I can’t believe it’s only been a year since I started playing pickleball—it honestly feels like I’ve been in this world for much longer. Life had me caught up in a big construction project for the past four months, which kept me from writing, but now that it’s wrapping up, I’m ready to jump back into sharing my experiences.
This sport has become such a meaningful part of my life. There’s something special about it—after long workdays, I’d find myself at the courts, playing until the lights went off. My body somehow keeps up, and for that, I’m grateful. But what really keeps me going is the community. The people I’ve met along the way make it all the more enjoyable. 90% of the time, it’s filled with laughter and good vibes.
Of course, like any close-knit sport, there are occasional frustrations. Sometimes it gets personal or overly competitive, and I’m not a fan of that pressure. But taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, I know how much this game means to me. That’s why I wanted to mark this first-year anniversary with a post—it’s worth celebrating.
I remember my first day so clearly. Some people looked at me like I didn’t belong. There were players I couldn’t even approach during the first six months. Now, not only do I feel welcome, but I’ve grown confident enough to return/reset a slam from the kitchen line without hesitation. I’m not intimidated by any level of players, and its’ so much fun to play against the most competitive ones.
Although it’s only been 12 months, I’ve played enough to feel like I’ve logged two years’ worth of court time. Winter slowed things down, but now the games feel sharper and more meaningful. I’m back, and there’s so much more to write about—this is just the beginning.
Here’s to more hours, more connections, and more unforgettable rallies. Let’s go!