Sandi Rosato Pickleball Leadership Journey: Sandi Rosato, the Racquet and Sports Director at Hammock Dunes Club, was recently highlighted by the Florida Team Pickleball League for her leadership in promoting pickleball. With over 35 years in tennis, Rosato found a new passion in pickleball after joining the Hammock Dunes Club, where she now actively plays, teaches, and organizes events.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Sandi Rosato was first introduced to pickleball in 2016 while in Maryland. She held her first event at a country club and quickly became hooked.
“It’s just addicting,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
At Hammock Dunes Club, Rosato embraced the sport more deeply.
“I didn’t really play when I was doing events,” she said. “When I got here, I started just playing with my members, trying to figure out what the difference was, competing-wise, between tennis and pickle.”
Building Teams and a Pickleball Community
The Florida Team Pickleball League, started in 2023, hosts competitions at local, regional, and state levels. Rosato joined in the league’s first year and has since led several teams from Hammock Dunes Club.
This year, three teams competed from the club: a beginner women’s team, an intermediate men’s team, and an intermediate mixed team. Rosato proudly shared, “This year, the women’s team went all the way to state. Not too bad for their first season.”
Rosato noted that local interest in pickleball has grown rapidly. In just five years, her email list of players in Flagler County grew from 40 to over 150. To meet demand, Hammock Dunes Club plans to add two more courts, bringing the total to eight.
Pickleball: More Than a Game
Rosato said she values more than just competition.
“Everybody enjoys it, and it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “My group has come out and we watch, cheer. And we always finish with a little beer or Prosecco.”
The FTPL recognized Rosato for her impact:
“Sandi is known for her creative, energetic pickleball events, her love of teaching beginners and strategizing with advanced players, and her passion for building camaraderie through team play.”
The Hammock Dunes Club echoed this praise in a public message, stating Rosato “has built more than just competition, it’s created confidence, connection, and camaraderie… one rally at a time!”
Looking ahead, Rosato sees pickleball’s future as bright.
“One of my members, when I started here, asked me if I thought it [pickleball] was a fad,” she said. “I was like, no. I think it’s gonna be here for a long time.”
News in Brief: Sandi Rosato Pickleball Leadership Journey
Sandi Rosato of Hammock Dunes Club was honored by the Florida Team Pickleball League for her efforts in growing the sport. Rosato leads multiple teams, organizes events, and helps new players join the sport. Pickleball is growing fast in Flagler County, and Rosato continues to lead that momentum.
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