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's bio is coming soon!
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's bio is coming soon!
Tony's Bio is coming soon!
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.