Staci Clemmer Pickleball Revolution: Pickleball is quickly becoming a favorite activity for seniors in Northeast Collin County, thanks to the work of Staci Clemmer. A retired teacher turned certified pickleball instructor, Staci Clemmer has launched classes and open play sessions in several cities, helping older adults stay active and engaged.
Clemmer’s Classes Grow Across Communities
Staci Clemmer taught school for 26 years, including 11 in Ector County Independent School District and the rest in Allen Independent School District. After retiring, she turned her love of tennis into a passion for pickleball. Now a certified instructor with the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association, she teaches across Murphy, Sachse, Wylie, Allen, Garland, and Rowlett.
She began by pitching pickleball programs to local centers.
“Half of them didn’t know what pickleball was when I first approached them,” said Staci Clemmer. “I said, ‘Let me show you, see what I can build.’ If you build it, they will come.”
Her classes started with beginner lessons and later added skill drills. She now offers new lessons each month.
Seniors Feel the Benefits
Clemmer has focused on helping adults 60 and older play safely and confidently. At the Bullitt Training Center in Rowlett, she created a no-running rule to avoid injuries.
Ron Herrick, 84, is one of the many seniors enjoying the sport. He started playing 12 years ago and now plays in Rowlett.
“It’s an easy game to play. It’s a hard game to master,” said Ron Herrick. “I’ve played against people that have had knee replacements, but you would have never known it when you were out there.”
Ron Herrick, who is now in remission after battling stage 4 lung and throat cancer, says pickleball helps him stay active.
“It’s just getting out of the chair and getting out and playing,” he said. “It’s a lot better than sitting at home.”
Connie Smith, another player, said the sport has improved her health.
“Anybody that doesn’t play needs to,” said Connie Smith. “I love pickleball. I could play every day if I could.”
Wylie Recreation Center Joins the Movement
The Wylie Recreation Center added court lines in 2019 to prepare for future demand. In 2022, Staci Clemmer reached out with a proposal. By April 2023, the center offered its first instructor-led class. That class quickly filled to its 26-player limit.
Jenny Lambert, Recreation Programmer for Wylie Parks and Recreation, said, “We just needed a boost, and that boost came from Staci Clemmer.”
Brittany Williams, the center’s supervisor, added, “Offering pickleball at the Recreation Center has been a huge ‘dill.’”
Rowlett Expands The Clemmer Experience
Staci Clemmer expanded her efforts to Rowlett’s Bullitt Sports Center through connections in her pickleball group. Melvin Bullitt, co-owner and former NFL player, supported the idea of hosting low-cost pickleball for seniors.
The center now offers open play every Monday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. Starting in fall, sessions will expand to four days a week.
“I remember going bowling with my grandmother when she was in her 60s,” said Melvin Bullitt. “I just want to have that here now for that age group.”
More Than a Game
With more seniors discovering the joy and health benefits of pickleball, the game is bringing people together. Thanks to Staci Clemmer’s vision and energy, communities are creating new opportunities for older adults to stay active and connected.
News in Brief: Staci Clemmer Pickleball Revolution
Staci Clemmer, a retired teacher and certified pickleball coach, has helped bring pickleball to seniors in cities like Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, and Rowlett. Her programs have grown in popularity, providing exercise and social connection. Classes and open play sessions are now expanding to meet rising demand.
ALSOR READ: Cricket Legends Rally Behind ‘Pickle Pros’ to Ignite India’s Pickleball Revolution