Deb Redmond Meets a Pickleball Hall of Famer: Deb Redmond’s recent California trip didn’t just lead to quality time with family – it turned into a surprise pickleball adventure at San Francisco International Airport. Facing a 5½-hour delay on her way to Bishop, California, to visit her sister, Deb Redmond seized the moment. She pulled out her pickleball paddles and foam ball, asking if anyone was up for a game.
A young family with three kids accepted her spontaneous invitation. With paddles in hand, they found an empty spot in the terminal, setting up a makeshift court without a net.
“You almost needed to be there to believe it. We just got out the paddles and started playing. I’ve had some great times playing pickleball, but that was one of my favorites.” – (Deb Redmond)
“You almost needed to be there to believe it,” Redmond laughed, describing how they created a court in the terminal. The kids, especially young Scarlett, dived into the game with enthusiasm.
“I don’t think Scarlett put the paddle down the whole, entire time. I think we are going to see her on the national (pickleball) circuit one day.” – (Deb Redmond)
Surprises in Bishop
Once Deb Redmond arrived in Bishop, her pickleball journey continued. She and her sister, Janna, headed to a local park to play, only to spot a familiar face. Jennifer Lucore, the 2019 Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee and co-author of The History of Pickleball: More Than 50 Years of Fun, was running a skills class nearby.
Jennifer Lucore was in town for a family reunion, and Deb Redmond, who once tried to mirror her moves on the court, felt it was another serendipitous moment.
A Family Affair
The surprises kept coming. Their brother Buzz, fresh from hip replacement surgery, joined Deb Redmond and Janna in Bishop. Though he couldn’t play yet, Buzz got a taste of Deb Redmond’s pickleball enthusiasm.
“It really was a weekend of surprises. It was just a fun weekend.” – (Deb Redmond)
Deb Redmond’s passion for pickleball goes back eight years when she started playing at the YMCA gym in Caldwell, Idaho, after retiring as the director of food service for the Vallivue School District.
“I’ve always loved being active. I don’t know what I would do without pickleball.” – (Deb Redmond)
Now, as a member of the Canyon County Pickleball Club, she plays on the eight outdoor courts Caldwell opened last August, funded by a $750,000 urban renewal grant.
“It’s a great facility.” – (Deb Redmond)
Sharing the Love of Pickleball
The Canyon County Pickleball Club hosts two tournaments annually, and Deb Redmond is always ready to introduce newcomers to the game.
“I’ll teach anybody that wants to play how to play. I just want people to love the sport as much as I do. Our whole club is really good with that, as far as the newbies coming on, just helping everybody get better and better.” – (Deb Redmond)
“I just want people to love the sport as much as I do.” she explained, noting her club’s commitment to welcoming and teaching beginners. From now on, she plans to always have her paddles and foam ball within reach.
“I guess the (moral) of the story is carry on your pickleball paddles and your foam ball in a bag in case you need them in the airport.” – (Deb Redmond)
News in Brief: Deb Redmond Meets a Pickleball Hall of Famer
During a delayed layover at San Francisco International Airport, Deb Redmond turned an inconvenience into a memorable pickleball moment with a young family, creating a makeshift game in the terminal. Her California trip continued with more surprises, including meeting pickleball Hall of Famer Jennifer Lucore and sparking interest in the game among her family.
Deb Redmond’s dedication to pickleball is matched by her local involvement in the Canyon County Pickleball Club, where she encourages new players and takes part in club tournaments on newly opened courts.
ALSO READ: New Tecumseth Pickleball Club Demands More Pickleball Courts to Match Surging Popularity
