Tim Ancona

OWNER

"I can't recall a time when I didn't want to own my own business. As a child, I started small businesses, and I was fortunate enough to start my first real company, Ticomix, in 2000. Our goal was to provide small companies with the same technology expertise as large companies. Over the past decade, we have sold various divisions of Ticomix, and our largest sale was when we sold Aptris, a division, to CDW, a Fortune 200 Company, in 2019. A shoulder injury forced me to stop playing tennis a few years ago, and I switched to Pickleball. Unfortunately, my wife Karen and I could not find a place to play in Rockford, so we looked for an opportunity to open a Pickleball Club in the area, and that's how Victory came about."

Bill Cote

MANAGER OF FACILITIES & PICKLEBALL

"I have been playing pickleball since the fall of 2018, and I fell in love with it immediately! This sport not only provides a great social atmosphere, but it's also so much fun that you won't even realize you're getting a workout in. Pickleball has helped me lose 86 lbs, and I am now a certified instructor with a passion for teaching and helping others. I'm thrilled to be joining Victory's team to utilize my professional experience, share my love and passion for the sport and community, and surround myself with something that brings me joy every day!"

Elisha Hougland

HEAD PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTOR

"I'm Elisha Hougland, and I'm a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Aside from my faith, I take pride in being a loving husband to my wife, Lauren, and a caring father to our daughter, Alina. For over ten years, my focus has been on tennis coaching, and I've had the privilege of sharing my expertise with a wide range of people. Recently, I've also taken up pickleball coaching, which has allowed me to expand my skill set and gain even more enriching coaching experience."

Maggie Kasicki

GENERAL MANAGER

"I’ve been involved in competitive sports since she could walk and talk. I was a state-champion tennis player and a D1 athlete. I've been involved with tennis organizations at every level. I fell in love with Pickleball in May of 2023 and became a PPR-certified Pickleball pro in August 2024. Joining Victory is a natural fit because of my unique background in directing and building successful tennis programs and my experience as a corporate leader. I’ve been highly involved in the club since day one, and I think we were the second people to sign up when the club opened. I have a genuine passion for pickleball, people, and business."

Sean O'Keefe

MANAGER OF FOOD & BEVERAGES

"I’m originally from Florida, just a stone's throw away from Disney World. I've been playing Pickleball for quite some time now, and it's a sport that I really enjoy. That's why when I got the chance to join the Victory team, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me. I have been working in the hospitality industry for 23 years now, primarily focusing on food and beverage. Apart from Pickleball, I have a keen interest in collecting bourbon and playing golf regularly. When I am not busy, I like to spend quality time with my family."