Pickleball Gold for Sequim: Sequim’s Pauline Geraci made history at the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships in Mesa, Arizona, emerging as the first National Champion from the Sequim Picklers pickleball group. Geraci, competing in the women’s doubles tournament for ages 65-69 at the 4.0-4.5 level, captured the gold medal alongside Consuelo Felix from Oak Hills, California. Their victory on November 10 marked a significant achievement for Geraci, who expressed her excitement over the win.
“It felt awesome.” – (Geraci)
Qualifying for Nationals
Geraci’s path to the National Championship began in December 2023 at the USA Pickleball Diamond Amateur Championship in Pictona, Florida, where she earned her “golden ticket” for singles. As per tournament rules, any player who wins a golden ticket automatically qualifies for Nationals.
Though Geraci only qualified for singles, her doubles partner, Consuelo Felix, had earned her spot but needed a new teammate due to a scheduling conflict. Geraci jumped at the opportunity and asked Felix if she could step in. The tournament staff approved the pairing, setting the stage for an unexpected yet successful partnership.
A Perfect Start and Dominant Final
The duo made an impressive entrance into the tournament, easily winning their first match 11-3, 11-3. They followed that with another strong performance, securing a 12-10, 11-1 victory. In the finals, Geraci and Felix capped off their dominance with a decisive 11-2, 11-3 win, clinching the championship.
Geraci, who had never played with Felix before, described their partnership as a “blind date” in pickleball. “I have played with many ‘blind dates,’ both men and women, but she is the first to mesh with me,” Geraci said, highlighting the importance of teamwork in their success.
From Injury to Victory
Geraci’s pickleball journey has not been without its challenges. After taking up the sport in August 2022, she faced a setback with a painful condition known as “pickleball elbow,” which sidelined her for a year. Despite this, she remained committed to the sport, playing for three to four hours daily.
“I was playing more, but I ended up with pickleball elbow for a year, which was very painful.” – (Geraci)
Her dedication was evident when she competed in Nationals just a week after having a portion of her thyroid removed, an effort that did not deter her from pushing toward her goals.
To prepare for the National Championships, Geraci enlisted the help of coach Riley Chen to fine-tune her game. Her journey to Nationals had always been a goal, and with her gold medal in hand, she is now focused on future opportunities.
“I made that a goal right away. So now I have played in two Nationals and, since we won gold this time, we are invited back to the Nationals again in 2025.” – (Geraci)
Looking Ahead
Geraci’s success at the 2024 Nationals is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the talent within the Sequim Picklers group. As the first person, woman, and member over 65 to win a national title with the club, Geraci expressed her pride but also her belief that many other club members have the potential to achieve similar success.
“We have a lot of great players in our club. Many just can’t travel or get the chance to go to these tournaments to play because of work, children, or finances, but I know they could win gold.” – (Geraci)
Looking ahead, Geraci is set to compete at the Senior Nationals in July 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa, where she will participate in singles and women’s doubles.
News in Brief: Pickleball Gold for Sequim
Sequim’s Pauline Geraci made history by winning gold at the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships in Mesa, Arizona, becoming the first national champion from the Sequim Picklers pickleball group. Partnering with Consuelo Felix, Geraci claimed victory in the women’s doubles 65-69 age group.
Geraci’s journey to Nationals began with a golden ticket earned at the 2023 USA Pickleball Diamond Amateur Championship. Despite past setbacks, including pickleball elbow, Geraci’s dedication to the sport continues as she prepares for future tournaments, including the Senior Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2025.
