Pickleball Magazine 1-6 | Page 13

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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 . •
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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