Ed Susmilch
President
This is Ed’s second year on the board. He has been playing since he was introduced to the sport in 2017 by his dad. After initially playing, in Kenosha, the pickleball bug bit Ed and he has been practicing and competing since then. You can find him somewhere playing pickleball most days, whether that’s in Libertyville, IL, Oconomoc, or Racine is a mystery.
Mark Kaprelian
Vice President
A Racine native and UW-Madison graduate, Mark is currently serving his third year on the RAPC Board as Vice President. A self-proclaimed ‘pickleball addict’ since 2022, he plays 4-5 times a week and enjoys sharing the court with his wife, Bev. Off the court, Mark stays active through hiking and travel, and remains a dedicated fan of Wisconsin sports.
Johanna Susmilch
Secretary
I’m Johanna Susmilch and I’m finishing my second term as the club secretary. I’ve been playing pickleball since about 2018, when my father-in-law introduced me to the game! I really enjoy the pickleball community and playing with the same people over the years and getting to know them. I have two high school and college age kids who will play with us occasionally!
Gail Olle
Treasurer
An active player for over four years, Gail has served as the RAPC Treasurer for three years, finding great value in serving the club’s community. Away from the courts, she cherishes spending quality time with a spouse, two children, and seven grandchildren.
Diane Ferraro
Chavez Representative
A dedicated player for three years, Diane has embraced pickleball as a multi-generational family passion, frequently playing with two of her children and her grandchildren. Beyond the court, she values the strong sense of community the club offers, having built lasting friendships and a supportive network through the sport.
Angie Palacios
Tyler / Dormer Representative
A lifelong Racine resident, Angie Palacios has been a dedicated member of the Racine Area Pickleball Club since its inception, serving multiple terms as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Instrumental in the club’s growth, she helped secure the first outdoor courts at Humble Park, established community partnerships with the Park and Recreation Department, and introduced key player clinics and social events. Angie Palacios remains committed to the club’s mission of promoting pickleball throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Dean Kowalefski
Former President / Advisor
A Past President of RAPC currently serving his second year on the board, Dean Kowalefski has been a dedicated player since moving to Racine five years ago with his wife, Anne. He can often be found playing five days a week, valuing both the competition and the camaraderie the club offers. Dean also enjoys traveling, sailing, scuba diving, skiing, and ice hockey..
Michelle McCarthy
Bryant Representative
Michelle McCarthy is an avid pickleball player who believes in fostering a fun, competitive, and welcoming atmosphere! Introduced to the game 1.5 years ago, she became quickly “hooked!” A daily player, Michelle is deeply in touch with the needs of other players and brings a focus on the love of the game, court etiquette, balanced play opportunities, and great open communication! A retired educator, Michelle loves the sunshine, warm weather, travel , being active, and fostering new/continued friendships! She looks forward to representing all members while serving on the board.
Weston Lorenz
Outdoor Courts Representative
Introduced to the sport in late 2022 by his 80-year-old father, Weston was instantly hooked after being humbled on the court. He is honored to serve his second term on the board and acts as the liaison between the outdoor community courts and the club. Today, Weston dominates the courts with raw talent, noting that if he ever misses a shot, it is only out of pity for his opponent.