About US
More Than Coaches—We're Living the Adventure We Encourage Others to Pursue
We're Alli and David, the
team behind Dink & Defend, a proud veteran-owned small business built around our passion for helping people live healthier, more active, and more connected lives.
David is a retired disabled Coast Guard veteran whose commitment to service continues through teaching, mentoring, and building community on the pickleball court. Alli is an ISSA Master Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and fitness professional with more than 25 years of experience helping people improve their strength, mobility, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Together, we believe fitness isn't about chasing perfection—it's about creating the freedom to enjoy the people, places, and activities that matter most.
Our Story
Our story isn't one of taking the easy road.
We chose to sell nearly everything we owned and embrace a full-time life on the road, traveling across the United States with a mission to combine our love of pickleball, fitness, and adventure.
Every stop on our journey is an opportunity to introduce new players to the game, help experienced players improve, encourage healthier lifestyles, and create meaningful relationships in communities across the country.
For us, pickleball is about much more than competition—it's about connection.
Alli's Journey
Movement has been part of my life from the very beginning.
Growing up, I participated in ballet, gymnastics, dance, softball, volleyball, basketball, and countless youth sports. Those experiences eventually led me to collegiate volleyball, coaching, officiating high school and collegiate basketball, and ultimately to a career in the fitness industry.
For more than 25 years, I've had the privilege of coaching thousands of people through personal training, group fitness, nutrition coaching, and online coaching. Along the way I've earned certifications through ISSA, Les Mills, Beachbody, SHiFT Fitness, Zumba, and many other nationally recognized programs.
Today my greatest passion is helping people stay active, healthy, and confident so they can continue doing what they love for years to come.
David's Story
David brings patience, encouragement, and a servant's heart to every lesson and clinic.
As a retired disabled Coast Guard veteran, he understands discipline, perseverance, and the importance of investing in people. His approachable coaching style helps players feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn, whether they're stepping onto the court for the first time or preparing for tournament play.
What We Believe
We believe...
Everyone deserves to feel confident moving their body.
Fitness should improve your life—not take it over.
Pickleball brings people together like few other sports can.
Strength and mobility help you stay on the court longer.
Community matters just as much as competition.
What We Offer
Through Dink & Defend and PickleStrong, we provide:
Beginner & Intermediate Pickleball Clinics
Private Lessons
Drilling Sessions
Tournament Preparation
Strength & Mobility Training
Nutrition Coaching
Online Fitness Coaching
Traveling Clinics Throughout the United States
Join Us on the Journey
Whether we meet you at a clinic, online, or somewhere along our travels, our goal is always the same:
Help you move better, play stronger, build confidence, and enjoy every step of the journey.
We look forward to meeting you on the court.
– Alli & David