Lake Geneva Pickleball Club Retention: Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball Club, led by Pickleball Director Ben Rasey, has achieved an impressive 80% player retention rate. Located in Wisconsin, the club began as a college side project and has grown into one of the most active DUPR clubs in the Midwest by focusing on fun, competition, and personal connections.
From College Startup to Club Director
During COVID, Ben Rasey began playing pickleball in public parks. In 2020, at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, he created a pickleball club from scratch. Starting with just seven players, it has grown to over 100 active members.
Ben said, “In 2023, I helped raise $18,000 for the club. Back then, no club had that kind of money.” This success set the stage for his later achievements .
Building Lake Geneva’s Pickleball Scene
In late 2023, Ben joined Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball. After the head pro stepped down, he took over full-time. He now runs monthly tournaments, including league-style events and state championships. The club’s Christmas tournament draws over 200 players, with smaller events attracting 120 on average .
Ben notes, “We’re not just competitive. We’re fun. We’re a family.”
Programs That Connect and Energize
The club offers a mix of drill sessions, free clinics, kids’ classes, pizza parties, and Cardio Pickleball events.
Ben said, “Cardio Pickleball is the most fun I’ve ever had running an event.” These classes are capped at 20 participants and include upbeat games like King of the Court and Beat the Pro.
The facility has six tournament-level indoor courts with 10 feet of space behind and between courts, sliding dividers, and lights that reduce glare.
A Culture of Connection
Ben works to create personal bonds with players, texting hundreds before each event with jokes or notes. He said, “If you’re not sociable in this role, you’re going to fail. People come back because they feel seen and valued.”
DUPR-Driven, Player-Focused
The club uses DUPR to match players accurately. Ben said, “Players want their ratings to reflect who they really are… We use DUPR to highlight meaningful competition, not random matchups.” Their thoughtful system has helped Lake Geneva rank in the top 1% of over 6,000 DUPR clubs.
Retention That Stands Out
Lake Geneva’s major events draw strong attendance. Ben reported that at a recent state championship, 60–70% of players were newcomers. But at the prior tournament, 80% returned, showing strong loyalty .
Ben said, “Our retention rates have been really exciting to track… That’s pretty wild.”
Advice for Aspiring Club Leaders
Ben’s advice is simple: “Ask for help. Listen to players. Talk to other clubs who’ve done it.” Being present, social, and building relationships is key.
He added, “Pickleball is the people’s business. If they like you, they’ll come back.”
What’s Next for Lake Geneva
Ben continues to balance a full-time job with club duties. He plans more events and creativity as the club grows. In Wisconsin, his events now serve as a social hub—guests often find friends or even partners on the court.
News in Brief: Lake Geneva Pickleball Club Retention
Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball Club, led by Ben Rasey, has grown from a campus group into a top DUPR-rated club. With diverse programs and strong personal engagement, the club retains 80% of its players. Its mix of fun and competition is a powerful model for club success.
ALSO READ: North Platte Pickleball Club Unveils State-of-the-Art Courts With Star-Studded Grand Opening Event