Meet Our Team
Management Team
Kendall Graves – General Manager
With several years of experience in pickleball club management, Kendall has become a well-known leader in the sport. Specializing in pickleball programming and event management, bringing extensive knowledge to the growing pickleball community. As a seasoned coach and personal trainer, he has successfully helped athletes reach their potential, both on and off the court. In addition to his achievements in pickleball, Kendall serves as an Executive Board member of Humanility, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth in the Philippines. He is passionate about community leadership and consistently strive to make a positive impact both locally and globally through his philanthropic efforts. A three-time USA Pickleball Golden Ticket winner, Kendall has not only excelled in competition but also in growing the sport through his role as cofounder of Elevate To Victory, a pickleball service business dedicated to empowering players at all levels.
Lorena Duknic – Director of Marketing
With a unique blend of experience and expertise, I’ve been playing pickleball since 2014 and coaching for over six years. As a former Division 1 tennis player at Lipscomb University, my background in tennis adds a fresh perspective to my teaching style. I specialize in creating analogies that help my students see the game in new and insightful ways, allowing them to connect the dots and understand strategies that resonate with their individual learning styles.
I am PPR certified and have recently started competing on the PPA Professional Tour, where I’ve had the privilege of competing against top players like Genie Bouchard, Anna Bright, and Kate Fahey. Among my accomplishments are winning gold in 5.0 Mixed Doubles and becoming the State Champion of Texas, as well as winning gold in 5.0 Women’s Singles and earning the title of State Champion of Georgia.
I’m passionate about helping players of all levels elevate their game. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to refine your competitive edge, my coaching style is tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll develop a strategy that works for you, and I’ll guide you every step of the way toward achieving your goals.
Ready to take your pickleball game to the next level? Let’s connect and start working together!
Peter Jordan – CFO
Peter Jordan, a Nashville native, discovered his love for pickleball in 2022 after years of dedication to tennis. His journey shifted when a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery led him to pivot his focus toward physical therapy, a field where he now excels as a Partner at STAR Physical Therapy. Combining his passion for sports and wellness, Peter has turned his sights toward building a pickleball facility that blends competition and community.
As Founder, Peter is driven by a vision to create a space where players of all levels can grow and thrive. His background as a Physical Therapist and his deep understanding of athletic performance enable him to foster an environment that promotes both skill development and long-term wellness. Whether it’s providing a competitive arena for seasoned players or a welcoming space for newcomers, Peter’s goal is to cultivate a love for pickleball that endures. Peter’s passion for health and sports is central to his leadership. Beyond pickleball, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kara, and their two children, Everly and Asher.
Stephen Grich – Founder and CEO
Stephen Grich is the Founder/CEO of Apex Pickleball. Stephen began playing pickleball in Fall of 2013 at the Williamson County Parks and Rec center. Like most people, he fell in love with the game and entered his first tournament after only 2 months of playing. From there he become a sponsored player with Engage Pickleball in 2017 and a Certified Pro Instructor with PPR in 2018. In addition to his full time job as a biomedical engineer, Stephen has been hosting and running tournaments professionally since 2017. Stephen has been married to his amazing wife Brittany since 2016 and they recently celebrated the birth of their second son Cooper. Their first son Brody was born in 2019 and loves to play pickleball with dad whenever he gets the chance. Rounding out their family are their dogs Bailey, Zara, and Odin as well as their leopard gecko ‘Zilla.