Pam Lippy’s Inspiring Pickleball Story: Pam Lippy, a seasoned tennis player with decades of competitive experience, found herself turning to a new sport when the pandemic brought the world to a halt in 2020. As tennis courts closed and social gatherings ceased, she and her friend, Dr. Jerry Stern, turned to the basement of his New Albany home.
It was there they created a “secret pickleball speakeasy,” setting up a makeshift net to learn the sport that was quickly gaining traction across the nation. Though the makeshift court was far from regulation size, it was sufficient for the basics.
“We hit our heads (on the basement ceiling) many times, but it allowed us to learn the game. We would move the net so one of us could learn how to serve and the other could learn how to return.” – (Pam Lippy)
The two took turns, one learning how to serve while the other practiced returning. What started as a small, isolated activity soon increased into a full-fledged passion.
From Social Play to Tournament Victory
Lippy began playing pickleball socially, joining the rapidly growing movement that has become the fastest-growing sport in America, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
In December 2021, at the age of 62, she entered her first tournament in South Florida. In ladies doubles, she claimed victory, and the very next day, she filled in for an injured player in a mixed doubles event—ultimately winning that tournament as well.
Her impressive performance caught the attention of the pickleball fans, particularly after she won at the Boca Raton Pickler Survivor Challenge in January.
Lippy won 10 out of 13 matches, which played a pivotal role in her selection when the National Pickleball League expanded from six to 12 teams. She now competes for the Boca Raton Picklers and travels nationwide for tournaments, including the Paddle Taps event in Worthington this past June.
National Championship and Continued Success
Lippy’s success reached a new high in October, when she and her Boca Raton Picklers defeated the Columbus Hotshots in Cincinnati to win the National Pickleball League championship match.
Outside of competition, Lippy also serves as the racquet sports director at New Albany Links Golf and Country Club. A celebrated figure in the sports community, she is a member of both the Flagler College Hall of Fame and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus Hall of Fame.
Pickleball’s Impact on Life and Community
Reflecting on her recent journey into pickleball, Lippy calls the sport “the most exhilarating thing I’ve done” as an adult.
“Pickleball is addicting. It’s physical, extremely social and was the perfect antidote to the Covid situation. It’s easy to learn, the courts are small and easy to cover, which helps in life’s transitions—whether that’s empty nester, divorce or getting older. It gives you a sense of belonging and a sense of community. ” – (Pam Lippy)
Lippy credits pickleball for not only keeping her active but also for creating new connections with people.
“I’ve made so many new friends, and it’s fun to do with my old friends, too.” – (Pam Lippy)
The Unifying Nature of Pickleball
Bill Taylor, head teaching pro at Paddle Taps, attests to pickleball’s power to bring people together. During the day Israel suffered a terrorist attack in October 2023, he witnessed a remarkable scene: two middle-aged Muslim men were playing alongside an 80-year-old Jewish woman and a 12-year-old Asian girl with aspirations of turning professional.
“They were all playing together and that’s what happens here every day—diversity and inclusion. It’s the most unifying sport I’ve ever seen.” – (Bill Taylor)
News in Brief: Pam Lippy’s Inspiring Pickleball Story
Pam Lippy, a former competitive tennis player, has found success in pickleball, a sport she began learning during the pandemic. Her impressive tournament wins and national success with the Boca Raton Picklers have made her a standout player.
Lippy’s passion for pickleball, which she describes as “addicting,” has also helped her connect with new people and stay active in her community. She continues to inspire others through her performances and involvement in the sport.
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