Dominic Catalano’s Pickleball Journey: Dominic Catalano, the voice of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour, shared his journey into the sport during an episode of Pickleball Stories, hosted by Deborah Lou and presented by AARP. From teaching high school physical education in 2002 to commentating on major sports networks in 2025, Dominic Catalano’s path reflects the incredible growth of pickleball over two decades.
Catalano’s start in pickleball began in 2002 when he introduced the sport as part of his PE curriculum. A decade later, as an athletic director in Collier County, Florida, he saw a chance to grow the sport further.
A Local Push That Sparked a Movement
In 2012, Dominic Catalano worked at Veterans Community Park. Although the park had no pickleball courts, he noticed others in the area did. “I want to put pickle ball courts in our park,” he told his director. Within a few months, more than 200 people were regularly playing at the park.
This rapid growth was the start of something much bigger. His involvement in the sport expanded to running tournaments and later participating in the first-ever APP Chicago Open. There, he met Ken Hermann while helping set up courts.
A Booth Instead of a Paddle
While taping lines at the Chicago event, Ken Hermann recognized Catalano. “I actually heard you doing some commentary last weekend at the Beer City Open,” said Hermann. “I’m starting a professional pickleball tour and I like what you do… How would you like a spot in the booth for the APP Tour?”
Catalano said yes. “Absolutely,” he replied. “Only thing is, like, can’t play anymore. I saw all these young kids coming in. I’m like, perfect. I’m done.”
That moment in 2018 marked his shift from playing to full-time commentary. Since then, he has become one of the sport’s most recognized voices.
Moments That Matter
Dominic Catalano shared a personal moment from a recent APP Chicago Open. While walking through the venue, someone called out, “Coach!” It was a former student and athlete from his teaching days. That former student was now assigned as an athletic trainer for the event. “That’s where pickleball’s taken me,” said Catalano.
Speaking about a recent APP event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Catalano said the progress of the sport was clear. “One word that just pops in my head immediately is incredible,” he said. “We stood there… and we’re like waiting till this is full with a thousand people in here… and a good point happens and the crowd erupts… and that’s what pickleball needs.”
From a Gym to Global Broadcasts
Reflecting on his 20-year journey, Catalano said, “To think that… where I was in 2002 as a high school PE teacher to being… on ESPN and CBS Sports and Fox Sports doing pickleball commentary… It’s amazing… I feel blessed.”
His story shows how one person’s dedication helped grow a sport that is now being played and watched around the world. As the voice of the APP Tour, Dominic Catalano continues to bring excitement and expert knowledge to pickleball fans everywhere.
News in Brief: Dominic Catalano’s Pickleball Journey
Dominic Catalano, a former PE teacher, became the voice of the APP Tour after years of growing the sport locally. Starting in 2002, he moved from teaching to tournament directing to national broadcast commentary. His story highlights how far pickleball has come and the personal journeys behind its rise.
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