Shelby Pickleball Players Win National Medals: A group of Shelby Township retirees earned medals at the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa. Tim Asoklis, Peggy Miller, Ward Miller, and Shelly Asoklis competed as the “Shelby Smash” and took home silver and gold medals in doubles events.
From Retirement to Competition
Tim Asoklis, a former General Motors engineer, was unsure what to do after retirement until his wife suggested pickleball. At first, he resisted.
“I said, ‘No way. That’s for old people,’” Tim said, later admitting how wrong he was after joining the fast-growing sport.
Peggy Miller also described her win with emotion. “It was one of the best days of my life. I cried,” she said about becoming a national champion.
Ward Miller explained the team’s results: “Tim and I won the silver medal in the men’s doubles and Sherry and Peggy won the silver for the women’s doubles.” Peggy also secured a gold medal.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reported pickleball grew 51.8% since 2022 and 223.5% over three years. The largest age group is 25–34 with 2.3 million players, though the sport has also gained more than one million players under 18 in a single year.
“The sport added over 1 million children under the age of 18 from 2022 to 2023. This cross-generational appeal highlights pickleball’s versatility and its ability to bring together diverse groups of people. The significant increase in youth participation also suggests a promising future for the sport as young players grow and continue to engage with pickleball,” said the SFIA report.
Alex Kerman, senior director at SFIA, added: “The remarkable growth in pickleball participation highlights the sport’s widespread appeal and the enthusiasm it generates across all age groups. The 2024 State of Pickleball Report showcases this surge in participation and the cross-generational excitement for the sport. As we continue to support this rapid expansion, our priority is to ensure that pickleball remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone, fostering a thriving community of players.”
Shelby’s Passion for the Sport
In Macomb Township, players of all ages gather at Pitchford Park, including a 12-year-old national junior competitor. Tim Asoklis and his wife Shelly regularly join Peggy and Ward Miller there, practicing with other members of the Shelby Smash.
Tim compared pickleball to his childhood love of baseball. “I love the adrenaline rush and that competitive feeling you get when you’re up against a good team. It’s like playing baseball when I was a kid,” he said.
John Wilson, a retired teacher and volunteer ambassador for USA Pickleball, has also helped promote the game locally. He played a role in the design of the township’s courts, recommending proper orientation and facilities.
“The bathrooms and shelters with seating, I was also big on that,” Wilson said. “It’s just a great sport for everyone but especially seniors.”
A Sport for All Generations
The success of Shelby players reflects a broader trend of older adults embracing pickleball. With medals at national events and growing participation across age groups, the sport continues to bring communities together. Shelby Township’s players are proving that retirement can open the door to new competition, friendships, and achievements.
News in Brief: Shelby Pickleball Players Win National Medals
Shelby Township’s “Shelby Smash” earned medals at the 2025 National Senior Games in Iowa. Tim and Ward Asoklis won silver in men’s doubles, while Shelly and Peggy Miller won silver in women’s doubles. Peggy also won gold. Their success reflects pickleball’s national boom, with participation soaring across all age groups.
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