Bob Mendelsohn began playing Pickleball in October 2016 in Kansas City (USA). He had returned to his native city for a speaking tour there and discovered the game by accident. After 10 minutes on an indoor court with some other keen players, he was hooked.
He played again six months later also in KC, and then after one more US visit in October 2017, he set up the first Open Day in Sydney (November 2017). From there the game has been skyrocketing. Bob is married to another KC expat, Patty, and they have three adult children, and three grandsons.
Bob has been overseeing the growth of the sport, and is amazed at the generosity of the players and the venues all around Sydney. He looks forward to years more growth as each week we get new venues or new players. He is a grateful man.
Toby joined the Pickleball Board in March 2020 and has yet to play Pickleball, as he was introduced to the sport shortly before lockdown began.
However he is an avid sportsperson and keen to get on the court once things go back to normal.
Toby first became interested in Pickleball because of the exciting stage it's at in Australia, with new player groups popping up around the country and endless potential to grow.
Toby has a background in accounting and finance, having worked for a number of years at a large consulting firm.
Originally a PE and Science teacher and sports coach for 25 years, Jen discovered pickleball on the ABC television in January 2018 and has been addicted ever since. Her passion for pickleball stems from the fact that she believes it is an activity that can be embraced by participants of all ages and ability levels and develop into a sport for life.
The fact that it is easy to learn, makes it invaluable for beginners who can achieve success quickly. To enable the development of others Jen completed the IPTPA Level 1 teaching course in 2018 and has enjoyed regularly running coaching sessions and introductory clinics since then.
In 2019 Jen was secretary of Brisbane Pickleball Club, secretary of the Pickleball Association of Australia Inc. and coordinated the organisation of the Brisbane Doubles Open and the Australian Pickleball Championships.
Now as a founding board member of Pickleball Australia Jen is keen to build the presence of Pickleball in Australia for school students through to those participants in the 90+ age bracket.
Nick Cooper was introduced to Pickleball 6 years ago in Colorado, USA by his father-in-law. Having a tennis and squash background, it did not take long before Nick was addicted to Pickleball and the culture surrounding the game.
Nicks passion for this sport has seen him involved in tournament organisation, coaching players, and supporting all and any pickleball events where possible. He is also setting a standard for others to follow having won a number of titles in both Singles and Doubles Events in various tournaments.
Enthusiasm to grow the sport of Pickleball and Nick’s passion for business, led to him to become a member of the Pickleball Australia Association board.
Tony Morgan has a strong sporting history including Basketball, Cricket and Badminton… but when he was first exposed to Pickleball in December 2017 - an instant passion sparked.
He is super excited about the huge potential that Pickleball has and wants to assist in whatever way he can. He joins the Pickleball Association of Australia Limited as a board member with 12 years’ experience in various Badminton association roles.
However his experience in organising tournament has quickly been used in Pickleball, having already assisted with 2 NSW opens, 1 Battle of the Border (NSW v Vic) state team challenge and the inaugural Australian Pickleball Championship in 2018.
Tony who lives in Newcastle NSW, is also passionate about coaching & development and he is certified IPTPA level 2 Pickleball Instructor.
Like most, I googled Pickleball and found an indoor venue in my next door suburb of Coorparoo. Went to watch and the enthusiastic welcoming players soon had me on the court. Loved the game since. Play regularly and have introduced many family and friends to Pickleball as a great social and healthy activity.
Pickleball, what else could I play that provides for my ten-year-old granddaughter and me to have fun on the court. I have played in tournaments and Championships, but I am no threat to medals, I love the healthy activity and the social nature of our Pickleball.
I have been playing in Brisbane since 2017. I joined the PAA Inc Committee in 2018, then President of Brisbane Pickleball Club for 2019-2020.
Now serving on the Board of PAA Ltd in January 2020.
