2019 USAPA
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Jack Thomas
VICE PRESIDENT
CJ Jermstad
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
Laura Patterson
TREASURER
Darryl Noble
AT-LARGE BOARD
MEMBERS
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS &
MARKETING
Stacie Townsend
CUSTOMER & MEMBER
RELATIONSHIPS
Katie Lawler
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
David Jordan
LEGAL & GRIEVANCE
Phil Mortenson
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
Robert Quicksilver
RECREATIONAL PLAY
Philip Bullen
TRAINING
Pat Murphy
STAFF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Justin Maloof
BUSINESS MANAGER
Linda Gartlan
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
COMPETITION
Karen Parrish
DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL
PROGRAMS
Hope Tolley
DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING
Mark Peifer
DIRECTOR OF MEMBER
SERVICES
Nikki Greene
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
W
hen the October-May
tournament season is
over, pickleball play
seems to slow down
overnight. But thankfully, not for
long! There were 20 tournaments
played in June, 63 scheduled for
July and 70 for August. Building on
that trend, September and October
will have even more, leading up to
the Margaritaville USA Pickleball
National Championships, November
2-10. That culmination of pickleball
excellence will once again be held
at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
to showcase outstanding players in
our sport in all age groups.
Building on its past success, the
2019 Margaritaville USA Pickleball
National Championships will
feature new tournament upgrades
that are sure to excite participants
and pickleball enthusiasts around
the globe.
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden
will be expanding to 49 pickleball
courts, allowing for more
participants. A new, fan-friendly
tournament scheduling system will
help spectators take in the amazing
pickleball action happening
throughout the venue. More
amenities, including restrooms
and concessions, have been added
throughout the facility, and a large
video display will feature upcoming
matches and court assignments.
Additional benefits for players
include free daily access to the
Championship Court, online check-
in and a revamped, player-focused
venue layout with a variety of food
options near the courts. A revised
ticket pricing structure, including
VIP seating and packages, is
currently being developed and will
be available for purchase in August.
USAPA PRESIDENT JACK THOMAS
But the tournament is more than
just matches and medals. Club
Med has generously donated two
3-night, and two 7-night trips for
two to any of its locations in the
Americas, except for Turks and
Caicos. These four trips will be
raffled off during the tournament
with the proceeds benefiting St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Winners will be announced
between the center court matches
on Saturday, November 9, and
don’t need to be present to claim
their prize. And, just as last year,
registration fees for the St. Jude
Skills Challenge will benefit the
hospital’s cause. Details are also
being finalized for a great player
kickoff party, ambassador dinner
and parent/child events.
Lastly, many thanks to USAPA
staff members Hope Tolley and
Jason Jamison, USAPA Southwest
Region Educational Director Steve
Manolis, Bob Nibarger and the rest
of the USAPA Juniors Committee
and volunteers for their work
on juniors awareness and
participation in our sport. Check
out all the USAPA Juniors info at
USAPA.org by clicking on the “Visit
USAPA Juniors” tab, and be sure to
take a look at the “Let’s Play Youth
Pickleball Playbook.”
Stay safe and HAVE FUN!
Jack
Dan Ellsworth
JULY/AUGUST 2019 |
MAGAZINE
7