Carmen Mure’s Pickleball Revolution in Florida: For Carmen Mure, retirement wasn’t about slowing down; it was a gateway to a new mission. After a 41-year career in retail, Mure sought purpose, unsure of what the next chapter held. A 2017 visit to The Villages in Florida changed everything. Invited to try pickleball with her husband Richard, the pair—veterans of racquetball—stepped onto the court for their first lesson.
That hour-long session became a turning point. Pickleball wasn’t just a pastime; it became her passion. Now, at 68, Mure is a USA Pickleball Ambassador and a tireless advocate for the sport’s power to unite generations. Known as “the pickleball lady” in Cooper City, Florida, Mure sees the sport as much more than a game.
“There is nothing like pickleball — nothing — in terms of being a sport, an activity, that anybody, anywhere can do. That means so much to me. It’s a way of getting fitness, it’s a way to make friends and build bonds with people that are meaningful, it’s a way to give back. We need more of those connections.” – (Carmen Mure)
Creating Opportunities, One Court at a Time
Mure’s impact extends beyond the court. While she plays several times a week, her true influence is seen in her efforts to expand access to pickleball in Cooper City. She lobbies government officials, organizes events, and builds online communities to connect players.
Her work is paying off. The Cooper City pickleball group has grown from 62 members to over 300, all under her stewardship. Regular attendees of city council meetings, the group’s members—often wearing red “Cooper City Pickleball” shirts and medals—champion the sport’s growth. Their presence has resulted in new courts and plans for more.
Mure also supports youth engagement. From clinics at Cooper City High School to introducing pickleball at summer camps, she brings the sport to young players. Two of this summer’s clinics received sponsorship from Transworld Business Advisors, a USA Pickleball partner that donated equipment and materials for temporary courts.
A Vision for Generational Play
Mure believes pickleball should become a core sport, accessible from childhood through senior years. Her mission is to ensure the right infrastructure exists, fostering a supportive community. She encourages others to advocate for the game by building relationships with local leaders and school officials.
“You need to be persistent, it’s not happening overnight. Introduce yourself to people, come to the meetings, reach out with ideas and questions. Show them you are coming back again and again, and this is not a short-term thing. Be a partner to build community.” – (Carmen Mure)
Her passion even extends to the creative. During Cooper City’s annual Founder’s Day parade, Mure’s group hands out 600 cracked pickleballs to the crowd from a decorated pontoon float. The quirky giveaway has become a community favorite and sparks interest in the sport among new players.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For Mure, every interaction is an opportunity to spread pickleball’s joy. At a recent parade, a young boy caught one of the handed-out balls and declared his interest in the sport. Moments like these fuel her vision of a thriving, multi-generational pickleball community.
“It was such a wonderful time. We even had a 2-year-old out there. He really could hit the ball. I’m not a trained instructor, but I know how to play, so I am happy to be with the other volunteers and help run drills with the pros. It’s incredible to see the joy, and how quickly the kids take to it. Children need pathways to keep active and develop in healthy ways.” – (Carmen Mure)
News in Brief: Carmen Mure’s Pickleball Revolution in Florida
Carmen Mure, a USA Pickleball Ambassador in Cooper City, Florida, champions pickleball as a multi-generational sport. Since retiring, Mure has expanded the Cooper City pickleball group from 62 to over 300 members, secured new courts, and hosted youth clinics with support from Transworld Business Advisors.
Her creative community-building efforts include distributing pickleballs during local parades, sparking interest in the sport. A believer in persistence and connection, Mure encourages others to engage with local leaders to foster the growth of pickleball in their communities.
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