90-Year-Old Pickleball Star: Felix Puccio, a 90-year-old from North Adams, remains a dominant force in pickleball. As the eldest member of the Northern Berkshire Pickleball League, he continues to inspire players with his skill and enthusiasm. His goal? To keep playing until he turns 95. Puccio credits the sport for keeping him active and energized.
There’s something about pickleball that’s different than any game I’ve ever played. It’s the enthusiasm of the crowd and the players. The players are super-duper, they give you a lot of energy. And when you get old, you need a lot of energy.” – (Puccio)
A Growing Pickleball Community
Every week, about 24 players, mainly from North Adams, Cheshire, Adams, and southern Vermont, gather at the North Adams Armory to play. The league, founded by Mark Vadnais in 2017, has steadily grown.
With three indoor courts at the armory and outdoor courts at Noel Field, players are eager for more spaces to accommodate the sport’s rising popularity. Pickleball has a unique ability to bring people together. Nickey McGovern, a longtime player, shared her experience.
“The first time I ever played pickleball in Florida, I was addicted. I couldn’t put the paddle down. Everybody in this group is so friendly, and you make so many friends. Everyone is happy, and exercising and moving around and laughing, and Felix has this laugh. When he laughs, everybody else does, too.” – (Puccio)
Puccio’s presence has had a profound impact on the league. To honor him, members threw a surprise party for his 90th birthday.
“That was a surprise. Everybody makes a big deal of your 90s, but for me, it’s just another day. Every day I get up and thank the lord for having another day. My goal at 85 was to play to 90, now my goal is to play until I’m 95.” – (Puccio)
From Hesitation to Passion
Puccio’s journey into pickleball began unexpectedly at age 85. While at Mass General Hospital with his wife, a stranger approached him and asked, “Have you ever played pickleball?” When he expressed doubts about his age, she encouraged him: “No, you aren’t.” That encounter led to his first experience on the court, and he has never looked back.
Over time, Puccio has honed his skills, focusing on footwork and ball control. He learned a tough lesson early on about movement.
“The first lob I had to handle, I backed up, and [I paid] the price of backing up. I fell, hit my head on the radiator, saw stars, was bleeding all over the place.” – (Puccio)
Despite the rough start, he remained undeterred.
“I got up and said to myself, ‘This is a great game!’” – (Puccio)
A Lasting Legacy
Puccio embodies the spirit of pickleball: perseverance, friendship, and joy. His passion for the game continues to inspire those around him.
“Everyone is with you, and you enjoy them. That’s what life is all about, enjoying people. If you want to be happy, be with people who are happy.” – (Puccio)
With his sights set on playing until 95, Puccio is a living testament to the benefits of staying active and engaged. As pickleball grows in popularity, so does his influence, proving that age is just a number on the court.
News in Brief: 90-Year-Old Pickleball Star
Felix Puccio, 90, is the oldest player in the Northern Berkshire Pickleball League. He plays weekly at the North Adams Armory and aims to continue until 95. Known for his enthusiasm and resilience, Puccio inspires players of all ages, showing that passion and determination have no age limit.
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