How Pickleball Helped Nancy Mansfield: Nancy Mansfield, now a pickleball coach at The Dink Tank Pickleball Club in Phoenix, Arizona, found healing and a new purpose through the sport after facing deep personal loss. Starting in 2016, the game helped her cope with grief and eventually led her to become a certified coach through the Professional Pickleball Registry’s Coaching Initiative (PCI).
A Game That Helped Her Heal
In 2016, Nancy Mansfield lost her daughter. Soon after, her father and family dog also passed away. The pain was overwhelming, and she started to withdraw from others. One day, a friend invited her to play pickleball. That simple invitation changed her life.
“For those several hours a day,” she says, “I was able to balance my joy with my grief.” The sport gave her the time and space she needed to feel happy again.
From Player to Passionate Instructor
Nancy Mansfield didn’t stop at just playing the game. She started teaching others how to play. Helping beginners experience success gave her joy. She found meaning in showing people how to hold a paddle and make their first winning shot.
“By the end of the hour, they’re pickling like a boss. It makes my heart soar!” – (Nancy)
Nancy Mansfield loved seeing new players smile when they learned something new. That joy led her to take the next step.
Becoming PCI Certified
With support from her community, Nancy Mansfield joined the Professional Pickleball Registry’s Coaching Initiative, also known as PCI. The program was created in partnership with Selkirk to train coaches and grow the sport.
“Not only did the certification process improve my game, it gave me an excellent model for teaching.” – (Nancy)
Nancy now helps new players at The Dink Tank reach the 3.5 skill level. She doesn’t just teach technique—she builds confidence and creates community.
The Power of Pickleball
Nancy Mansfield’s story shows how the sport can help people heal, grow, and connect. Her coaching helps others feel welcome and supported, just as she once did. As she puts it, there’s “so much gratitude in my heart for this fun game with a silly name.”
Whether someone is picking up a paddle for the first time or working to get better, Nancy Mansfield is there to cheer them on. She is one of many PCI-certified coaches making a difference through the sport.
News in Brief: How Pickleball Helped Nancy Mansfield
After losing her daughter, father, and dog in 2016, Nancy Mansfield found healing through pickleball. She now coaches at The Dink Tank in Phoenix and is certified through PCI. Nancy helps new players grow in skill and confidence, showing how pickleball can bring purpose and joy.
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