Scott Lee
For Scott Lee, pickleball is a master class in resilience. His journey to the podium is defined by overcoming physical adversity that would sideline most: two artificial hips, a reconstructed patella, and a fused ankle are but a few challenges.
Still, his family has encouraged him to compete, even wearing homemade t-shirts that read“ 100 % bionic” when Lee stepped onto the courts at the APP New York City Open.
“ My wife and children have been steadfastly supporting me,” Lee agrees. And even though he competes with a variety of partners, his wife of 50 years remains his top priority:“ Karin is my favorite pickleball partner.”
Lee’ s transition into the sport followed a recommendation to attend a NeuroPickleball clinic. Since then, he has maintained a blistering pace, competing in more than 35 tournaments since 2023. His recent accolades include a silver medal at the PPA World Championships in Dallas with Becky Lamb and a gold at the Cincinnati Cup with Larry Roberts.“ Larry played like he was in his 20s!” Lee recalled.“ He’ s an inspiration.”
The results of Lee’ s discipline are striking. Alongside a 90-pound weight loss, his rheumatologist notes that his health improves with every visit.“ I intend to maintain this trajectory of well-being and competitive engagement,” Lee says. He now dedicates two hours a day, five days a week, to court training— supplemented by strength, balance, and stamina work at the gym.
Beyond the baseline, Lee plays for something larger than himself. In addition to a long list of creative and philanthropic pursuits, Lee uses his visibility to advocate for the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Colorado and Stop Alzheimer’ s Now.
He also greatly values the intergenerational relationships he’ s built through pickleball, including with pro players such as Olivia McMillan, Kaitlyn Christian and Callie Smith, proving that the sport transcends age.
Mostly, Lee focuses on the spirit of the game.“ Please remember to embrace laughter and find joy. Pickleball can serve as a catalyst for your next adventure.”
Athlete Profile: Scott Lee Age 72 Career
Home Training Facility
Years Playing
CEO and President, Pirate’ s Cove & Pirate’ s Island Adventure Golf
Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Complex, Colorado
4.5 years
Family Married to Karin( 50 + years), children Bryan and Jennifer
Major Wins
36 + medals including silver at 2025 PPA Worlds and gold at Colorado Amateur
Fitness Routine 10 hours of court time and 5 days of gym work weekly
Personal Motto
Becky Lamb
“ Play the game right, and the score will take care of itself.”
Pickleball isn’ t just a pastime for Becky Lamb; it’ s decades of athletic discipline and relentless drive applied on the court.
“ I play for the workout, and also because pickleball is fun at every level and at every age,” she says, noting that she’ s competed in more than 20 tournaments since 2022.“ I’ ve learned purpose, discipline, focus, and manners. There is never an excuse to not be courteous on the court.”
Lamb’ s kindness is not to be underestimated. Among her many successes, she serves on the board of directors for her local center and chaired efforts to raise over $ 10 million for a new, nationally recognized pickleball facility in her community of Steamboat Springs. These wins— even more than playing, she says— are among some of her most proud contributions to the sport.
Day to day, Lamb can be found playing at the center she helped build, often against younger competitors. Here, she relies on advanced strategy.“ Younger players are simply faster and more athletic,” she explains,“ however senior players can use shot choice and other skills like dinking or soft shots and get good results.”
Pickleball has also offered Lamb a vital social lifeline during difficult times.“ While my husband was sick for several years, pickleball saved my sanity,” she says. But
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MARCH / APRIL 2026 | MAGAZINE 43