St . George , Utah ’ s sunsets provided a stunning backdrop for the world-class event .
The wonderful thing about the Huntsman World Games is that the CEO , Kyle Case , and the pickleball tournament director , Mike Hoxie , and a host of other sports ’ chairs actually listen to the players . They listen and they continue to make each event better .
This year , pickleball was played at only one venue , Little Valley . Courts were divided into pods and each pod had an overseeing team of officials . Matches were on time ( a slight rain delay on Friday ) and issues were addressed immediately . There were lots of new players who joined the beloved oldies . One thousand and sixty-six [ the Battle of Hastings ] players participated , representing 43 states and the District of Columbia . Two hundred twenty-seven events were offered — the medal stand was a busy place .
The number of skilled young players was noticeable . Whereas professional tennis players came to the game early on for the prize money , now college coaches and former collegiate tennis players are visible in all the age divisions . Former athletes from other sports are having fun and enjoying gold medals , including Huntsman triple crown winner and former NBA player Rick Barry .
Women made up 49 percent of this year ’ s entries . Sparkling clothes and hats were everywhere ; the look was led by 94-year-old player Joyce Jones . Nancy Tedeschi of Pickleball Bella , the first label of pickleball clothing in the world , said that sales at her booth were going strong : “ Huntsman World Games never disappoints .” The ladies look good on the court , and they make the statement that the pickleball look has arrived .
Gigi Sacaris Spence played tennis for Rice University and has come to pickleball “ because it is quicker , the
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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 | MAGAZINE 47