12-Year-Old Pickleball Coach In Lakewood: Residents at The Ridge-Pinehurst Retirement Community in Lakewood, Colorado, recently found themselves receiving pickleball lessons from an unexpected source: 12-year-old Logan Russell. Despite his young age, Logan has already made a name for himself in the pickleball world. He placed third in a national tournament last year, boasts a national ranking, and recently secured sponsorship from Gearbox, a pickleball merchandise company. But Logan’s passion extends beyond just playing the game—he loves to teach it as well.
Logan teaches all the kids at school during PE and recess. On July 18, residents gathered around one of the community’s three pickleball courts to learn from their young coach. Among them was 98-year-old Rita Price, who recently began playing pickleball despite her illustrious tennis background that earned her a spot in the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
“At school, like at PE and stuff, I teach all the kids, I teach them at recess and all that stuff.” (Logan Russell)
A Unique Collaboration
Logan’s session at The Ridge-Pinehurst was a unique collaboration between the young prodigy and the seasoned athletes of the community. Rita Price was particularly enthusiastic about the experience. “I know a lot of tennis players say that pickleball is chasing a lot of tennis players off courts and that it makes a lot of noise,” Price said. “But it’s just a great social game. Pickleball just brings people together. It lifts them up, it keeps them healthy, it gets them moving. And it’s just wonderful.”
Rita and Logan teamed up during the pickleball showcase, creating a memorable experience for both. “I can’t say enough words to extol the virtue of this young man,” Price remarked. “He’s a real model to play this game and do so well in the game, and his sportsmanship is above and beyond. It was just a pleasure. I loved it every moment. He covered for me a lot.” Logan reciprocated the admiration, saying, “She’s super fun. I love her. Just excitedness, just goofing around and … I feel I’m looking at a 30-year-old. They’re moving so well, they’re running around, they’re goofing around.”
More Than Just a Game
Pickleball is just one of many amenities offered at The Ridge-Pinehurst. The community was recently featured in a documentary titled “World’s Most Luxurious Retirement Homes,” produced by UK company ScreenDog Productions. The film showcased a day in the life of residents at The Ridge-Pinehurst alongside other prestigious retirement communities like The Palace at Coral Gables in Miami and Danny House in Sussex, England.
Rita Price played a significant role in promoting the film. “When people come to The Ridge at Pinehurst, I say, ‘Welcome to Disneyland.’ Because, to me, it’s like Disneyland,” she said. “They have here a beautiful cinema which will show some of the promos that we did promoting this wonderful facility … I love to invite guests to come here, to show them how wonderful this place can be and what a great place it is to live.”
The Joy of Staying Active
Despite the luxurious surroundings and numerous amenities, Rita’s favorite activity remains playing pickleball. She plays with friends or participates in the scheduled sessions every Friday and Saturday. Staying active is a key component of her long, happy life. “I think my life has been expanded because of my genes,” Price reflected. “But also, because I’ve been a happy person, trying to spread joy. I try to make people laugh. I try to keep people healthy, get them active, moving about. And Pickleball is one of the great sports that you can do here.”
