Spencer Childs Pickleball Transformation: Las Vegas resident Spencer Childs, 59, turned his life around through pickleball after years of pain, surgeries, and health struggles. Once facing serious medical issues and weighing nearly 350 pounds, Spencer now lives medication-free and plays pickleball six mornings a week with a close-knit community he calls his “pickleball family.”
A Life Changed by an Unexpected Sport
Spencer Childs, a financial planner who has run his own firm since 1997, lived an active life despite lifelong weight struggles. But two major car accidents—in 2005 and again in 2015—led to serious back and neck injuries. His spine had to be fused in multiple places, including the C5, C6, and lumbar regions.
The injuries left Spencer limited in what he could do physically. At one point, he reached around 350 pounds and was on seven different medications daily for blood pressure, pain, and pre-diabetes.
“My life was not going in the direction I wanted to go. I was 50 and I didn’t know that I would live to see 60 and I didn’t know if I wanted to,” (Spencer Childs).
A Family Reunion That Sparked Hope
Things began to change at a family reunion in Park City. Spencer’s children introduced him to pickleball, a sport the family tried together. At first, it was simply a way to be active again, but it soon became much more.
“Our family likes to do active things. We’ve always done fun activities outside, but over the years things happened and it was harder and harder for Spencer to participate in different kinds of activities like that,”
his wife shared.
“And so when he found pickleball, it changed his life and by extension, it changed my life.”
From Medication to Movement
After embracing pickleball, Spencer slowly transformed. He lost weight, regained strength, and stopped needing all seven of his daily prescriptions.
“I’ve gone from taking seven daily prescriptions every day to zero and the quality of my life has improved dramatically and I’m extraordinarily grateful for that,” (Spencer Childs).
His finding pickleball and pursuing this idea of playing pickleball changed everything about him. It made him happy again.
Now, he plays nearly every day.
“I play generally six mornings a week. I get there about 5:30. Lights don’t come on till 6:00. The guys I play with, they’re all great guys.”
A Leader on and off the Court
One of Spencer’s friends at the courts said,
“I live just close to this pickleball court. That’s where I met Spencer. He’s a super, super nice guy, organizer, and born leader. And I seen him when he started — was sort of mediocre player — and he became a really, really good player.”
Spencer’s journey shows that pickleball isn’t just about fitness. It’s also about friendship, purpose, and finding joy again.
“It’s really good for your physical health and equally as good if not better for your mental health,” (Spencer Childs).
Finding Family Through the Game
For Spencer, the people at the courts became more than just teammates.
“Jerry, in pickleball, you can really connect if you want to. If you’re interested, show up to your local pickleball courts. And what I say is you’ll find your tribe. I promise you, you’re not alone. And you’ll find your tribe. You’ll find where you belong and your life will be better for it.”
His wife added,
“He started calling the people he plays pickleball with his pickleball family and truly they are like a family to him.”
She continued, “He found a way to change his life and inspire other people. And it has inspired me — that he can change, and because he can change, I can change. We can all change. We can improve and make our lives better. And what a powerful thing that is, that we can do that.”
Spencer summed it up simply: “Pickleball — it connects people. Above all, it connects people. I’ve regained my health and I’ve gained new friends.”
News in Brief: Spencer Childs Pickleball Transformation
Spencer Childs, a 59-year-old Las Vegas man, overcame major injuries, obesity, and health issues with the help of pickleball. Once on seven daily medications, he now lives a healthy life filled with joy and friendship. Playing six times a week, he calls his teammates his “pickleball family.”
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