A YEAR TO REMEMBER
So that’s a wrap on the 2022 season and it came with so many rewarding moments! Getting back on the podium is always a goal and I achieved that goal many times this year. I ended the year ranked 15 in women’s doubles in the APP and I consider that a huge success since I played with a new partner just about every tournament. A highlight for my year was winning my first Silver medal in Mixed Senior Pro and then backing it up a few months later with a Bronze in very tough fields of competitors. Yes, medaling is always great but this season brought so much more.
The new people I met and the partners that I had the opportunity to stand beside was nothing short of amazing. We may not have always had the success on the court and sometimes styles just don’t mesh, but the friendships that I have forged will last a lifetime. The time off the court that I got to spend with people; the dinners, the drinks and especially the laughs truly mean so much when I primarily am alone on this journey. People often ask if I get lonely when I am on the road so much without my family and close friends. Thankfully I can honestly answer a resounding “no”. I keep myself busy in the gym, spending time with other senior pro’s and cheering them on late into the day as competition winds down. Of course I have my number one cheerleader, my husband, constantly checking in to either talk me down off the ledge after my losses or celebrating my successes with me. The pickleball community has truly become my family and for that I am so blessed.
My highlight of my year was at the APP Sunmed Hilton Head Open. I had my entire family join me for the first time at a tournament. My oldest son Mitchell and his wife Megan, my youngest son Donovan and his girlfriend Hannah and my husband Tom joined me for the week. It was the first time that my boys got to watch me compete. There is just no words to describe the joy my heart felt to have them all there and cheering me on. They even cancelled their dinner plans on Mixed day to stick around since Bob White and I went deep into the very tough field with some big upsets. Of course my success on the court was incredibly rewarding but nothing will every compare to family time!
Since I am a retired physical education teacher and coached 3 sports at the high school level, naturally my next step was to not only get officially certified but to begin my journey into teaching the sport I so dearly love. I got my PPR certification from my friend Sarah Ansboury while competing in Grand Rapids at Beer City. I began teaching locally doing privates, small groups and clinics/camps. I followed that up by beginning to instruct with Gamma. (Gamma camps are the BEST!!) I have also had the pleasure working with Sarah Ansboury as part of her staff at a Nike camp and just recently at a destination camp in Turks & Caicos. Sarah has more coming up so check out her website and get signed up ….. you won’t regret it!! I look forward to joining the staff of instructors at the Pickleplex in Punta Gorda in the near future and I also will be joining the Suncoast Pickleball staff and teaching in North Carolina in May of 2023. I can honestly say I love competition, but my heart will always be with teaching and giving back to grow this incredible sport.
So what is next for the upcoming year? The last couple weeks have been a rollercoaster not knowing what I was going to do for competition. The APP, PPA, MLP, NPL ….. so many avenues and opportunities to explore. I will continue to support the APP but I will also do some PPA’s. I have officially joined the NPL and will enter the draft. National Pickleball League has announced the formation of a nationwide team competition for Champions Division (50+) professional pickleball players. Launching in mid-2023, team owners will select the city they represent, as well as building their team through a live player draft that will include the division’s biggest stars. I am honored to be considered and look forward to competition against some of the best players in the country.
Sincere thanks to all my friends and family supporting me in my many endeavors in the pickleball world. The support pushes me daily to continue my workouts on and off the court. You all are truly appreciated!!!!!
A new year is filled with possibilities, so dream big and believe in yourself this year! I send my truest blessings to you all. May lots of love, laughter, happiness, health and prosperity adorn each day of your life.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!