Jake Plummer never imagined that a paddle and plastic ball could reignite his competitive drive after retiring from the NFL. Yet there he was, two hours before his match at the Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships, rallying with Shane Doan, a fellow Arizona sports icon. For Plummer, pickleball represents more than a game—it’s a way to stay active, forge connections, and promote a sport that bridges generations and abilities.
“Pickleball, for me, is fun and joyful,” said Plummer, the former Arizona State quarterback. Participating in the Dinks for a Difference Celebrity Match, he expressed gratitude for a game that has brought movement and friendship back into his life.
“I thoroughly enjoyed coming out here and playing this game to keep me active. I got to understand six years ago where I was physically, and it gave me the opportunity to get me out of my seat and start moving around.” – (Plummer)
“Pickleball is more appealing to more than one demographic, it’s a wide (ranging) game that many people can play. I love the fact that I can go around and play a game with anyone.” – (Plummer)
Celebrating Inclusivity and Growth
The 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships, hosted at the Arizona Athletic Grounds, concluded after eight action-packed days featuring over 2,600 athletes from across the nation.
“It’s great to see this sport gain its wings and watch it fly. We had over 2,600 athletes out here at the National Championships, and we even had a woman who was 94 years old competing. This sport is meant for everyone, and that’s what makes it special.” – (Perkins)
The tournament reached a milestone by introducing a wheelchair division, reflecting pickleball’s growing inclusivity. Makayla Perkins, Social Media and Communications Manager for USA Pickleball, emphasized the event’s broad appeal.
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. This sport is meant for everyone, and that’s what makes it special.” – (Perkins)
Among the participants was a 94-year-old competitor, highlighting pickleball’s accessibility across all ages.
Star Power and Charity
The Celebrity Match, hosted by Joey Fatone and Mayci Neeley, brought together an eclectic mix of athletes and entertainers, including former NFL stars Eric Decker and Jake Plummer, Coyotes legend Shane Doan, Olympic swimmer Amy Van Dyken, and actor-turned-NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz. The event supported USA Pickleball Serves, a charity dedicated to enhancing courts, fostering youth education, and promoting inclusivity.
“It was so great to see so many celebrities come out and show support for USA Pickleball. We wanted to establish certainty of who we wanted to come out with and we noticed that many of these celebrities here have already played pickleball, which speaks to the growth of the sport.” – (Perkins)
For Muniz, pickleball offered a thrilling new experience.
“It was so much fun. The fact that we can come out for a good cause. Raise awareness, raise money, I had a blast. I just started playing pickleball yesterday and it’s a new love of mine.” – (Muniz)
The Spirit of Community
Doan, who retired from hockey in 2017 after 21 seasons with the Coyotes, found himself drawn to pickleball for its sense of community and active engagement. While acknowledging he’s still learning, he noted the joy of playing alongside Plummer and other stars.
“I heard about it all the time. It’s constantly around you. I’m definitely not the greatest out here, but I’m always ready to put on a show. It’s a great sport to keep me active during my retirement. The event was spectacular and I’m able to meet new people and play something like this.” – (Doan)
The tournament showed the transformative power of pickleball, uniting people of all backgrounds and skill levels. From its rising popularity to its charitable efforts, the event showed the sport’s potential to bring people together while inspiring players to keep learning and enjoying the game.
News in Brief: USA Pickleball National Championships
The 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships highlighted pickleball’s inclusivity and rapid growth, featuring over 2,600 athletes and introducing a wheelchair division.
The event, capped by the Dinks for a Difference Celebrity Match, brought together stars like Jake Plummer and Shane Doan to raise funds for USA Pickleball Serves. Participants ranged from a 94-year-old competitor to first-time players like Frankie Muniz, all celebrating the sport’s ability to connect people across ages and abilities.
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