The passing of Annette Hayes, affectionately known as Louisa, Virginia’s “Pickleball Ambassador,” on Friday, Feb. 23, has left a significant void in the community. Denise Gordon, Hayes’s daughter, fondly recalls her mother’s pioneering spirit, describing her as a trailblazer without hesitation.

A Pickleball Legacy

Survived by her daughter, Denise Gordon, two granddaughters, Cecily Harris and Natalie Wilson, as well as two great-grandchildren, Lydia and Dresden Harris, Hayes leaves behind a pickleball legacy rooted in her passion for the sport. According to Gordon, Hayes viewed the sport as more than just a recreational activity; it was also a means of maintaining social connections and physical vitality, particularly in later years.

Reflecting on Hayes’s journey into pickleball, Gordon reminisces about her mother’s transition from avid ping pong player to enthusiastic pickleball advocate. 

“Somewhere along the line, she got introduced to pickleball,” Gordon said. “Before that, she was an avid ping pong player and very deceptively good at it—everyone thought they were going to beat her, and they didn’t.”

Changing The Status Quo

Despite limited opportunities to play locally in Louisa, Hayes took it upon herself to change the status quo. Gordon fondly recalls how Hayes, almost unwittingly, assumed the role of Louisa County’s “Pickleball Ambassador,” a title bestowed upon her in recognition of her tireless efforts.

“She basically, without realizing it, became the Pickleball Ambassador for Louisa County, which eventually became an official title for her,” Gordon told The Central Virginian.

Hayes’s commitment to promoting the sport knew no bounds. From rallying members of her church to organizing facilities and teaching sessions, she played a pivotal role in expanding pickleball’s reach in the community. James Smith, Director of Louisa Parks and Recreation, remembers Hayes as the driving force behind introducing pickleball to the county.

“It hurts—this is someone who lived pickleball,” Smith says. “It wasn’t just about pickleball; it was about the impact it could have on others.”

An Unwavering Dedication

Donna Stewart, who met Hayes through the pickleball community, admired her unwavering dedication to promoting its growth. Stewart also emphasizes the inclusivity of pickleball, noting its therapeutic benefits for individuals of all ages. 

“The thing that always impressed me about Annette was how dedicated and committed she was to promoting pickleball and to developing the Louisa Pickleball community,” Steward says. “She really was tireless; I was so impressed.”

Gloria Morgan, another member of the pickleball community, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Hayes’s relentless efforts to cultivate a vibrant pickleball scene in Louisa.

“Pickleball was her life, she loved it, she lived,” Morgan said. “She was very persistent in trying to grow pickleball in Louisa County—she would help anybody.”

Battling Health Issues

Despite battling health issues, including a stroke in November, Hayes remained steadfast in her advocacy for pickleball. Just weeks before her passing, she passionately addressed the Board of Supervisors, advocating for improved facilities to accommodate pickleball enthusiasts.

“This is a great sport,” Hayes said. “I’ve come home recently from a hospital visit from a stroke. One of the things that they did with me was have me play pickleball. I’m doing better than most people because of my ability to play pickleball, to have the balance, and all of the ability it has produced for me.”

Gordon said a lot of people in the pickleball community looked up to her mother as their mentor and inspiration.

“A lot of people keep asking me, ‘Is there anything I can do?’” Gordon said. “The thing that everybody can do for my mom is to go play pickleball!”