More than 240 players will gather at Reinhart Park from May 2 to May 4 for the 6th annual Kaite Davis Memorial Pickleball Tournament, an event created to honor a local teen and support student scholarships through the Redwood Foundation for Education.
The event was created in memory of Kaite Davis, a gifted golfer who passed away unexpectedly at age 15. What started as a golf fundraiser has evolved into a popular pickleball tournament drawing players from across the area. Proceeds go toward scholarships for Grants Pass students.
From Loss to Legacy
Jack and Kim Davis, Kaite’s parents, were inspired to help students after a golf fundraiser raised $18,000 in their daughter’s name.
“I went to Grants Pass High and so did she. And so the students that get the scholarship are Grants Pass kids.” – (Jack Davis)
Jack continued to hold the golf tournament for 14 years before shifting to pickleball six years ago. The change made the event more inclusive for players of all ages and skill levels.
A Community Rallies Together
Each year, the tournament brings out community members to support local education. Even though the pain of losing Kaite remains, the tournament brings purpose to her memory.
“We’re not a rich area. But for this cause people are willing to put up some money and come out and support this and help kids get a college education.” – (Jack Davis)
Jack recalled how a $1,000 scholarship helped one student go to the University of Oregon and eventually earn a full scholarship through her involvement in the Green Garter Band.
“ This girl from Grants Pass got a scholarship (for) a thousand bucks (and) she went on to University of Oregon. She was a band kid and she got into what’s called the Green Garter Band, which is like a full ride. So for $1,000 she got into school, got started, and then ended up with a full ride scholarship.” – (Jack Davis)
Support From Local Groups
The tournament’s success depends on help from the Redwood Foundation for Education and the Rogue Pickleball Club. Both organizations support the scholarship fund and organize the event. “That was sometimes the most impactful piece,” said Quin Pehrson, executive director of the Redwood Foundation for Education.
“Knowing that there was someone in your community that wanted to invest in you, believed in your future and was committed to your future education.” – (Pehrson)
Lisa Woodruff, president of the Rogue Pickleball Club, shared how meaningful the tournament is to her and other players.
“It warms your heart to realize that there are things that you can do that cross generations. To see us be able to pull that together and raise funds for something like a scholarship, I think it makes everybody that comes out here this weekend feel that they’re making a difference.” – (Woodruff)
Building a Lasting Future
Jack Davis said the scholarship fund has now grown to $200,000—roughly the same amount given out over the last 20 years. His goal is to turn the fund into an endowment to help future students for generations. Sign-ups for the tournament are closed, but those who want to support the fund can contact Jack Davis directly.
News in Brief: Kaite Davis Memorial Pickleball Tournament
Over 240 players will compete in the Kaite Davis Memorial Pickleball Tournament in Grants Pass, Oregon, from May 2–4. The pickleball event honors a local teen and raises funds for scholarships through the Redwood Foundation for Education, aiming to support Grants Pass students and grow Kaite’s legacy.
ALSO READ: Greenwood Freedom Cup Pickleball Tournament Returns with High Stakes and Thrills