Pickleball Magazine 8-2 | Page 32

Mauricio and Alexia take a break in their backyard oasis . Photo by Bex Wyant . home , previously owned by legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson , are a peaceful outdoor oasis with a pool , putting green , vegetable garden , and multiple outdoor areas for entertaining .
Star of his own reality Netflix series “ Buying Beverly Hills ,” Mauricio is also a fan favorite on “ The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ” ( his wife is actress and RHOBH longtime cast member Kyle Richards ). The couple , who have been married for 27 years , have four daughters — Farrah Brittany Aldjufrie , 34 ; Alexia Simone Umansky , 26 ; Sophia Kylie Umansky , 23 ; and Portia Umansky , 15 . Farrah and Alexia , who work with their dad as real estate agents , also star on the series about The Agency and the inner workings of high-end real estate in posh California neighborhoods .
The number of people who play pickleball nationwide is more than 8 million and growing , and Mauricio doesn ’ t see the sport ’ s influence slowing down : “ Pickleball courts are going to continue to be a primary amenity in new developments , which will ultimately lead to more players and general knowledge of the sport in our industry .”
Pickleball , he adds , can also be a sales tool for agents . “ It ’ s another way for realtors to connect with clients , prospective clients , and other brokers — on the court .”
In fact , many of his agents and staff at The Agency love pickleball . “ If we ’ re traveling for a launch , we sometimes seek out an area with nearby courts so we can play as a group . It would be my dream to host an Agency pickleball tournament one day — maybe at our next global forum event !”
A skilled pickleball player , Mauricio ’ s toughest competition on the court are his partners at The Agency . “ We host a weekly game that includes James Harris , Ben Belack , Billy Rose , and Peter Mac .”
Mauricio began playing pickleball a few years ago with his family at their home in California ’ s Coachella Valley . “ I am very competitive and love being outdoors , so the game was a natural fit ,” he explains . “ Eventually , we decided to take it to the next level and build our own court at our home in Los Angeles . It ’ s the perfect amenity when hosting family and friends , and we can play yearround thanks to the warm climate .”
The sport is also a part of Mauricio ’ s regular health regimen . “ I play pickleball at least once a week ,” he says . “ I wake up every morning , and the first thing I do is exercise to set the tone for my day both physically and mentally . I love that I can go outside , hit some balls on
SEE PAGE 32 �
30 TO SUBSCRIBE , CALL 412.914.8294 OR GO TO PICKLEBALLMAGAZINE . COM