she can be“ the best that I can be.” Washington state’ s Donna Quaife, a regular on the Senior Circuit in 80s singles, doubles, and mixed, lifts weights and works out on a treadmill five days a week.
These are serious players who deserve to be taken seriously. Players of all ages can learn from watching some of the senior stars.
Tom Gullikson, former U. S. tennis star, has flawless hands and consistency at the net. Ivan Lendl still has the great forehand. These athletes are driving the new senior pickleball scene.
The players coming into the 50s and 60s categories are pushing for quality venues to showcase their high-quality play. The 49 courts at Pictona were a wonderful venue for the championships.
Fortunately, USSP has the experienced Karen Parrish to run the tournament, and Schneider to set the tone. His priority is the players. He wants to provide“ lower-cost tournaments with beautiful medals.” At Pictona, USSP offered a clinic that board member
Laura Patterson said was“ the best clinic I’ ve ever
Because of the rain, players competed late into the night in hard-fought matches. These 60-64, 4.0 guys play way beyond what was played at that level just a year ago. The quality of play in senior pickleball has surpassed expectations. Fortunately, the USSP board is keeping pace and promises to deliver quality tournaments. It is now up to the players to support their sport. From left to right: Tommy Boone( TN), Doug Turner( TN), Peter Blanchard( NH), Michael Williams( PA), Corey Solander( FL) and Stormy Supiran( FL).
been to.” Schneider praised Humana as“ an incredible sponsor.”
Senior pickleball is at a crossroads. Brackets have been combined because of the lack of numbers in the higher age categories. Quaife suggests putting the brackets out by age first. Also,“ when you combine brackets, show the results on the first page— don’ t hide the older players.”
In turn, seniors need to join the USSP and support tournaments that support seniors.
It is time for USSP to join the World Masters Games so that seniors can compete internationally. This year’ s Nationals at Pictona proved that seniors can deliver first-class play at a first-class venue, run by a first-class team. •
Stuart Helfrich of Hilton Head, SC, points out his gold medal match score with his Georgia partner, Bart Brannon. Many of the senior players are longtime friends. The tournaments are a fun way to catch up and stay in touch. The USSP board has pledged to focus on the players and to make it fun. Pictona certainly delivered this year.
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the‘ 60s. She’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional. As a 4.5 pickleball player, she has won gold in Huntsman, NSGA Nationals, US Open, and USA Pickleball events around the country. Alice is an IPTPA member, SSIPA founding board member, Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain, Italy, and Germany.
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