Player Profiles

Debbie & Garry

Our pickleball history started in the fall of 2014 in Mesa Arizona. For the next six years we were lucky to winter in Mesa where we were fortunate to have weekly lessons. We were blessed to have amazing, positive teachers who encouraged us to keep challenging ourselves. Even after a few weeks as beginners when we were feeling less than confident of our skills, they encouraged us to participate in the Saturday morning scrambles, which were mini tournaments complete with medals each week. They instilled confidence every step of the way of our pickleball journey.

Our super organized club at Venture Out RV park hosted many large tournaments where we were encouraged to take training in being line judges and take referee training. Our last two winters there we were invited to teach beginners - once again pushing us beyond our comfort zone at the start, but knowing that we were ready to take that step.

Of course after experiencing such welcoming people within the Arizona pickleball circle, we couldn't wait to engage pickleball in Winnipeg. Once life got back to “normal” after the Covid pause, we've enjoyed play at Dakota Community Club in St. Vital and Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren on Pembina Highway.

Pickleball is ideal for keeping the body active and we continue to learn new ways to keep improving our skills by taking classes and watching videos. Pickleball has tons of benefits: great exercise, helps keep your memory sharp and a great way to meet new like-minded folks.

No matter where we travel we can almost always find a court and meet new pickleball friends.

Both of us are involved in coaching and teaching the nuances of the game to usually older folks wanting to learn to play or to improve their skills. We try hard to encourage new players in the same way we were mentored over the years. We encourage our students to always keep learning and advancing their skills and to consider tournament play as another way to test and stretch their abilities.

Jackie

Hi, I'm Jackie! I found my passion for pickleball in November 2024, thanks to a lesson from my good friend Pierre. From the moment my paddle made contact with the ball, I was hooked! It's been an exciting journey ever since.

At 55, I've lived in Winnipeg my whole life, and this summer, I've spent countless hours enjoying the city's beautiful, free-to-play outdoor pickleball courts. It's been a great way to explore new neighborhoods, some of which I probably never would've discovered if not for pickleball.

But what's been even more rewarding than the game itself is the amazing people I've met along the way. Through pickleball, I've expanded my social circle and formed deep friendships. We've built a close-knit community of like-minded individuals who share similar life experiences—many of us navigating life as singles in our later years, staying active, and seeking positive outlets for our energy. It's truly been a joy to find connection through this sport.

In addition to pickleball, I enjoy gardening, weight lifting, cooking, dancing, getting dressed up for a night on the town or snuggling with the furry babies to watch something on tv. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends whether it is a quiet time of card playing or taking over the dancefloor. I hope to see you on the courts!