i
ALL ABOUT THE
AT THE CLUB MED SANDPIPER
FROM THE USAPA
JUNIORS IN
Transition
BY JODI ELLIOTT
MORE »
Rachel’ s first tournament and Joshua’ s third tournament was playing juniors at the USAPA Nationals in Arizona. After Nationals 2014, whenever the family signed up for a tournament, Joshua and Rachel were always the only juniors in the junior division. Unfortunately, the other junior players were scattered throughout all the states. As much as the pair loved the game, there just weren’ t enough players nearby for them to really compete and advance their skills. Luckily, one of the parents mentioned calling the tourney directors and getting permission for the children to play in the tournaments for the regular league. This idea proved to be a success! The transition was almost seamless as Josh and Rachel’ s easy and respectful demeanor made it easy to make friends with the adults in the competitions. However, it was not always so easy for the adults because it was never“ easy” to slam the ball against two kids. But, these unlikely match-ups always drew crowds during their mixed doubles matches. Due to the unusual match-ups, the pair either took the gold or came in last.
Rachel and Joshua have continued to grow as players, and the USAPA has moved both kids up through the levels, each hitting 4.5. But, what this pair really wants and needs is the chance to play in a division with their peers. Rachel and Joshua would love to see the junior pickleball program grow and develop. Not only would they get the chance to compete and develop friendships along the way, but others could develop a love for this amazing sport. Please show your support for the youth program by contacting the USAPA at juniors @ usapa. org and posting Instagram photos of your favorite pickleball kids: www. instagram. com / juniorpickleballusapa. •
i
ALL ABOUT THE
Second Annual USAPA Ambassador Retreat
AT THE CLUB MED SANDPIPER
BY AUDREY PHILLIPS, RETREAT COORDINATOR AND AMBASSADOR, LA QUINTA, CA
Ambassadors and friends from all over the United States ventured to Port St. Lucie, Florida, in September to the Club Med Sandpiper and joined forces at the second annual USAPA Ambassador Retreat. Over 200 ambassadors had as much fun enjoying the all-inclusive resort as they did attending the daily morning and sunset seminars on a number of timely topics. Nightly cocktail parties as well as pickleball play on 16 courts were part of the action-packed daily schedule. Retreat organizers David Jordan, CJ Jermstad, Justin Maloof, Jack Thomas and I made sure that the activities were as varied and exciting as the beautiful Florida sunsets. The pickleball courts were available for open play daily with the introduction of on-court activities such as the pickle scramble( created by CJ and John Jermstad) and team pickleball( created by Terry and Karen Long) as well as clinics by teaching pros on how to teach beginners, intermediate and advanced players. The seminars took place in the morning and at sunset. Topics included expert presentations on growing pickleball in the community, how to run a successful tournament, how to organize a pickleball club, making pickleball more fun, PR and marketing, the new rating system, teacher certification and referee training. A teleconference on how to avoid lawsuits was a huge hit and gave the ambassadors essential information.
At the nightly cocktail parties, the fantastic sponsors told the ambassadors about their products and gave those in attendance an array of gifts, from paddles to bags, to balls, to hats. The nightly party began at the Spanish patio, continued in the Slice Bar, and then on to the Marketplace restaurant, where the ambassadors sat together and enjoyed the French and continental cuisine of the Club Med. For those who had any energy left, the disco was open for dancing until the wee hours. The ambassadors report that the best part of the retreat was sharing information and making new friends from all over the country, friends who share the same passion for the sport that we love. We are working on a site for the next ambassador retreat, either in 2017 or early 2018. •
DECEMBER 2016 | MAGAZINE 11