIEL GOLD

Miami, FL

  • Daniel Gold, originally from London and now residing in Miami, has been a consistent presence in the National Pickleball League, drafted every season and finishing 3rd with Boca in year one. A former pro tennis player whose career was cut short by a shoulder injury at 18, Daniel has since racked up numerous 5.0 tournament wins and earned a bronze medal at the 2023 US Open 5.0 Mixed Doubles. Off the court, he enjoys life with his wife Stephanie and their daughters Lauren, Ashley, and Mia, grateful for the opportunities and friendships the sport has brought him.

    • Played pro tennis in the 80’s

    • Won a bronze medal at the US Open 5.0 Mixed Doubles 2023

    • Numerous 5.0 tournament wins and medal placements

    • Daniel has done several events over the years for Ronald McDonald House

    • Chelsea Football Club

  • Anything Bon Jovi

Woman playing pickleball with a paddle, wearing a pink tank top, black skirt, and knee braces, on an outdoor court with a blue background.

JEN GALLWAS

Hinsdale, IL

  • The Stingers are fired up to welcome Jen to the hive! From Hinsdale, IL, Jen is a powerhouse on and off the court—a top 15 senior pro, 2024 PPA Worlds gold and silver medalist, and co-founder of PT & the Professor Pickleball. With a D1 tennis background at DePaul, a master’s from Northwestern, and a fierce drive fueled by positivity and determination, she brings unmatched energy and expertise to our team.

    • 24’ Gold Sr Pro Women's PPA Worlds; Silver Sr Pro Mixed PPA Worlds, Bronze APP Mixed; Top 15 Sr pro mixed female APP 24’

    • Contracted sponsorships with JOOLA, Incrediwear, and Athletico

    • Pickleball business with teammate David George: PT & the Professor Pickleball

    • PPR-certified teaching pro

    • NPL podcast host

    • YouTube injury prevention videos: Pickleball Playbook @AthleticoPT

  • Working out, traveling

    • Jennifer ran two marathons (one with her Dad)

    • She has a twin sister who is an entertainment news reporter

    • She’s originally from Idaho

A tennis player in an orange tank top, focused on hitting a ball over the net during a match.

SCOTT JOHNSTON

Herriman, UT

  • Coming Soon

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LESLIE BERNARD

Bonita Springs, FL

  • The Stingers are excited to welcome Leslie Bernard to the squad! Hailing from Nyack, NY and now calling Bonita Springs, FL home, Leslie brings a champion’s mindset and a coach’s heart to the team. A former college tennis star at Rutgers, #1 singles player in Atlanta (age 30), and a key player for Austin Ignite last season, Leslie is known for her grit, movement, and relentless positivity on the court.

    • I played Jennifer Dawson in the finals of US Open senior pro singles. She kicked my butt but I made it there and competed hard :) 

    • College tennis at Rutgers

    • #1 in Atlanta for age 30 singles

    • Volunteers at Junior Pickleball in Naples

    • Leslie loves the beach and biking at sunsets

  • “We Will Rock You” by Queen

DAVID KOMIE

Austin, TX

  • David Komie, originally from Miami and now residing in Austin, is an attorney and a dynamic pickleball player known for his powerful shots and spin. After playing with the Princeton Bruisers last year, David has joined the Kansas City Stingers for the 2025 season. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic and a law degree from Mercer University. Off the court, David has two grown children and lives with Seattle Tsunami player Yannet Brister (a former Stinger!).

    • Division 1 tennis player

    • Coached men's tennis at University of Texas (assistant) and Florida Atlantic (head coach)

    • 5 amateur National titles

    • Top 10 Masters Pro

    • Won 75% of matches in NPL last year

  • David is a musician who put out 5 albums and performed at large festivals

  • “Pump it Up” by Elvis Costello