Lorraine Rupper’s Epic Pickleball Journey: Lorraine Rupper, a spirited 59-year-old pickleball player, embarked on a remarkable adventure this summer. Over a whirlwind span of just 19 days, she achieved her dream of playing pickleball in all 50 states. Her intense schedule saw her cover 33 states, battling through a series of obstacles including severe weather, traffic issues, and closed courts. Yet, the greatest challenge of all was often finding people to play with. Rupper’s determination and grit were tested to the limit as she navigated these hurdles, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her goal.
The Vermont Struggle
Among the various challenges Rupper faced, Vermont presented perhaps the most daunting test. Arriving in a town where her initial attempts to find a game were thwarted, she faced the possibility of abandoning her mission. Undeterred, Rupper drove to another town, where she found a group of players who had just concluded their game.
“I definitely wanted to quit a few times when I couldn’t find people to play with,” she said. “I had to wait and wait and wait or decide if I should go to another part of the town or go to another town in the same state to play. In Vermont, I definitely wanted to quit! If home had been an hour away, I would have quit. But being 2,000+ miles away from home, I had to make it work.”
Though they were initially reluctant to play more, Rupper’s perseverance shone through. While waiting at the high school courts, her luck changed when she spotted someone setting up a pickleball net. Her spontaneous offer to help set up led to an unexpected opportunity to play and finally check Vermont off her list.
Unexpected Encounters
Rupper’s journey took her to West Virginia, where her search for players felt almost like stalking. Despite her efforts, no one showed up at the courts, leading her to drive an additional 60 miles in search of a game.
“All of a sudden, I saw someone bringing out a pickleball net,” she said. “So I went over there to help put up the net and they’re like, ‘Are you Karen?’ I’m like, ‘No, but I can be.’”
When she approached a group of park-goers who had never played pickleball, her story about her ambitious goal won them over. After a quick tutorial, they played a game together, and Rupper’s gratitude led her to gift the man pickleball paddles and earrings for his wife, who had helped by running errands. This encounter highlighted the kindness and generosity she experienced throughout her travels.
A Mix of Reactions
Rupper’s experiences varied widely from state to state. In some places, such as Alabama and Louisiana, she was welcomed with warmth and even invited to join in post-game meals. In contrast, her time in Maine was marked by disappointment. After being rudely turned away from a pickleball club and struggling to document her journey, Rupper felt disheartened.
“I felt like a stalker, waiting for people to show up, and nobody’s showing up, and nobody’s showing up,” she said.
Despite these setbacks, she remained positive, appreciating the camaraderie and hospitality she found in most locations. Her resilience in the face of adversity underscored her dedication to completing her pickleball journey.
“Most of the great 4.0 or 5.0 players, they keep to themselves, and they don’t let a stranger off the street come and play with them,” she said. “You want to get your game better, and so to do that, you want to play with people who are your level or higher, if you can.”
Inspiration Beyond the Court
When not on the pickleball court, Rupper serves as a counselor at West Hills Middle School, where she promotes the benefits of pickleball for both physical and mental health. Her map, which tracks her pickleball games across the country, now hangs proudly in her office.
“When you’re feeling down or it’s been a rough day, I think anybody can go out and play pickleball and feel better, because exercise is one of the things that helps your body and helps your mind,” she said. “It can take your mind off your troubles, because you’re out there, you’re just on the court, you’re hitting a ball back and forth, and you’re having fun, you’re moving, you’re getting your steps and so I think that can help a lot.”
It stands as a statement to achieving lofty goals through persistence and determination. Rupper hopes her story will inspire her students to set and reach their own ambitious goals, reinforcing the idea that with grit and dedication, anything is possible.
News in Brief : Lorraine Rupper’s Epic Pickleball Journey
Lorraine Rupper, 59, achieved her goal of playing pickleball in all 50 states this summer, covering 33 states in just 19 days. She faced numerous challenges, from finding players to battling adverse weather conditions. Rupper’s journey included notable moments such as a difficult search in Vermont and a rewarding encounter in West Virginia.
Her experiences varied from warm welcomes to disappointing rejections. As a middle school counselor, Rupper uses her pickleball journey to inspire students and promote physical and mental well-being. Her map, documenting her journey, serves as a symbol of her determination and success.
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