The courageous 75-year-old women who play singles put on a wonderful show . From left to right : Deborah Harrison , FL ; Barbara Wintroub , CA ; Sandra “ Doc ” Bradley , OH ; Bonnie D ’ Andrea , NY ; Jane Schroeder , NC ; Fran Myer , WA ; and Susan Johnson , LA .
Tournament play began with the 85 + players who claim that pickleball is addictive . Washington ’ s Gil Middleton , plastic surgeon , and Yim Lee , architect , are in their 90s and rattle off their numerous national titles . They say the NSGA understands the importance of playing one ’ s age . During my interview with them , Rosalie Schuster , 58 , passed by and said , “ I want to be just like these guys !” Ron Lucas spoke about the dedicated wives who travel with their husbands to tournaments . These players had lots of fans who admired them for their commitment to pickleball .
For the most part , the younger players played on the upper level and the play was intense . Gone are the days of easy first-round matches . Regardless of where the players came from , they obviously had coaching and experience . Gone are the days of “ What is pickleball ?” Matches were close . Players dressed in pickleball and tennis clothes .
One of the best aspects of the NSGA Nationals is that it really represented the entire nation of players . This year there was a large contingent of players from the Middle Atlantic states . It was the first national tournament for Tennesseans Jerri Morgan and Darolyn Praskaph . They loved the “ old steel city vibe ” of Pittsburgh . It was also the first NSGA Nationals for Kimberly Martin of Columbus , Ohio . She was drawn to pickleball by her line dance sisters . Pearl Morris came to pickleball from flag football . She is a caregiver by profession and sees the importance pickleball has in adding to one ’ s quality of life . Her mother is in a wheelchair . Pearl said , “ I take every step my mother was never able to take .”
Regardless of where the players originate , they are captivated by pickleball , and Pittsburgh presented a showcase event for the sport . It has come a long way in a very short time . Sue Hlavacek , CEO of the NSGA , said , “ Pickleball has become one of our largest individual sports . Since the inception in 2013 , the participation numbers have quintupled . It has played a role in the growth of our games .”
Qualifying for the 2025 NSGA National Championships in Des Moines , Iowa , begins next year . The NSGA website provides the qualifying tournament schedule , listed state by state . See you in Iowa ! •
2023 NSGA National Tournament Stats
1,513
Total Players : 1,635 registered , and 1,513 played in an event — a new record . This was the largest indoor pickleball tournament ever held .
Total Courts for Play :
Total Events :
139
Total Matches :
2,778
45
Number of Women :
762
Number of Men :
751
All 50 states were represented plus D . C . and two Canadian provinces .
A special thanks to the 2023 NSGA team : David Jordan and Tom Burkhart , co‐tournament directors
Laura Patterson , referee advisor and recruiter
Hall E ( Ballroom ) Nancy Jordan , assistant director in charge of volunteers
Mitus Junatas , desk operations Roger Workman , head referee Jen Workman , assistant to desk operations
Hall A Mike Hoxie , desk operations
Susan Burkhart , assistant to desk operations / check-in
Cindy Moore , assistant to desk operations / check-in
Sharon Richard , assistant to desk operations / check-in
Diane Unetich , head referee Bob Unetich , assistant head referee
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023 | MAGAZINE 39