THE SECOND SERVE
XIAO YI WANG-BECKVALL STEPS BACK ONTO THE COURT WITH NEW FIRE AND A GAME BUILT ON SECOND CHANCES
HAWAI‘I EDITION | ISSUE #10 | SEPTEMBER 2025
ALOHA PLAYS HERE. ALL LOCAL. ALWAYS.
PROUDLY PUBLISHED BY HAWAII PICKLEBALL MEDIA GROUP
MAHALO TO OUR SUPPORTERS!
THIS MONTH, WE’RE REMINDED THAT PICKLEBALL IS ABOUT MORE THAN POINTS AND PADDLES—IT’S ABOUT CONNECTION, GENEROSITY AND ALOHA.
MAHALO TO EVERY WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER, PLAYER, AND SUPPORTER WHO HELPED SHAPE THIS SEPTEMBER ISSUE. YOU'RE WHAT MAKES HAWAII PICKLEBALL MAGAZINE A TRUE HOME FOR OUR COMMUNITY. A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO TRACEY BENNETT, LENDING WISDOM FROM THE REF’S CHAIR, KYLE PAREDES, FOR SHARING INSIGHT FROM THE SIDELINE, AND DAVID WETTER, THE PHOTOGRAPHER BEHIND OUR COVER SHOOT—YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS KEEP THIS MAGAZINE BOTH SHARP AND FULL OF HEART.
SPECIAL THANKS TO AUTHOR JANUARY LIDDELL, OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR, FOR SUPPORTING THIS ISSUE THROUGH HER INSPIRING HONEY MAKER SERIES ON FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR KIDS.
Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall and Eland Tsubata.
Photo: David Wetter
IN THIS ISSUE
SEPTEMBER
SOME MONTHS FEEL LIKE THEY FLY BY IN A BLUR— AND SEPTEMBER WAS DEFINITELY ONE OF THEM. AND WITH SO MUCH HAPPENING BEYOND THE COURT, IT CAN SOMETIMES LEAVE US FEELING UNMOORED.
Recently, I stepped away from my usual courts and partners, unsure if I’d be welcomed. What I found instead was that same sense of belonging and inclusiveness that first drew me to this game. And that connection is exactly what we’re celebrating this month.
As Xiao Yi’s story reminds us, regardless of what stage of the game we’re in, we share the same storylines—the challenges, the aha moments, the drive to grow, and the joy of being hooked on something that makes us better.
You’ll also see it in our Generations Magazine feature and in the prize gallery made special by the aloha of the Keehi Lagoon Pickleball Club.
Pickleball is home.
It’s less about the lines that divide us, more about the threads that tie us together.
As we head into fall, my hope is that the game continues to be a place of joy and belonging for all of us. Mahalo, as always, for being part of this community.
See you on the courts, Jen Wilson
Editor, Hawaii Pickleball
Magazine HPM
THE SECOND XIAOSERVE
YI WANG-BECKVALL STEPS BACK ONTO THE COURT WITH NEW FIRE AND A GAME BUILT ON SECOND CHANCES
Molokai Born and Bred #MolokaiPickleball
Gameon,Molokaistyle #PickleballOhana
Molokai crew, big smiles #FriendlyIsle
Molokai Moments
Pickleball rarely makes headlines from the Friendly Isle, but the game is alive and well there in its own small-town way. We’re grateful to share this glimpse into island life on the Molokai courts... proof that pickleball truly spans every corner of Hawaii.
FROM TENNIS ROOTS TO PICKLEBALL REBIRTH
XIAO
YI WANG-BECKVALL
WHY HER SECOND SERVE MIGHT BE HER STRONGEST YET
WANG-BECKVALL
Photo: David Wetter
THE FIRST SERVE
Born and raised in Honolulu, Xiao Yi Wang-Beckvall grew up with tennis in her blood. Her parents met on the courts, and from the time she could toddle in a walker, she was surrounded by rackets and rallies. Tennis defined her childhood; she did brief stints with other sports like paddling and track, but tennis was always the constant.
In high school, she captained the Iolani School tennis team but after graduating, she shifted her focus to academics. When she returned to competition years later through pickleball, Xiao Yi said, “being on a court again felt very foreign. But when I came back, I’d forgotten how much I love to compete, and I was like, whoa.”
FROM LABS TO COURTS
At Hawaii Pacific University, Xiao Yi majored in Biology, originally preparing for a possible future in medicine. “Maybe medical school,” she thought at the time. “I knew I really enjoyed STEM classes. And I was good at it, which made me enjoy it even more, because I’m very competitive.”
Intrigued by genetic counseling, she shadowed at the Fetal Diagnostic Institute and, by early 2022, was on staff as a genetic counseling assistant. Yet even as that career path opened up, something else was quietly taking root—pickleball.
THE BUG BITES
She was signed up before she even signed on. It was 2022 and her boyfriend, Eland, entered them in the Diamond Head League because, as Xiao Yi put it, “he thought it’d be a fun thing for us to do.” At that point, neither of them had really played. “I’d only been on the court maybe once for ten minutes, and I didn’t love it—it felt awkward after tennis. The paddle felt short, the timing was off. Honestly, it wasn’t as easy as I wanted it to be.”
With their first league match just days away, they decided to practice.“I’m whiffing the ball and it’s frustrating me,” Xiao Yi remembered.
But the competition flipped a switch. “The competing part… I just really enjoyed it. I got the bug after that,” she said.
Motivation followed quickly. “I think it was because I wasn’t that good when I started that it made me want to get better. I couldn’t stand that he (Eland) was a little bit better than me at the beginning. I grew up playing tennis. He came from baseball. I should be better than this.”
HOOKED AFTER BRONZE
Her first big test came at the Hawaii State Pickleball Tournament, just months after she started playing. “I was scared—I hadn’t played a tournament since I was 18 in junior tennis. It was taking me back to my junior tennis days,” Xiao Yi recalled.
Photo: David Wetter
COVER FEATURE
She entered multiple divisions: 3.5 women’s singles, 4.0 women’s doubles, and even pro mixed doubles. “I figured if I’m going to lose, I want to lose in the best category.” she laughed.
To her surprise, she and her partner came away with bronze. “We did pretty good,” Xiao Yi said. “We got bronze in—oh my gosh—‘pro,’” she added, using air quotes. From there, I was hooked. I was like, you know what? This is fun. I feel like I can do it. I feel like I can get better.”
From there, she entered monthly K2 tournaments and soon expanded to the mainland. Her first events included a Las Vegas tournament, followed by APP Newport in July 2023, where she earned a silver medal in women’s 5.0 doubles and 4.5 mixed doubles.
THE TURNING POINT
The moment Xiao Yi began to truly believe in a professional path came at the Hawaii Open in January 2024, when she teamed up with Keven Wong in mixed pro doubles. “I think maybe the first time I was truly convinced that I could maybe make it in pro was that tournament,” she said.
They went on to win, defeating Daria Walczak and Augustus “Augie” Ge—both of whom are successful on the national stage. “Augie plays on the (MLP) Dallas Flash, and Daria does really well on APP, she medals in women’s doubles. So after that win, I was thinking, maybe I can do this. I did it once. Maybe I can do it again. I think I want to try and see where this thing takes me.”
QUICK FACTS & FAVORITES
Favorite Shot: Inside-out backhand.
Dream Mixed Doubles Partner: Roger Federer. “So I could introduce him to my mom. I think she’d love to meet him.”
Walk-up Song: Still searching for the perfect track.
Post-Game Snack: “Anything soupy—ramen, donburi, any kind of soup or stew.”
Morning or Night: “Definitely a night owl. Not even a question.”
Sweet or Savory: “Both. I always need something sweet after.”
Dogs or Cats: Dogs.
Hidden Talent: Plays the piano.
Food She Can’t Stand: Ong choy stems. “Too crunchy, like wood”
Three Words Her Friends Would Use: Funny, competitive, adventurous.
Soon after, in early 2024, she was drafted for her first season of MLP Australia. It was also the moment she made a decision to leave her genetic counseling work to focus full-time on pickleball. “I kept asking for time off every month for tournaments, and I felt bad. I felt like I was constantly saying, ‘Sorry, I have another trip.’ So I thought, maybe I should just focus on pickleball for now.”
SETBACKS AND A NEW FOCUS
When she boarded the plane for MLP/PPA Australia in January 2024, it was the first time she had ever traveled overseas by herself.
On the plane, she remembered thinking, “Wow, I’m traveling to play pickleball. This is weird, but so cool. Not many people get to say this is their work,” she said. “Every time I travel now, I tell myself to enjoy it. My mom always reminds me, ‘Are you still having fun? Be in the moment.’”
But Sydney also delivered her biggest setback yet. In her very first team event, her back gave out. “It wasn’t one specific swing—it was just a combination of all the movement and stress,” she said. Without an MRI or x-ray, she never got a clear diagnosis. “They told me it was probably a disc issue, maybe ruptured or an extrusion. To this day, I don’t know exactly what it was.”
The timing was brutal. Her team had been playing well, and she felt they could have gone the distance. Instead, she struggled through matches and was sidelined for nearly three months. “It sucked,” she admitted. “First event of the season and I get this back
Photo: David Wetter
problem. We ended up taking third, which was still really good, but I was so bummed out.”
The next stop was New Zealand. “I told my captain I wasn’t ready, but he still wanted me to play,” Xiao Yi said. “Even though I wasn’t fully recovered, he thought I could still help the team. But honestly, I could barely move. I didn’t want to re-injure myself. I didn’t play like I wanted to.”
She finally rested fully and came back at the third and final event of the season—the PPA Brisbane, where she won gold in women’s pro doubles.
“So that felt good. It felt like I was getting back into my old form again. But my back…I didn’t really feel like I could fully trust it at that time. It took a while, but now I’m very serious.”
Looking back, she calls the injury a turning point.
“Before I got hurt, I honestly didn’t do fitness. I didn’t work out, which is silly when you’re trying to play a professional sport,” she admitted. “I promised myself I’d never let that happen again. I was going to get in the best shape I’d ever been in.”
She kept that promise. Despite the challenges of travel and changing training environments, Xiao Yi found a rhythm with Lagree Pilates, weight training, and consistent gym sessions at home. Once she felt strong enough, she added weights back into her routine, calling her current fitness level “a game-changer for my game.”
She’s not just stronger physically; her mindset on the court has shifted too.
When asked about her greatest strength as a player, she said, “I’m a pretty adaptable player.” Early on, she had just “one mode”—hitting drives—but over time she’s learned to mix in nuance, recognize patterns, and avoid predictability.
“When you become predictable, your opponent feels more comfortable, so I try not to let that happen.”
A STORY REWRITTEN
For a family steeped in tennis, pickleball was initially unfamiliar. “When I first started, my parents were just happy I was competing and exercising again,” Xiao Yi said. “They were surprised because I was selfmotivated and disciplined in a way I hadn’t always been in junior tennis. They didn’t want to interfere; they let me do my own thing.”
When she first told her mom she wanted to become a professional pickleball player, the reaction was surprise. “But they didn’t try to stop me or say it wasn’t wise,” she recalled. “They were very supportive, and I’m really grateful for that.”
Part of that support came from lessons learned. Her junior tennis years had ups and downs—injuries and, at times, the weight of how much everyone cared.
“Because they cared so much, it sometimes felt like there was a lot of pressure,” she admitted.
Later, they reflected together as a family. “We even talked about it, and they said, ‘We’re sorry, that was too much at times.’” When Xiao Yi chose not to pursue tennis after high school, they understood completely. “They didn’t pressure me because they knew I wasn’t enjoying it anymore…it had just become a source of stress,” she said. Pickleball is different.
With this new chapter, her parents kept their distance and let her find her own way. The very first time they ever watched her play was at the ESPN Hawaii Open in April 2025. “It was really special to have them there,” Xiao Yi said. “It felt like we got to rewrite the past in a sense—like we could make it better.”
Today, her mom is one of her biggest fans, streaming pro pickleball matches daily and cheering her daughter from afar.
MEDAL COUNT 2025
SEPT 2025: PPA TOUR
ASIA VIETNAM OPEN: SILVER (WOMENS DOUBLES WITH LAUREN MERCADO) AND REACHED THE BRONZE MEDAL MATCH IN MIXED DOUBLES
AUG 2025: PPA TOUR
ASIA HONG KONG OPEN: SILVER (WOMENS DOUBLES WITH YUFEI LONG)
AUG 2025: PPA TOUR
ASIA FUKUOKA OPEN: REACHED BRONZE MEDAL MATCH IN WOMENS DOUBLES (L WITH Y HSIEH)
JULY 2025: PPA TOUR ASIA PANAS MALAYSIA OPEN: GOLD (WOMENS DOUBLES WITH TING CHIEH WEI)
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T SEE
Most people assume Xiao Yi is quiet or reserved. “But those close to me know I’m silly, I love to joke around and sing,” she said. “I’m a pretty private person, so very few people get to see that side.”
What they also don’t see is the mindset she’s built through pickleball. “It’s not the absence of mistakes that makes players good, it’s how quickly you reset,” she said. She remembers hearing Roger Federer admit he only won about half his points. “It’s all about mindset. Focus on the next ball, control what you can.”
Another piece of the puzzle fell into place when she was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago. “Suddenly so many things made sense,” she said. “Why I was always late, why I couldn’t tell if it had been five minutes or an hour, why everyday tasks felt overwhelming.” She later learned there’s a name for it — time blindness. “For a long time I thought, why am I this way? Why can’t I change? But now I get it.”
The diagnosis gave her clarity, and while medication helped, pickleball turned out to be just as powerful. The sport gave her structure, routine, and a space where her ability to hyper focus became an advantage. “I think a lot of athletes have ADHD,” Xiao Yi said. “In sports, it’s actually an advantage…you can hyper focus when the game demands it.”
That perspective has helped her manage anxiety and adapt to new challenges, whether traveling, meeting new people, or competing in unfamiliar places. “Pickleball has put me in situations that used to make me nervous, but now I just go with the flow and give myself grace.”
THE NEXT SERVE
Xiao Yi’s goals keep evolving. She’s already found success in Hawaii, on the mainland, and abroad, and now her sights are set on playing in MLP in the U.S. “At the end of the day, I want to enjoy myself,” she said. “But I also want to achieve certain goals, like getting on an MLP team.”
Lately, she’s been realizing that her journey is about more than wins or losses. When a young fan named Aria traveled just to watch her play, Xiao Yi was reminded that people are paying attention. “I don’t always realize people are watching, but they are,” she said. “That makes me want to be thoughtful about how I represent myself and Hawaii.”
That same pride carried through at PPA Fukuoka just last month, where she teamed up with fellow Hawaii player Tama Shimabukuro to beat Tyler Loong and Pei Chuan Kao. For Xiao Yi, it was more than a big win. “It was also a great moment for us to represent Hawaii pickleball and put us on the map internationally,” she said.
There have been serendipitous moments along the way too, like rooming on tour with Albie Huang, the first cover star of our sister magazine in New Mexico — little reminders of how tightly connected the pickleball world really is.
Pickleball has rekindled her love of competition, fueling a comeback story that’s still being written. And for her family, it’s opened a new chapter…a second chance to support her in a way that feels lighter, freer, and more joyful than the pressures of junior tennis.
Her story shows how the game can spark renewal— inspiring the next generation, strengthening families, and building bridges that stretch from Hawaii to courts around the world.
For Xiao Yi, it’s a journey that’s come full circle, and if her next serve is any indication, the best is yet to come. HPM
Xiao Yi with Hawaii doubles partner Tama Shimabukuro
Two Cover Models: Xiao Yi with Albie Huang, New Mexico Pickleball Magazine's first cover feature
SMART KITCHEN MOVES
Want to know the secret to controlling the point in pickleball? It’s all about timing your move to the kitchen. In this edition of Tips with a Pro , Coach Kyle Paredes breaks down how to read your opponent’s body language and shot selection so you’ll know exactly when to move up to the kitchen. Get the timing right, and you’ll turn defense into offense in just a few steps. HPM
REFEREE CORNER WITH LEVEL 2 REFEREE TRACEY BENNETT
I reffed the Hawaii Senior Games in 2018. (Four days with too little sleep. Bleary. Ugh.)
Got my L1 badge in 2022. By mid-2023 I'd reffed 400 games in rec play and tournaments from Mililani to Kailua. Earned my L2 ranking in September 2023.
Check out Tracey’s spotlight feature HERE.
YOUR BURNING COURT QUESTIONS ANSWERED
WHAT MAKES A SERVE LEGAL?
Q: A guy at the gym serves with a downward slice and then immediately pulls his wrist and arms up. He says it’s OK because the finishing motion is upward. If I understand the rules correctly, his motion has to be upward when striking the ball and not just raised up after contact. The ball has a lot of spin.. Is his serve legal? —Kevin
A: Oh, boy! I love this question because I see many illegal serves on other courts, and it’s hard to keep my advice to myself. But, as Certified Ref Doug Bates reminded me, it’s tough to assess without seeing the serve. I would add, preferably over and over in slo-mo.
Let’s start with the three requirements of a volley serve.
Rulebook 4.A.7. The Volley Serve. The volley serve is made by striking the ball without bouncing the ball off the playing surface and can be made with either a forehand or backhand motion. A proper volley serve includes the following elements:
4.A.7.a. The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc at the time the ball is struck with the paddle.
LEGAL SERVES
4.A.7.b. The highest point of the paddle head must not be above the highest part of the wrist (where the wrist joint bends) when the paddle strikes the ball.
4.A.7.c. Contact with the ball must not be made above the waist.
[Tracey’s note: waist = belly button]
Is Gym Guy’s serve legal? If his paddle is moving down, not up, at the moment he hits the ball, then no.
I’m hitting the pause button for a moment to answer a question from Norman that applies here:
Q. In recreational play, is there a new rule change regarding being able to toss the ball on a serve?
A. No. The new rule applies only to professional play. But you CAN toss the ball for a volley serve.
OK, back to Gym Guy who is on to something: lots of spin. The paddle can add a ton of spin on a volley serve. The drop serve can also cause the ball to veer wickedly.
Rulebook 4.A.8. The Drop Serve. The drop serve is made by striking the ball after it bounces on the playing surface and can be made with either a forehand or backhand motion. There is no restriction how many times the ball can bounce nor where the ball can bounce on the playing surface. A proper drop serve includes the following elements:
4.A.8.a. The server must release the ball from one hand only or drop it off the paddle face from any natural (un-aided) height.
4.A.8.b. When releasing the ball, the ball shall not be propelled in any direction or in any manner prior to striking the ball to make the serve.
4.A.8.c. The restrictions on the Volley Serve in Rule 4.A.7 do not apply to the drop serve.
Using the drop serve, Gym Guy could slice ’n dice every whichaway. Get ready for some nasty slicing serves.
And practice your own.
FYI: YouTube is a super source for serving videos. Here’s one I liked. The serving demo starts at 1:57.
***Have you read the rulebook? According to my recent sketchy survey, probably not. But you can fix that now. Download the 2025 Rulebook. If you have questions about PB rules, get in touch
We need more refs, so how about you? Are you good with details? Quick thinking? Even tempered? Decisive? Let’s chat: tracey2@hawaii.rr.com
Cheers!
Tracey
PREVENT FOOT & ANKLE PAIN: STOP IT BEFORE IT STOPS YOUR GAME
Pickleball is fast and fun! But those side-to-side moves, sudden stops and quick direction changes can strain the arches in your feet and the tendon at the backs of your ankles. This can create painful conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis—two of the most common injuries I see in pickleball players. At right are my BIG 3 Strategies to halt them in their tracks and prevent them from holding you back!
Christine Lynders, PT, OCS, CAFS, PCES
Christine Lynders is a Kailua-based physical therapist, movement expert, and author of Suck It In . She empowers Oahu’s active community to stay pain-free and in the game with science-backed, injury-prevention strategies. Discover more at YourVirtualPhysicalTherapist.com.
REFEREE CORNER
1 Stretch Your Calves Dynamically
The #1 cause behind heel and Achilles pain is overpronation—or arch collapse—often driven by tight calf muscles. When your calves are tight, your ankles can’t move freely, forcing your arches to cave in as you lunge forward for that low shot. Over time, that strain shows up as pain in your heel or Achilles tendon.
DO THIS: Place one foot on a wedge (or rolled yoga mat/block), half on the wedge and half on the floor. Keep your arch lifted as you step your opposite foot forward. Slowly bend and straighten your front leg 20 times to get a nice stretch at the back of your calf, just below your knee.
PREVENT FOOT & ANKLE PAIN: STOP IT BEFORE IT STOPS YOUR GAME
2 Massage Your Arches
Your fascia (the connective tissue in your arch) can get irritated and tug painfully on your heel. Massaging over a ball works wonders!
DO THIS: Roll the arch of your foot over a pickleball (or even better—a smaller tennis ball or golf ball) 20 times. This relieves strain and feels amazing. Already hurting? Roll your arch over a frozen water bottle after matches to decrease pain and inflammation and speed healing.
3 Strengthen Your Arches
Let’s now strengthen your arch to prevent that overpronation and make your feet and ankles strong and healthy.
DO THIS: While seated or standing, curl your toes into the floor so your arch lifts. Repeat 30 times, twice a day. This exercise builds the intrinsic muscles of your feet so they can support you through every move.
Prevention Mindset
A few minutes of stretching, rolling, and strengthening can mean the difference between finishing your match strong—or hobbling off the court. Now, get out there and enjoy an injury-free game!
SPOTTED IN THE WILD
Pickleball stories showing up in everyday places: Generations Magazine at the Nuuanu YMCA.
How fun is this?
Our guest article in the September/October issue of Generations Magazine — “How Pickleball Changed My Life” — popped up on the Nuuanu YMCA bulletin board!
Someone loved it enough to post it for others to read, and we spotted it during our weekly pickleball clinic at the Y.
It’s little moments like this that remind us how far pickleball stories can travel...from magazine pages to the places we gather and play.
Big mahalo to everyone who helps spread the pickleball love.
SEEN US AROUND?
Have you spotted Hawaii Pickleball Magazine (or one of our stories) out in the wild? Maybe at your gym, coffee shop, or even taped to a court fence?
Snap a pic and send it to team@hawaiipickleballmagazine.com — you might see it featured here next time!
Certified or Not? Stephanie Lane on Why Coaching Credentials Matter (Sometimes)
By Jen Wilson
MEET STEPHANIE
Name: Stephanie Lane
Home base: Nashville, Tennessee
Day job: Part-time physical education teacher
Pickleball story: First encountered the sport in college (late 1980s) during PE teacher training; returned to it in 2011 and never looked back.
Competitive background: Former college tennis player; competed on the pickleball senior pro side before stepping back to care for her husband.
IPTPA role: Part of the original cohort that helped shape curriculum and standards for the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA), a nonprofit teaching organization.
“We’re all teachers on the court—whether we mean to be or not. If that’s true, why not have credentials and a framework so players learn it right the first time?”
— Stephanie Lane
About Pickleball Perspectives
This recurring feature highlights different viewpoints on issues shaping the sport. Each feature presents one voice in the conversation—always with the aim of helping players and coaches see the bigger picture.
Certification in pickleball coaching sparks strong opinions. Longtime educator, senior-pro competitor, and IPTPA founding member Stephanie Lane makes the case for why structured training and standards can raise the floor for new players...while acknowledging that great coaching is still as much art as science.
The Case for Certification (from Stephanie’s perspective)
1) Consistency beats chaos.
Without a shared framework, beginner lessons can be random. Certification aligns coaches on a step-by-step progression that starts at the non-volley zone (NVZ) and moves backward—"inside-out"—so players build touch, control, and decision-making before power.
2) Grip pressure is the quiet superpower.
Stephanie highlights how a simple shift, from a death-grip 10/10 to a relaxed 2/10 at the kitchen, can transform consistency and feel. Certified coaches are taught to diagnose and cue this early, preventing bad habits that are hard to unlearn.
3) Feeding the ball is a skill.
If a beginner can’t make contact, it’s often the coach’s feed and not the player’s fault. IPTPA emphasizes purposeful, repeatable feeds so students get quality reps.
4) Safety, insurance, and professionalism.
Certification points to best practices around liability coverage, permissions for public facilities, and ethical guidelines—basics that protect coaches, players, and parks.
5) A learning community.
Standards evolve. Certification plugs coaches into ongoing education and accountability so the teaching message stays current as rules, strategies, and the player base change.
The Other Side (Acknowledged)
There are excellent uncertified coaches—and certification can’t replace empathy, clarity, or the ability to read a student. High-level playing skill doesn’t automatically translate to high-level coaching, and vice versa; some 3.5 coaches out-teach 5.0s. Certification is a tool, not a guarantee.
IPTPA at a Glance (Context from the Interview)
■ Nonprofit focus: IPTPA’s mission centers on education and standards rather than membership for its own sake.
■ Inside-out methodology: Start at the kitchen with soft game, feel, and control; then step back into transition and baseline play.
■ Certification Levels:
■ Level 1: 8-hour workshop (classroom + on-court practicum), ball-feeding assessment, and a written online exam (within one year). Credential: teach beginners.
■ Level 2: Skills test across ~23 shots (minimum 8/10 under pressure) plus a one-hour observed lesson. Credential: coach higher-skill/intermediate+ players.
■ Juniors (online): Tailored for youth; kids aren’t “mini-adults.”
■ Level 3: In development at time of interview.
■ Professional realities: Certified coaches still need facility permission for paid lessons at public parks and should carry proper insurance.
“Just because you’re a great player doesn’t make you a great coach. Structure matters.”
— Stephanie Lane
For Players: How to Choose a Coach
(Certified or Not)
■ Ask about their framework. Can they explain how they’ll progress you from kitchen skills to transition to baseline?
■ Watch their feeds. Are the balls consistent and suited to your level?
■ Listen for grip cues. Do they coach variable grip pressure and contact height, or only for power?
■ Check for youth-appropriate coaching. Kids require different drills and progressions than adults.
■ Check professionalism. Insurance, park permissions, punctuality, and clear communication are hallmarks of a pro.
Conversation with Stephanie Lane
Q: How did pickleball first hit your radar?
In college, training to be a PE teacher. Our instructor rolled out this game called “pickle-ball.” We laughed at the name—but we loved it instantly, even with old wooden paddles. I didn’t realize then it was more than a kids’ gym game.
Q: When did you return to it seriously?
2011. I heard people were playing “real” pickleball—so I laid my tennis racket down and never picked it back up.
Q: How does your PE background shape your view of coaching?
We’re all teachers on court. Certification gives you a shared language and order of operations so beginners don’t cement bad habits. For example, we now start at the kitchen with a relaxed grip—about 2/10—then move back. If you start with the serve, people tend to strangle the paddle at 10/10 and carry that everywhere.
Q: What’s something most people miss about coaching beginners?
Feeding. If a new player keeps whiffing, that’s on us. The feed must enter their strike path without surprise spin. It looks easy; it isn’t. But you can learn it.
Q: Why should players care if a coach is certified?
Because method matters. A certified coach will sequence skills to prevent the “death-grip” dink and other common pitfalls, and they’re part of a learning community that keeps standards current. It doesn’t make them perfect—but it raises the odds you’ll learn efficiently and safely.
Q: Any misconceptions you wish more coaches understood?
Certification isn’t a license to teach anywhere. Parks often require permits and need to be named on your insurance. Be professional.
Q: Final word to aspiring coaches?
If you’re already answering questions on court, you’re teaching. Get the credentials, framework, and insurance so you can do it well. HPM
1. Kitchen: grip pressure, dinks, contact point 2. Transition: resets, blocks, counters 3. Baseline: serves/returns with purpose
Build control first, add speed later.
Acknowledgment
Mahalo to HPM Ambassador Jana Chang for making the introduction to Stephanie Lane.
Editor’s Note
This piece presents one perspective in the broader conversation on coaching credentials. Many excellent coaches are uncertified, and many certified coaches continue to grow long after earning a badge. Our aim is to help players and programs make informed choices.
FRONT ROW: Stephanie, at a certification training, with HPM Ambassador Jana Chang.
RECIPE: SMOKY CHIPOTLE BURGER BOWL
Smoky Chipotle Burger Bowl
A bun-free burger bowl to fuel your pickleball game.
Serving: 2 | Prep Time: 30 minutes
Got 30 minutes?
Inspired by the bold, smoky flavors of the Southwest, and a nod to our sister magazine in New Mexico, the Smoky Chipotle Burger Bowl is a winner whether you’re headed to the courts or winding down after open play.
It delivers all the flavor of a juicy burger; savory beef, tangy pickles, and creamy sauce, without the bun. Instead, it’s layered over crisp lettuce and topped with fresh, colorful veggies that keep things light and satisfying.
The chipotle beef, simmered with beans, makes this bowl hearty enough to refuel after a tough match, while a drizzle of zesty sauce ties everything together. Packed with crunch, heat, and freshness, it’s a bowl that feels indulgent but keeps things light.
INGREDIENTS
For the beef:
■ 2 tbsp olive oil
■ 1 small onion (or ½ large onion), finely diced
■ 2 garlic cloves, minced
■ 10 oz ground beef (about ⅔ pound)
■ 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, very finely chopped (almost a purée)*
■ 1 tsp tomato paste
■ ½ cup canned kidney beans (about ⅓ of a 15 oz can), drained and rinsed
■ ¼ cup water
■ Salt
■ Freshly ground black pepper
*Look for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in small cans (usually 7 oz) in the Mexican or international foods aisle. They’re smoked jalapeños packed in a tangy, spicy sauce. You’ll only need one pepper for this recipe, so you can freeze the extras for later use.
For the sauce:
■ 4 tbsp mayonnaise
■ 1 tbsp ketchup
■ ½ tbsp adobo sauce
■ 2 tbsp pickle juice
For assembly:
■ 4 cups lettuce leaves, hand-torn
■ ¼ cup sliced red onion
■ ¼ cup pickled jalapeños
■ 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
■ ¼ cup canned corn, drained
■ Fresh cilantro, chopped
RECIPE: SMOKY CHIPOTLE BURGER BOWL
WHAT TO DO
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant about 30 seconds.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the finely chopped chipotle pepper, tomato paste, water, and kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer until the liquid has fully evaporated and the mixture is rich and thick. Remove from the heat.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, adobo sauce, and pickle juice until smooth.
6. Arrange shredded lettuce in serving bowls. Spoon the beef mixture on top.
7. Add red onion slices, jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
8. Drizzle generously with the sauce and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. HPM
WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP?
Morning fuel isn’t onesize-fits-all: coffee for some, tea for others, and a few surprises in between. To celebrate International Coffee Day (October 1), we asked our pickleball community to share their favorite way to start the day. Here’s what’s in their cups.
ME! JEN WILSON (EDITOR, HAWAII PICKLEBALL MAGAZINE): Matcha Latte
WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP?
LYNN WARDWELL
(CO-STAR OF OUR “TIPS WITH A PRO” VIDEO SERIES):
Starbucks Venti Iced Brown Sugar
Oatmilk Shaken Espresso with 3 pumps vanilla syrup
(GASTROENTEROLOGIST, MUSICIAN AND AUTHOR):
Protein Shake with Crystal Light caffeine
MEL ONA
WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP?
(DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, PICKLES AT FORTÉ): Cappucino
MARTINA KOSTALOVA
NOLAN AHN (PRESIDENT, PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION KAUAI): 10 oz of Keurig French Roast
WHAT’S
IN YOUR CUP?
TRACEY BENNETT (LEVEL 2 REFEREE AND HPM REFEREE COLUMNIST): Decaf Earl Grey Tea
LAURIE LONEY (OG OF HAWAII PICKLEBALL AND OWNER OF MAUI PICKLEBALL): Coffee (black)
WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP?
XIAO YI
WANG-BECKVALL (WOMENS PRO):
Sambazon
Sparkling Acai Drink
PICKLEBALL ON SAFARI
ABOUT PICKLEBALL PASSPORT: PICKLEBALL PASSPORT IS OUR WINDOW INTO THE GAME AROUND THE WORLD — SHORT SNAPSHOTS OF PLAYERS, COURTS, AND COMMUNITIES THAT REMIND US HOW ONE SPORT CONNECTS US ACROSS CULTURES.
HOW A JOURNEY BACK TO KENYA CAME FULL CIRCLE
BY: DANIEL MOORE
They say the red clay of Africa gets under your skin and always brings you back. That may be why Kenya holds a special place in my heart.
A month after graduating from university with an international business degree, I was on a plane with no experience, money, or contacts. I was brave and stupid, although I'm not sure which trait I had more of.
Fortunately, people welcomed me in, helping me gain life experiences and a nuanced understanding of the world. I learned that there are no simple solutions to poverty, that having more is not necessarily better, but
that people are not necessarily happy because of their poverty either.
Little did I know that years later, after launching my pickleball career, I would return to introduce the sport to the people of Kenya. Later, I would realize my dream of taking Americans on a trip to play with Kenyans.
It's been a full-circle, exciting journey of returning each time to see the sport grow and how it changes people's lives.
Here's the story behind the first safari pickleball trip.
A FIRST CHAPTER IN KENYA
I got a job in Kenya selling fuel-efficient cookstoves. In rural Africa, where electricity is scarce, most people cook over an open fire, contributing to deforestation, carbon emissions, and excessive smoke inhalation, with various environmental and health consequences.
The women who collect or buy firewood spend time or money acquiring the fuel, leaving little resources for essentials such as food or their children's education. By using a fuel-efficient cookstove, they reduce fuel usage by up to half, gaining time or financial leeway to use more productively.
Although entirely unrelated to pickleball, my first job in social enterprise sparked my international interest and desire to make a positive change. While I gained solid life experience in Kenya, I was also young and naive. I expected to arrive in Africa and immediately make meaningful change, which was optimistic but far from reality. I realized that the world, especially Africa, is complex, and to make a lasting impact, I needed to dedicate decades of my life to the continent. Unwilling to do so, I packed my bags and returned to America after completing an overland journey from Nairobi to Cape Town. Border troubles, quirky locals, haunting poverty, stunning scenery like Victoria Falls, and crowded buses where I was the only white guy were all part of my 100 hours of bus rides.
But that is a story for another day.
PICKLEBALL TAKES OVER
Returning to my parents' house in Colorado while I contemplated the next step, I had the fortuitous timing of starting pickleball at the beginning of its rapid expansion. Fresh off my college tennis career, I quickly won a few national singles titles and a year later, reached the apex of the sport in doubles. However, no one played pickleball full-time like today, so I decided to return to Japan, my childhood home, to pursue a career in the tourism industry. Since pickleball did not exist in Japan at the time, I decided to introduce and grow the sport while working. For five years, I traveled back and forth, training and competing in tournaments in the US, while working and developing pickleball in Japan.
But Kenya remained at the back of my mind.
BRINGING PICKLEBALL TO KENYA
In 2018, I finally made time to return. Realizing that no one had yet introduced pickleball, I saw an opportunity.
The tennis club where I practiced while living in Nairobi graciously accepted the opportunity to host a pickleball introduction event, giving this sport with a funny name a chance. They invited several tennis coaches and players from around the city, some of whom enjoyed the experience so much that they wanted to continue.
They formed their own club, and pickleball was born in Kenya.
FROM DREAM TO SAFARI
Knowing I wanted to bring Pickleball Trips customers, I returned in 2019 to research locations for a tour. What would be cooler than playing pickleball and going on safari?
We had already planned and sold the trip when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. It took three years to relaunch our company, and almost five years to successfully run the Pickleball Safari Trip in Kenya.
A huge thank you to all the customers who requested the trip and then applied the necessary pressure to make it happen. It was a pivotal experience to see the sport thriving with dedicated pickleball courts in Nairobi, and the pure joy in the eyes of local players.
Furthermore, it was uniquely satisfying to see Americans interact with local players, learn about Kenyan culture, and expand their horizons by joining us in Africa. And of course, going on safari is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience that I recommend to everyone.
PICKLEBALL’S UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
To this day, introducing pickleball to two countries is one of my proudest accomplishments. When I see people from around the world playing together, it makes it all worthwhile. The more I travel and play globally, the more I am reminded that pickleball is a universal language. It has the power to bridge continents, transcend language, and perhaps even bring diplomacy and peace to a troubled world.
At Pickleball Trips, we want to make the world of pickleball easily accessible for our customers. Here’s how the adventure unfolded, day by day:
DAY 1 – REST YOUR WEARY BONES
After arrival, we have a group dinner and provide time to rest after the long journey. Unfortunately, Kenya is almost precisely the opposite side of the world from Hawaii. We recommend arriving a day or two early to acclimate to jet lag and recuperate.
DAY 2 – ALL YOU CAN PICKLE
Stretch your legs and play as much pickleball as possible. In the morning, we offer a Pickleball Trips clinic led by our high-quality pickleball instructors. After free time for lunch, we invite local players to play recreational games. It's a relaxed environment where everyone mixes in, plays as much as they want, and socializes.
DAY 3 – WILDLIFE
On our first non-pickleball day, in the morning, we visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi National Park to check out the elephant orphanage. Here, they rehabilitate orphaned elephants and eventually reintroduce them into the wild. There is even an opportunity to adopt an orphaned elephant. After lunch, we visit the Giraffe Center, where endangered Rothschild giraffes breed and are reintroduced into the world. Getting licked while feeding a giraffe up close is a truly wild experience.
Danish author Karen Blixen (circa 1930) and her former home near Nairobi.
DAY 4 – PICKLEBALL, TEA, AND COFFEE
The morning features our second Pickleball Trips clinic. The rest of the day, we explore Kenya's principal agricultural exports. First, we set off for Fig & Olive, a farm-to-table restaurant in a tea plantation. We take a tour of the plantation and partake in brunch on site. Next up is the All Seasons Coffee Farm. This is an active coffee plantation where we learn about the process from growing to drying, roasting, and packaging. All Seasons Coffee is only available in Kenya, making it a great place to purchase souvenirs not found anywhere else. Dinner is in a restaurant near the coffee farm.
DAY 5 – PICKLEBALL, KAREN, AND CARNIVORE
After another Pickleball Trips clinic, we depart for Karen, an area of Nairobi made famous by the memoir Out of Africa by Karen Blixen. She was an entrepreneur, artist, writer, and leader, as well as one of the most prominent women in British East Africa. Her house, now a museum, is a relic of Kenya's colonial era. After visiting the museum, it's time to gorge ourselves at the famous Carnivore restaurant. In the past, the offerings included rarities such as zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe. Thankfully, game meat has been made illegal, and now the most uncommon meats include crocodile and ostrich.
DAY 6 – NAIROBI TO MASAI MARA
It's time for the safari. Day 1 is mostly travel, though, as the drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara Game Reserve takes around 6 hours with rest stops. En route, we pass by the Great Rift Valley Escarpment and observe how people live in rural Kenyan towns. Arriving at the lodge in the Mara, we check in, enjoy lunch, and freshen up before departing on the first evening game drive.
DAYS 7–8 – SAFARI
DAY 9 – FLY TO NAIROBI
On these days, it's all about exploring the park in greater depth and spotting the animals. Typically, we depart around 6:00 AM for a long morning game drive, which lasts until lunchtime. We bring a packed breakfast on the Land Cruisers and take a scenic rest to enjoy the meal. We search for the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), as well as classic savannah wildlife such as cheetah, hyena, zebra, hippo, giraffe, gazelle, warthog, ostrich, and more. Being on the wide-open plains with nothing between you and the animals is a primitive experience that makes you realize the power of nature and the incredible raw power and abilities of these animals.
We return to Nairobi by plane today to save the six-hour drive. There is free time in the afternoon to rest up, do laundry, or play recreational pickleball.
DAY 10 – FINAL PICKLEBALL
This morning is the final Pickleball Trips clinic. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to either play again with local players or visit a local public school that has built a pickleball court. If you bring paddles to give away, this is a good place to do it. Our farewell dinner is in an elegant former British residence with a lovely manicured garden. The trip always goes by faster than you expect!
DAY 11 – DEPARTURE
Pickleball Trips will help you organize a taxi to the airport and your onward destination.
About the Author: Daniel Moore is the founder of Pickleball Trips, Active Travel Japan, the Onsen Pickleball Camp, coaching both professional and recreational players. A pioneer of pickleball in Japan, Daniel has coached around the world, played professionally, and is passionate about connecting international players with rural Japan. He currently manages AirBnBs in Nagano, leads outdoor cultural tours, and runs group pickleball tours. Want to Join? Get a group of 7–9 friends together and email pickleballdaniel@gmail.com to discuss availability and pricing.
INAUGURAL PICKLEBALL
TOURNAMENT
Pickleball and community spirit came together on Saturday, September 6, 2025, as the Ikaika Mau Loa Alumni Association hosted its very first pickleball tournament at Keehi Lagoon Pickleball Courts. With a capped field of 50 participants, the event marked a lively debut on the local pickleball calendar.
Here are the medal winners and photos from the event.
SILVER 4.0
Shay Walden / Mike Reyes
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IKAIKA MAU LOA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (IMLAA) INAUGURAL PICKLEBALL
TOURNAMENT
BRONZE 4.0
Mark Sulpico / Tony Quito
OUTRIGGER Pickleball Open
Compete to win a share of $10,000 in OUTRIGGER
Kona Resort & Spa’s first official Pickleball Open.
Octoaber 22 – 26, 2025
Holua Racquet & Paddle Courts
Open to players of all levels. Register Now – Sept 30, 2025.
Book your return stay early — use promo code PICKLEBALL25 for exclusive rates at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa.
IKAIKA MAU LOA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (IMLAA) INAUGURAL PICKLEBALL
TOURNAMENT
IKAIKA MAU LOA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (IMLAA) INAUGURAL PICKLEBALL
TOURNAMENT
SILVER 3.0
Kealii Hayes / Hector Alegre
IKAIKA MAU LOA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (IMLAA) INAUGURAL PICKLEBALL
TOURNAMENT
BRONZE 3.0
Mar Labrador / Benny Debrum
GALLERY: PRIZE PICK-UP PARTY
Mahalo to our community for the warm welcome!
When it came time to distribute prizes from our big Anniversary Celebration giveaway, we couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop than the Keehi Lagoon pickleball courts. Over two days, we got to meet so many of our readers in person as they came to collect their prizes.
Saturday was extra special: the Keehi Lagoon Pickleball Club went above and beyond, setting up a tent and making it a whole event. Mahalo to everyone who stopped by and to KLPC for hosting us so graciously. We love connecting with you off the page and at the courts!
GALLERY: PRIZE PICK-UP PARTY
Pa`i with a Pal
GALLERY: PRIZE PICK-UP PARTY
GALLERY: PRIZE PICK-UP PARTY
PADDLE AND GEAR REVIEWS FOR EVERYDAY PLAYERS
UPCOMING PICKLEBALL EVENTS EVENTS
Everyday Player’s Paddle Review: Komodo Katana Kevlar® Pro 16MM
Real, relatable, and practical paddle + gear reviews for everyday players — through the eyes of real players, not just pros.
UPCOMING PICKLEBALL EVENTS PICKLEBALL
October 2025
KONA: October 22-26; The Outrigger Pickleball Open 2025
OAHU: October 25; Le Pickle Tournament
May 17: Oahu: Hookuku Pickleball Tournament, Schofield Barracks
May 24: Oahu: King Intermediate Pickleball Fundraiser, Kaneohe
May 17: Oahu: Hookuku Pickleball Tournament, Schofield Barracks
May 31: Oahu: Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Pickleball Fundraiser, Honolulu
May 24: Oahu: King Intermediate Pickleball Fundraiser, Kaneohe
May 31: Oahu: Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Pickleball Fundraiser, Honolulu
The complete list of all upcoming tournaments and events in Hawaii
The complete list of all upcoming tournaments and events in Hawaii
HAVE YOU…
• Played a sunrise match this week •
• Cheered for your opponent’s point •
• Tried a new court •
• Forgot your water bottle •
• Made a new friend on the courts •
• Read this magazine cover to cover •
• Subscribed to our newsletter (right?) •
• Told a friend to do the same •
• Got a story or a player we should feature? Let us know! •
• Know someone who’d love to connect with this community?
We’d love to hear from them!
Want to get involved? Become an ambassador or contributor— we’re always looking forpeople who love the game and our Hawaii PB community.
Not getting our emails? Check your spam, promotions, or updates folder— and move us to your Primary inbox so you never miss a beat. © 2025 Hawaii Pickleball Magazine. All rights reserved. We love sharing our community’s stories — please don’t reuse without permission.
PARTING SHOT
Poised for what's next.
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