Tucson’s Ace Pickleball Club: The Ace Pickleball Club (APC) in Midtown was alive with competition this past weekend. Dozens of teams battled for a coveted spot in the national pickleball championships. This event was part of a nationwide tournament involving eleven Ace locations. It served as a key qualifying event in the APC Championship Series, where players aimed to advance to Roswell, Georgia, for a chance at a share of the $250,000 prize.
Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Among the players was Leonard Finkel, a Tucson resident and former tennis player. He moved to Tucson nearly two years ago after a long search for the perfect retirement spot. Initially skeptical of pickleball, he quickly fell in love with the game.
“My wife tried to get me to play a couple of years ago, and I didn’t really want to do it. I finally went out there, and I got the bug. I play every day—four, five, sometimes six hours at Udall Park. I even have my own throne and a sign that says, ‘Leonard’s Place.’” – (Leonard Finkel)
Finkel faced some nerves at his first tournament.
“Unfortunately, this was my first tournament. I can’t believe I was nervous and I stunk. But I’m ready to play another tournament at the end of the month because I got my nerves out.” – (Leonard Finkel)
Community and Camaraderie
For Finkel, pickleball is more about the people than the trophies.
“It’s the community. Pickleball people are just nice people.” – (Leonard Finkel)
Shayla Remley, who started playing with her fiancé, echoed his sentiments. She has built a supportive network of friends through the sport.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom, so I understand why so many moms are drawn to pickleball. We have a great group at Udall Park and another here at ACE. It’s really social and a lot of fun.” – (Shayla Remley)
Curtis Simpson, another Tucson player, shared his experience.
“I was sitting at home, not doing much beyond my usual workouts. Since I started pickleball, I’ve met so many cool people. Now, I’m playing tournaments and meeting even more people.” – (Curtis Simpson)
Insights from Club Leadership
Thomas Gist, the operating partner of Tucson’s Ace Pickleball Club, noted the location has attracted hundreds of members since opening in October. He reflected on the sport’s recent surge in popularity.
“It’s wild right now. Everybody is into it. It’s at parks, it’s in schools. Hopefully, it stays on the same trajectory and we can open more clubs like this.” – (Thomas Gist)
Gist explained that pickleball offers a lower barrier to entry than many other sports.
“All skill levels can play, whether you have a background in sports or don’t. For older generations, the court is smaller than a tennis court so there’s not as much movement needed to chase down the balls.” – (Thomas Gist)
Looking Ahead
The weekend’s tournament was just the beginning for Tucson’s ACE Pickleball Club. Another qualifier is scheduled for March, with additional events planned throughout the year.
The excitement and community spirit surrounding the sport suggest that its popularity will continue to grow in the future.
News in Brief: Tucson’s Ace Pickleball Club
The Ace Pickleball Club in Midtown hosted a competitive tournament this past weekend, serving as a qualifier for the national championships in Roswell, Georgia, with a $250,000 prize.
Players like Leonard Finkel and Shayla Remley emphasized the community aspect of the sport. With growing participation, the club plans more events, reflecting pickleball’s increasing popularity in Tucson.
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