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When my husband and I moved into a new neighborhood with pickleball courts, we were soon surrounded by friends and neighbors who were avid players. Despite being the last in our pickle group to join, we quickly became hooked. I still remember our very first lesson from our dear friends and pickleball veterans, Mike and Sally Dobson. Even though we didn't know anything about the game, we were instantly hooked and bought our own equipment the next day. Mike and Sally, who've been playing for about 15 years, embody the spirit of "giving back by paying it forward." They offer free lessons and dedicate their time to teaching others. They also had the idea to start a pickleball club in our neighborhood, which has blossomed thanks to our community’s love for pickleball!

The Physical and Mental Benefits of Pickleball

Pickleball has profoundly impacted my physical and mental health. From a purely physical perspective, it gets me out every day playing for hours. The sport helps me stay active, maintain flexibility, and enjoy myself simultaneously. I love playing singles, which allows me to choose how hard or easy I want to go.

Mentally, pickleball has been a sanctuary. Pickleball’s fun, challenging, and strategic nature engages my mind fully, providing a respite from everyday stresses. If I've got something else bothering me or if I'm feeling stressed, I guarantee a great game of pickleball will make me forget all about it while playing and feel better afterward.

About a month after taking up pickleball, my husband and I experienced a tragic loss when our daughter Alexa passed away unexpectedly. Pickleball has been one of my key survival strategies helping me cope during this difficult time.

Advice for Beginners

My advice for newcomers is straightforward: don't overthink it, just do it! There's a low barrier to entry, and you don't need to master everything on the first day. On day 500, you'll still be learning. The key is just to dive in and see what all the hoopla is about!

Incorporating Pickleball into Daily Life

I start my days early, playing pickleball at 6am or sometimes even 5am with a group of three other early risers. This routine provides not only physical activity but also good vibes and laughs to kickstart my day. Despite the varying weather conditions where I live in Las Vegas, from extreme heat to high winds, I remain committed to my morning sessions, addicted to the mental and physical benefits the sport provides.

Goals and Aspirations

Looking ahead, I aspire to become a Senior Pro and travel to tournaments around the country. I love sharing my experiences and live by the motto, "the first rule of pickleball is, always talk about pickleball."

Tournaments and Competitiveness

I enjoy playing in tournaments, driven by my natural competitiveness and the desire to improve continuously. Competing with like-minded individuals inspires me to work harder, but I also cherish fun recreational play.

Pickleball Gear and Accessories

When it comes to pickleball outfits, I prefer a skort and brami, with an additional layer like a sweatshirt or hoodie depending on the weather. I appreciate clothes that transition well from "court to coffee." My favorite pickleball shoes are the Skechers Viper Court Pro Elite for their support and durability. For accessories, I love JoJo+ Lo beanies in winter and my Heritage Pickle-ball caps in the summer!

Heritage Pickleball Favorites

Choosing a favorite piece from Heritage Pickleball is tough, but I can narrow it down to either the Heritage Pickle-ball Vintage Crewneck Sweatshirt or the Pickle, Pickle, Pickle-Ball t-shirt.

"My journey in pickleball has shown me the sport's incredible ability to bring people together, provide physical and mental benefits, and create a supportive community. I hope my story inspires others to pick up a paddle and experience the joy of pickleball for themselves!"