1UP Pickleball Club Core Team

Jack Buenaventura's journey with pickleball began just over two years ago, quickly evolving from a casual hobby into a full-blown passion that transformed his lifestyle. Now a key figure in the sport, Jack is the Founder of 1UP Pickleball Club,  Program Partner with Battle Arena and Director of Pickleball with NIKE Sportscamps Canada, dedicated to growing the game at all levels.  

Jack actively competes in tournaments across the city, earning multiple medals in various divisions during his first year on the competitive circuit. His relentless drive and enthusiasm for the sport continue to propel him forward, as he aims to elevate pickleball’s presence in the Greater Toronto Area.  

Beyond playing, Jack is committed to developing players and expanding the sport’s reach. As the Director of Pickleball for NIKE Sports Camp Canda and Program Partner at Battle Arena Jack is shaping programs that cater to players of all skill levels. In April, Jack earned his Certified Coaching Certificate, with Coaching Association of Canada further solidifying his role as a leader in the pickleball community.  

Jack’s vision for Pickleball Arena and the 1UP Pickleball Club is to establish it as the premier club for training, development, coaching, recreational and competitive play —a welcoming space where players of all backgrounds can enjoy the game and grow their skills. With his unwavering passion and commitment, Jack is helping to shape the future of pickleball in the region.  

Elizabeth Javier (Liz) is a seasoned business development and management professional with over 15 years of experience in business management and administration for a large, multi-national company. Now in her fifth year as an entrepreneur, Liz has a deep understanding of the challenges and intricacies involved in starting and sustaining a business—spanning administrative, operational, and financial aspects.
As Co-Founder and Business Developer of 1UP Pickleball Club, Liz brings her extensive expertise to the forefront, ensuring the seamless operation of one of the most dynamic pickleball sports clubs  in the region.
Liz is a driven entrepreneur and passionate community leader. She is the Founder of EJ & Associates Business Development and Management, Co-Founder of BAO MAMA, and Co-Founder of Filcanpreneur, a premier business and innovation event dedicated to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs. Her leadership extends to the Philippine-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, where she was a founding member and served on the Executive Board.
Liz’s introduction to pickleball came through her husband’s passion for the sport. As a strong supporter of his journey—whether in competition or training—she has witnessed the sport’s rapid local growth. Combining her business acumen with her passion for community development, she is dedicated to making 1UP Pickleball Club a premier destination for pickleball, training, and competitive play.
With her wealth of experience, entrepreneurial mindset, and dedication to fostering growth, Liz hopes to make a lasting impact—not just in pickleball, but in the broader business and cultural landscape.

Maryssa Buenaventura, fondly known as Ryss, is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the CPG supply chain industry, bringing a comprehensive skill set that spans warehouse operations, administrative support, coordination, sales, data analysis, logistics, and management. Her ability to navigate and lead across multiple functions has made her a versatile asset in streamlining operations and driving results. Known for her attention to detail and proactive approach, she thrives in fast-paced environments where organization and efficiency are key. Outside of her professional career, she channels her creativity and planning expertise into event coordination, crafting seamless and memorable experiences for a variety of occasions.

In the summer of 2023, Ryss was introduced to pickleball—and it was game on from there.

With no formal sports background, aside from some casual ping pong, she quickly fell in love with pickleball’s fast pace, infectious energy, and vibrant community so much that she brought her family along for the ride. Since then, Ryss has racked up an impressive collection of medals and become known for her loud, proud, and endlessly supportive presence at every tournament, always cheering on her teammates with heart.. and sometimes troll.

A passionate foodie, thrill chaser and devoted lover of music and film, Ryss has found that pickleball is far more than just a hobby—it’s a joyful, energizing way to stay mentally and physically active, spend quality time with family and friends and push past her introverted nature by meeting new people and forming lasting friendships.

Ryan B. began his pickleball journey as a way to spend more quality time with his siblings, but it quickly evolved into a newfound passion. A lifelong multi-sport athlete, Ryan brings years of competitive experience to the court. By day, he is a seasoned finance professional; by night and weekends, he’s fully immersed in the game. Though he’s only been playing pickleball for six months, Ryan has already made his mark—earning multiple podium finishes, including a recent streak of three gold medals in Men’s Doubles 3.0.

Shaun Linsao is a multi-sport enthusiast with a passion for friendly, high-level competition. From baseball and cycling to golf, he’s tried it all — but nothing quite clicked like pickleball. What began as a casual “Hey, wanna try pickleball?” from a friend quickly turned into a full-blown obsession.

For Shaun, pickleball is more than just a game — it’s become a powerful personal outlet. After being diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, he’s found that the sport helps him sharpen and maintain focus both on and off the court. Recently, he put that focus to the test by entering his first pickleball tournaments — and walked away with a gold medal in 3.0 mixed doubles and a silver in 3.5 men’s doubles.

You can follow his pickleball journey on Instagram at @NotSoPro.PB, where he shares highlights, relatable moments, and community vibes. He’s also recorded over 800 game videos on YouTube (currently unlisted — for now).