GEM IN HOLLY HILL
Anderson
in the game .’ Concept creators and sports industry experts Rainer and Julie Martens contributed $ 4 million through Marten Charities to see the project realized , and a number of significant sponsorships from leading businesses in the community including Brown & Brown , S . R . Perrott and AdventHealth , helped open the doors for the world-class facility .
“ As pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U . S ., players are seeking unique opportunities to visit and play at pickleball facilities , such as Pictona ,” said Stu Upson , USA Pickleball CEO . “ With 24 pickleball courts and expanding , Pictona will bring exciting opportunities to the Daytona Beach area by being able to host large tournaments that will draw hundreds of players and globally recognized sponsors .”
Meet the Staff
It doesn ’ t hurt to have staff that is as in love with the sport as the members are . Among a talented team , Pictona lucked out
in a big way when they landed assistant general manager Sarah Lockett .
It ’ s tough to find someone who lives , eats and breathes their job with as much passion as Lockett has . But as she provides tours of the facility , it ’ s easy to see how her love of the sport , the facility ’ s programs and the location itself are directly impacted by her knowledge and enthusiasm .
As an international softball player , Lockett was instrumental in building Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ’ s softball program from the ground up , earning her a ‘ Coach of the Year ’ award and ERAU a Top 25 ranking during her time there . Discovering pickleball three years ago , Lockett has brought her technical expertise and skills to Pictona , helping build the programs as the events director and growing the membership base to more than 700 in the first year of operation , while
Sarah Lockett still welcoming guests as a public facility .
Breaking ground to expand Pictona
Pictona at Holly Hill
NOVEMBER 2021 | 11 |