2021 USA PICKLEBALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
By Phil Mortenson
USA PICKLEBALL CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
BOARD CHAIR Phil Mortenson
BOARD VICE CHAIR Laura Patterson
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS
Philip Bullen Bob Franceschelli Suzanne Guerin Ernie Medina Robert Quicksilver
USA PICKLEBALL STAFF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Stu Upson
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Justin Maloof
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER George Bauernfeind
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dan Ellsworth
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMPETITION
Karen Parrish
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Hope Tolley
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Nikki Greene
DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING Mark Peifer
DIRECTOR OF AMBASSADORS Steve Stone
DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
Carl Schmits
DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE
Donn Paben
HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS John Greene
DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS Laura Gainor
DIGITAL MANAGER Kevin Brown
HAS PICKLEBALL EVOLVED ? YES AND NO .
USA Pickleball celebrated its Sweet 16th birthday on July 1 and is now enjoying the teenage years . So how has the sport changed over the years ? The answer is complex . Depending on the way you measure change , pickleball has exploded into a mainstream , competitive , recreational and social game . It has undergone exponential growth since 2005 , from isolated local recreational play and tournaments in a few U . S . population pockets , to a pleasantly addictive activity shared by more than 4 million players , 45,000 members , 2,000 ambassadors , and about 8,000 known “ Places2Play ” throughout the country . The pandemic didn ’ t slow us down — the number of players grew by 21 percent in 2020 .
But , by another measure , the essence of the sport hasn ’ t changed at all . The organizers of USA Pickleball realized at its inception that pickleball must stay true to its roots as a fun , social game that can also be a highly competitive sport . Throughout the years , the board of directors has maintained that delicate balance and , more importantly , intends to continue preserving pickleball so that it appeals to beginners , professionals , and all those in between . The Official Rules are carefully drafted and monitored so that finesse and strategy can prevail over power and speed .
Time for a short limerick message from your sponsor :
A great pickleball shot is an ace . As it lands in my court at good pace , I watch it and stare ’ Cause I don ’ t have a prayer Of chasing it down in a race .
Tournaments are blossoming in the second half of 2021 . The Inaugural 2021 USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships was a huge success in Hoover , Alabama , and the 2021 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships is set for December 6-14 . Regional Championships have resumed , and the USA Pickleball National Championship Series is up and running , with the remaining Tournament of Champions , August 16-22 ; APP Atlanta Metro Open , September 15-19 ; and APP Hilton Head Open , October 13-17 .
On the recreational side , players will see new opportunities to enjoy a combination of social and athletic activities , plus friendly competition through the emergence of pickleball clubs , leagues and youth programs promoted by USA Pickleball initiatives .
We pride ourselves on our open transparency as an organization and invite members to check out our bylaws and IRS financial reports on the USA Pickleball website . Click on “ About Us ,” then “ Organizational Docs .” We are here to serve you . •
JULY / AUGUST 2021 | MAGAZINE 9