AFCEA Staff’s Pickleball Match: AFCEA International, which used to be called the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association International, was started in 1946. It is a non-profit group that brings together people from the military, government, business, and schools. Its goal is to help members share knowledge and build strong connections in areas like communications, information technology, intelligence, and global security.
After a full day at TechNet Cyber 2025, AFCEA staff members gathered at Club Volo in Baltimore on an April evening for a friendly but competitive pickleball game. The event brought together Howard Wahlberg, Mikayla Lyles, and Lauren May in a best-of-five series that ended with Lyles and May winning 3-0.
Planning the Match
Howard Wahlberg, senior director of marketing, and Mikayla Lyles, manager of events and industry programs, first talked about playing pickleball over a year ago. They were both fans of the sport and wanted a friendly match.
When events coordinator Lauren May joined the conversation and Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.), president and CEO of AFCEA, gave her support, the game was set at Club Volo’s outdoor courts in the Canton neighborhood.
The Teams and Preparation
Howard Wahlberg was teamed up with Tori Doyle, a local pickleball player who plays every Wednesday in Baltimore. Wahlberg said he had been preparing by working out, stretching, and practicing. “I’m an actor, too, so it’s like waiting backstage,” Wahlberg said during pregame warmups.
“And then once I get out there, I’m gonna feel great, gonna feel super and gonna be ready to go.” – (Wahlberg)
Mikayla Lyles and Lauren May had played together before, but this was their first serious game as a team. They wore matching hot-pink shirts and black shorts, showing up with strong energy.
Game Highlights
Wahlberg and Doyle served first in the match. Lyles showed off her spin skills, and May impressed with fast movements and a strong backhand. The first set was close, but Wahlberg seemed to still be warming up.
In the second set, Wahlberg brought more power and even added loud grunts like a pro tennis player. His energy helped tie the score at 8-8, but Lyles and May adjusted their defense and won the set with a narrow lead.
The third set was intense. Players hit harder, and rallies lasted longer. Fans from AFCEA cheered from the sidelines with handmade signs. In the end, Mikayla Lyles and Lauren May sealed the win with strong spikes and well-placed shots. The final score was 11-8.
“No excuses. We got outplayed. They’re very good, very sharp. They’re great at the baseline and great at the kitchen line as well.” – (Wahlberg)
Lyles explained how they managed the conditions, saying, “You could over hit it sometimes.” Despite losing, Wahlberg enjoyed the game and said he’d play again anytime with Lyles and May.
What This Could Mean for AFCEA
This friendly match showed a different side of AFCEA staff—one of teamwork, fun, and staying active. It also gave co-workers a chance to bond outside of work. With positive energy and strong support from leadership, this game could become a yearly tradition for the team.
News in Brief: AFCEA Staff’s Pickleball Match
AFCEA staff members played a pickleball match at Club Volo in Baltimore after TechNet Cyber 2025. Mikayla Lyles and Lauren May defeated Howard Wahlberg and Tori Doyle 3-0 in the best-of-five series. The game brought fun, energy, and team spirit and might return as an annual AFCEA tradition.