Stephanie Gander discovered her passion for pickleball while living in California on a work assignment. The local USA Pickleball ambassador, Steve Balsbaugh, introduced her to the game, and she quickly became a fan. Reflecting on her journey, she remarks, “You either don’t like pickleball, or you are addicted—there’s no middle ground.”
Eager To Immerse Herself
Upon returning to her home town of Madison, Wisconsin, Gander was eager to immerse herself in the local pickleball scene. In March 2024, she was appointed as the Madison ambassador, succeeding the esteemed Dave Weinbach, a prominent figure in the sport.
“One of the first things I did before moving back to Madison was check out the pickleball scene,” she says.
She’s one of 30 Wisconsin ambassadors and the only current ambassador for Madison. Gander has big shoes to fill as Weinbach was a 10-time USA Pickleball National Champion, 12-time US Open Champion and won 152 gold medals for pickleball (the most of all time).
Read our article about Dave Weinbach here.
A Keen Enthusiasm
Despite her self-proclaimed amateur status, Gander brings a keen enthusiasm and dedication to her role. She emphasizes that one doesn’t need to be a professional athlete to enjoy pickleball. “It’s just a very positive and encouraging sport,” she tells Madison Magazine.
Gander’s approach to the game is marked by her intellectual curiosity and determination. She is a student of the game, constantly seeking to understand its nuances. Describing her experience, she shares, “Whenever I start something, I become quite obsessed with it. I need to understand the sport from an intellectual standpoint, and once I do, that translates on the court.”
Pickleball has evolved considerably since its inception in 1965. Gander notes, “Now that tennis players are moving into pickleball, it has become a different sport. The paddles are now carbon fiber, so they pop and they have a lot more power. It’s become more of a power game than placement.”
Universal Appeal
Despite these changes, its appeal remains universal, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. On a local level, Gander observes the widespread popularity of pickleball in Madison, noting the bustling courts and vibrant community. However, her experiences while living in California demonstrate just how big a phenomenon it is there.
“In California, everyone plays it,” she says. I would wait an hour and a half to get on a court. Then you play a game that’s 10 minutes long. Then you jump off the court and socialize, maybe talk business and exchange business cards.”
Encouraging Community Growth
Gander leverages her volunteer role to encourage community growth. As a business development executive, she also recognizes the networking opportunities afforded by pickleball, with numerous acquaintances evolving into potential clients. For Gander, pickleball really does serve as a recreational outlet and a means of professional engagement.
“If you’ve had a frustrating day, there’s no better feeling than just smashing that ball into the ground,” she remarks with a hint of playful enthusiasm. “Politely, of course,” she adds.
We’ve featured Wisconsin in quite a few of our articles – click here to read one.
