The 2021 Pickleball Hall of Fame weekend was an event for everyone . Four new inductees , Yvonne Hackenberg , Keith Bisel , Gigi LeMaster , and Steve Wong , received their jackets , plaques , and rings . Last year ’ s inductees , Bill Bell , Alex Hamner , Hilary Marold , and Jim Hackenberg , were honored likewise since their induction was interrupted by pandemic restrictions .
The banquet was held at Dreamland in Dripping Springs , Texas , overlooking the beautiful Texas hill country . The world ’ s largest miniature golf complex provided the backdrop for the 12 red , white , and blue pickleball courts and enormous flags of the United States and Texas . There was a costume party , a raffle with good prizes , a clinic taught by eight Hall of Fame professionals , a live band every night , and a very well-run pickleball tournament courtesy of Tournament Director Elizabeth Higginbottom of North Carolina .
The speeches at the induction ceremony made you proud to be a part of all the fun and all of the hard work . Each inductee has a personal journey . There are now 21 inductees , with a balance of men and women . The Pickleball Hall of Fame is a vehicle for hard work and contributions . No one works harder than Seymour Rifkind , who is determined to keep the warmth of the pickleball culture alive and well . He orchestrated the event , originated the Hall of Fame , and promotes pickleball around the world with the World Pickleball Federation .
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Steve Paranto and Fran Myer prepare for the induction banquet by hanging portraits of the inductees at Dreamland . Congratulations to the four new inductees : Yvonne Hackenberg , Keith Bisel , Gigi LeMaster , and Steve Wong , who received their jackets , plaques , and rings .
Last year ’ s inductees , Bill Bell , Alex Hamner , Hilary Marold , and Jim Hackenberg , were also honored because the 2020 induction was interrupted by pandemic restrictions . Gold medal winners in the mixed 50 + 5.0 Mircea Morariu and Stephanie Lane . Mircea has formed a Senior Council players association to represent the interests of the senior professionals and to promote the game .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 | MAGAZINE 43