Lorenzo Semple Pickleball Debut: Aspen resident Lorenzo Semple, age 57, has finally tried pickleball after feeling left out of the growing sport. On Tuesday, Lorenzo Semple joined a beginner pickleball clinic at the Aspen Meadows courts to overcome his fears and learn the basics before playing with family.
Trying Pickleball for the First Time
Lorenzo Semple had long avoided racket sports because he felt uncoordinated. Memories of tennis blisters and a near accident with Hunter Thompson at Stranahan’s Flying Dog Ranch added to his hesitation. But with pickleball booming in Aspen, he decided to give it a shot.
“Pickleball strikes me as a bit of a rebellious, contrarian court-sport, kind of like what snowboarding is to skiing,” (Lorenzo Semple).
He prepared by dressing in a bootleg Grateful Dead shirt from Kea Hause, Aspen Skiers shorts from Jason Pfeifer, and knee-high tube socks. Riding his e-bike, he arrived early for the lesson.
Learning the Game
The clinic cost $40 for 90 minutes. Instructors Kurt Polkey and Nico Almeida taught basic skills and rules, while Alex Rebeiz welcomed everyone. Lorenzo Semple admitted he was the least skilled among the seven women in the group.
He struggled with scoring but enjoyed learning terms like “dinking” and “the kitchen.” He joked about inventing new sayings like “Relish that point” and “Gherkin’ it.”
Despite his challenges, he found the coaches kind and helpful. He appreciated how the sport fit with his love of skiing and mountain biking.
Facing Fears and Finding Fun
Lorenzo Semple compared pickleball to being on the rebellious side of sports, where tennis players might look down on pickleball players. He liked that feeling.
After the lesson, he relaxed at the Meadows Cafe and imagined his new alter ego: “Pickleball Paul,” a loud character similar to “Hotdog Hans.”
He planned to join his first game on Saturday.
“Pickleball strikes me as a bit of a rebellious, contrarian court-sport, kind of like what snowboarding is to skiing,” (Lorenzo Semple).
What Comes Next
Lorenzo Semple’s experience shows that trying something new can break fears and build community. With more Aspen locals picking up paddles, pickleball is likely to grow even more popular. Lorenzo Semple, no longer a “pickleball virgin,” is ready to keep playing all summer.
News in Brief: Lorenzo Semple Pickleball Debut
Lorenzo Semple, 57, tried pickleball for the first time in Aspen. He joined a lesson to prepare for games with family. Though nervous, he enjoyed learning the sport’s basics. Lorenzo Semple now plans to keep playing and embrace pickleball as part of his active lifestyle.
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