The Santa Cruz Pickleball Club, California, established in 2013, has become a focal point for the growing popularity of pickleball in the region. The club organizes regular matches at various parks, including Brommer Street, Willowbrook, and Sergeant Derby parks.
Currently, a clinic at Cabrillo College presents an opportunity for players to refine their skills under the guidance of two accomplished pickleball players, Riley and Lindsey Newman.
Bubbly Personality
Hailing from Whidbey Island, Washington, the brother-sister duo has been conducting lessons as part of a series of camps tailored for both intermediate and advanced players.
Their presence in Santa Cruz was facilitated by pickleball instructor Patty Doler, who is actively working to expand the sport’s appeal beyond its predominantly senior demographic.
As Lindsey says, “We wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t for Patty, but her bubbly personality and pretty smile brought us out here.”
Increase The Number Of Women And People Of Color
Doler, a retired firefighter, draws parallels between her previous efforts to promote inclusivity in the fire service and the current scenario in pickleball:
“Most of my focus throughout my entire career – I was the first woman firefighter in my organization – was to increase the number of women and people of color in the fire service.”
Since I’ve retired, I’ve not had that opportunity to do much of that, but the same issue is here in pickleball.”
The Diversity Gap
To address the diversity gap, Doler has extended complimentary scholarships to Hemie Ramírez and Oscar Hernández, individuals of Latina and Black heritage, respectively, to participate in the advanced pickleball camps.
“They’re both more advanced players,” she says.
Doler’s decision to allocate the camp’s proceeds towards the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund is driven by her firsthand experience with the impact of wildfires, including the CZU Lightning Complex fires in 2020.
A portion ranging from 10% to 20% of the camp’s earnings, along with contributions from a fund jar, will be directly allocated to the foundation.
Prominent Figures
Riley and Lindsey, having discovered pickleball through a friend, quickly embraced the sport and have since become prominent figures, securing sponsorships and even launching their own line of paddles. Their instructional approach focuses on refining techniques and preparing players for potential competitions.
The camp’s participants, largely comprising intermediate players, exhibit a commendable eagerness to learn and receive feedback. This receptivity is something the Newmans find particularly gratifying in their role as instructors.
World-Class Champions
For the attendees, like Aud Kjellberg and Gene Gutierrez, the opportunity to learn from world-class champions like the Newmans is viewed as a transformative experience, enhancing their pickleball proficiency and fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport.
Ultimately, Lindsey Newman aspires for participants to leave the camp with a heightened sense of confidence and a solid foundation for ongoing pickleball development, thereby contributing to the sport’s continued growth and popularity.
