One of the best surprises of retirement has been pickleball. It’s social without being complicated, and competitive enough to keep you coming back — with the same honesty any active sport deserves: play smart, because knees and joints still matter.
Most days you’ll find me on a pickleball court somewhere around Northwest Arkansas. I joined USSP and generally play in USSP-sanctioned tournaments. My paddle is a J2CR with the Crystal Blue™ Endurance surface — a setup I trust when the points get long.
In December 2025, I played in the USSP Nationals at Pictona in Florida. That trip still sits with me: the travel, the nerves, the competition, and the reminder that retirement can still include big goals and new courts.
For me, pickleball is more than exercise. It’s rhythm, community, and a reason to get out of the house that doesn’t feel like a chore. More court stories — and photos — coming soon.
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