Pickleball Magazine 2-5 WD | Page 57

“This game has taught me the importance of lifelong health and fitness, learning and working with others towards a goal. I went from an 11-year-old who thought he was better than he really was, and only wanted to beat his dad at a sport, to watching tendencies, being patient, and taking opportunities to attack,” he said. “Today, my biggest struggle, as far as being a player goes, is balancing free time with that of being a husband and father. I have an 8-, 6- and 3-year-old, and they’re starting to become involved in more activities. I’m a family man and I’m not going to miss those special moments.” Friedenberg added that pickleball is the “ultimate lifelong sport,” one that will grow with his family and help him instill the importance of lifelong fitness into his kids. “Pickleball is a sport that bridges all generations together,” he said. “I taught a clinic at a local school with students ranging from ages 5 to 12, and they absolutely loved it. They may not understand the complexity of the scoring right away, but then they play and get it. The sport is changing, becoming more sophisticated and reaching younger generations. And that’s something we always pay close attention to at ProLite. That’s what we want.” In keeping with giving back to the pickleball community, ProLite also supports Cure ALZ, an Alzheimer’s disease research foundation, as well as charities that work with veterans with traumatic brain injuries. It makes sure that the pros representing the comp any put character first and maintain a level of modicum befitting the sport. “We work hard to make sure we create a family culture among our Pro Team players.”  • FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PROLITE, GO TO THE WEBSITE AT PROLITEPADDLES.COM. EXPERT ADVICE CALL & SPEAK WITH KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF OVER 12,000 PRODUCT REVIEWS OVER 2,000 PRODUCTS IN STOCK – GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED THE PICKLEBALL SUPERSTORE 888-854-0163 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2017 | MAGAZINE 55