Steven Kraslen’s Pickleball Therapy: Vietnam War veteran Steven Kraslen from Chicago, Illinois, has found a powerful way to manage his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): through pickleball. Since 2019, Kraslen has used the sport not just for fun, but as a form of therapy, helping himself and others focus, connect, and heal.
Life Before Pickleball
Steven Kraslen grew up in the Bridgeport area on the South Side of Chicago. He played baseball, softball, and basketball when he was young, though frequent ankle injuries kept him from continuing.
In 1969, Kraslen enlisted in the military during the height of the Vietnam War. He served by unloading and loading transport planes like the C-130 and C-141. While his job was essential, it came with trauma.
“We get hit with mortar attacks late at night 2 to 3 in the morning,” Kraslen recalled. “As far as my job goes… the worst part… was the body bags.”
This experience left a lasting impact. “I still have problems with sleeping at night all because my very first night when I got there we got hit,” he said.
Pickleball as Therapy
Kraslen found pickleball as a way to focus his mind and reduce stress. He shared, “That’s probably one of the reasons why I love having pickleball. It gets out of your head… you’re focusing on playing the game… you’re meeting up with new people which is another great thing.”
His wife has also seen the benefits. “His mental outlook is better and his physical outlook is better… most men his age… like to sit and watch TV. Not him. He likes to do stuff like pickleball.”
Helping Others Through the Game
Kraslen became a USA Pickleball Ambassador for Chicago’s North Side and began teaching pickleball to seniors. “I use it for therapy… it gets me out of the house… my mind’s focused on playing the game,” he said.
He also volunteers at his local veteran center and encourages other veterans to play. “So doing that and then playing really keeps your mind focused… and if you really get involved in it… whatever vet center… or a VA hospital… talk to the recreation people.”
At the VA hospital in North Chicago, he helped start a program. “I stopped by there and I set up a program for them in a gym for pickleball… now they have a group of veterans who go there on a regular basis… and they go out afterwards and have a meal together.”
Inspiration and Community
One of his students remembered the first time she met him. “I met Mr. Steve in 2019… I googled and found Warren Park and Mr. Steve was my first teacher. He’s wonderful. He was so patient and so kind… he’s the most kind-hearted person I’ve met.”
Steven Kraslen has also become a fan of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP). “I really kind of enjoy the APP… I like the way that the APP… treats their pro players… they have non pros… it’s just fun… it’s almost like being at a picnic which is really nice.”
He encourages anyone curious about the sport to try it. “If they’re on the fence I tell them… hey just come out and give it a try… I’ll just give you a paddle… we’ll hit the ball around a little bit… don’t worry about it… just come out here and give it a try… once a person gets on the court and they try it they’re hooked on it.”
The Bigger Impact
Pickleball has helped Steven Kraslen manage his PTSD, stay active, and give back to others. Through his leadership, more veterans are discovering the game and its benefits. His story shows how sports can support mental health, build community, and inspire change.
News in Brief: Steven Kraslen’s Pickleball Therapy
Steven Kraslen, a Vietnam War veteran from Chicago, uses pickleball to manage PTSD and help others do the same. As a USA Pickleball Ambassador, he teaches seniors and veterans while spreading joy and focus through the game. His story highlights pickleball’s power to heal and connect people.
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