Kathryn Seiberth and Davon Martin ( left ) and gold medalists KaSandra Gehrke and Jarrod Smith .
USA PICKLEBALL MAKES HISTORY WITH INAUGURAL NATIONAL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Karen Parrish
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF USA PICKLEBALL
After two years in the making , the Inaugural USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships is in the books . We didn ’ t know what to expect with Indoor Nationals , considering that most people play outdoors . More than 800 players signed up for the tournament from 33 states — and one player traveled from Hawaii ! The players ranged in age from 11 to 86 .
When it comes to organizing a tournament of this magnitude , success is determined by those who work with you . From local volunteers to event coordinators Jarick Rager , Ellen Edmundson and Harry Leckem , the tournament was a huge success . A big thank-you to event partner The Birmingham CVB and Tonia Whatley . Without their support , this tournament would not have been possible .
When it comes to running the event desk , there is no one better than Melissa McCurley , President of
PickleballTournaments . com . A true warrior in the pickleball world , when Melissa is not at a tournament event desk , she ’ s running one from her home or assisting other tournament directors to ensure their success . Referee desk coordinator extraordinaire George McCulley was also at the event desk with Melissa , keeping the courts moving on-time and finishing early each day .
The USA Pickleball referees are the backbone of any tournament ’ s success . Led by Director of