What's Happening in Pickleball in Alberta?

Click on an edition of Around The Post below to learn more!

Click an icon in the footer to check out our news on Facebook and other social media.

November 2024

Successful 2024 Club Development Seminar

The 2024 Club Development Seminar was a resounding success and was recorded for your convenience

  • Pickleball Alberta Membership has reached 10,000 members.
  • Welcome to all new members across the province.
  •  It’s renewal time.
  • The Legacy Project , Celebrating our Past.
  •  Of the Year Awards – Calling for Award Nominations.
  • Policies & Procedures / Strategic Plan

October 2024

Junior Jamborees were a huge success!

Everyone attending the Junior Jamborees held in both the North and South were enjoyed by everyone who participated.

  • Gratitude & Honor for outgoing Board Directors.
  • Club Development Workshop, Save the Date.
  • Pickleball Alberta 2024/2025 Board of Directors.
  • Bylaw review process upcoming (participants welcome).

 

September 2024

National Pickleball Day

Vice President and junior leader of the Grande Prairie Pickleball Club.

  • National Pickleball Day in Alberta was a smashing success: Carstairs, Edmonton, St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan and Calgary all participated.
  • Many passionate and skilled young players participated in the Edmonton Junior Jamboree.
  • Alberta has close to 10,000 registered members who enjoy a variety of pickleball activities.
  • Updates on the CNPL and Nationals upcoming in the next issue.

August 2024

FAC: Jill Groves

Jill assumed the role of President of Pickleball Alberta in November 2023.

  • Junior HOTSHOTS welcomed over 200 participants
  • Pickleball Alberta has 9,500 participants from 37 clubs
  • Pickleball Alberta Day is Saturday August 10th
  • 2023 Of the Year Award winners
  • Provincials had over 600 participants who demonstrated incredible pickleball skills – Pickleball is alive and well in Alberta.

December 2023

Year in Review

Pickleball Alberta looks back at the events, and story lines that shaped our year.

  • Month-by-month graphical presentation of the Year in Review.
  • Pickleball Alberta ends year with 10,421 members, an 18% increase.
  • Total clubs affiliating with Pickleball Alberta grows to 40 clubs.
  • Year End Listing of all Alberta Referees and their levels.
  • Year End Listing of Alberta NCCP Coaches and their levels.
  • Season End Power Rankings listings for all age divisions.

October 2023

FAC: Rhonda Kozuska

Rhonda is the 10,000th member of Pickleball Alberta and a member of the St.Albert Pickleball Club.

  • Pickleball Alberta AGM – Annual General Meeting this Sunday, November 19th, 2023 at 1:00 PM MST in Red Deer at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Promenade Room.
  • History of Pickleball Alberta – The Path from 138 to 10,000
  • Total annual fee of $15.00 for Pickleball Alberta set October 1.
  • Meet the 2023-2025 Board of Director Candidates.
  • Founders and Builders of Pickleball Alberta
  • Growth of pickleball throughout the province
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

September 2023

FAC: Kirk Jensen

Kirk is the second President of Pickleball Alberta (2020-2023), 10th President of Pickleball Canada (2021), builder at the provincial and national levels.

  • Pickleball Alberta AGM – Annual General Meeting Sunday, November 19th, 2023
  • Five Pickleball Alberta Directors completing terms and stepping down.
  • NCCP Level 1 and Level 2 Coaching Clinics announced for end of November.
  • CNPL completes Western Swing through Edmonton.
  • Pickleball Alberta sends out hiring post for Executive Director position.
  • Power Rankings for Junior divisions are up and there are some new names on the list!
  • Edmonton and area gets another first class indoor dedicated pickleball facility!
  • Pickleball in Alberta is in the news with interviews from from north to south!
 

August 2023

FAC: Walter Carlyle

Walter is the 2022 Volunteer of the Year and one of the builders of pickleball in Alberta.

  • Pickleball Alberta welcomes The Calgary Pickleball Center as an Associate Club of Pickleball Alberta!
  • Proposed Annual Provincial Fee of $20.00 for approval to set the future trajectory for Pickleball Alberta.
  • Provincials and Nationals with wrap up along with club and provincial statistics.
  • Of the Year Award winners for 2022 announced.
  • Three major tournaments in August have 100% matches refereed!
  • Power Rankings for Mens and Womens Open division!
  • Juniors have incredible showing at Provincial Championship!
  • Special Olympics program wraps up at the Edmonton Pickleball Club with insight on how it went and moving forward.

 

July 2023

FAC: Leslie Srogen

Leslie is a mentor, coach, and one of the early builders of pickleball in Alberta.

  • The 7th Annual Pickleball Alberta Provincials in Red Deer, August 10-13! 
  • Pickleball Alberta membership hits the 9,000 mark!
  • Pickleball Alberta Junior Jamboree roaring success!
  • Power Rankings for Mens and Womens 50+ division are up!
  • NCCP Coaching Clinics for Level I and Level II NCCP.
  • Officiating – what you need to know about your paddle “before” a tournament.
  • Special Olympics program wraps up for the summer with incredible success across Alberta
  • Pickleball Alberta AGM – Annual General Meeting set for Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 1:00 PM MST.
  • Annual Provincial Fee Increase for Pickleball Alberta approved by Board for 2023 and to be brought forward at AGM for sustainability of the association.
  • Major overhaul at the Board of Pickleball Canada with nine new members and President.
 

June 2023

FAC: Haddow Thul

Haddow is the Vice President of Pickleball Alberta and one of the top-ranked Open players in Alberta who will be competing in the newly formed Canadian National Pickleball League.

  • Pickleball Alberta Day HUGE success with clubs across the province!
  • Power Rankings for Mens and Womens Open and 60+ divisions are up!
  • NCCP Coaching Clinics underway for Level I and Level II NCCP.
  • Pickleball Alberta Junior Jamboree registration filling up!
  • Officiating Clinics completed across Alberta.
  • Western Director Doug Fogg resigns from Board of Pickleball Canada.
  • Pickleball Canada AGM June 28th and the future direction of our game needs your vote!
  • Four top Alberta candidates running for Pickleball Canada Board of Directors to make a difference.
  • Match Point:  PCO Bylaws proposal crushed with the largest number of votes ever cast at Pickleball Canada and I answer the question “Why do you do all this?”

May 2023

FAC: Sean McCartan

Sean is a senior professional pickleball player and Station Captain of the Londonderry Fire Department who has recently been on the front lines fighting the wildfires in the north.

  • Welcome to our newly Affiliated Club the Heritage Society of the Village of Seba Beach!
  • Pickleball Alberta Day is tomorrow, June 3rd with a treasurer chest of prizes available to participating Affiliated Clubs!
  • New NCCP Coaching Clinic dates announced for Level and Level II NCCP coaching certification.
  • Pickleball Alberta Junior paddles now on sale!
  • Pickleball Alberta Junior Jamboree registration Open!
  • Officiating Clinics completed across Alberta.
  • Pickleball Alberta jackets for sale while supplies last.
  • Match Point:  Bylaws voting process update and do your part for the future of our game, be informed, and VOTE!




April 2023

FAC: Ava Weeks

Ava is the top-ranked junior female player in Alberta, winning tournaments throughout the province.

  • Important information coming from PA Board to members regarding proposed PC Bylaws.
  • Membership up 25% over the same time last year!
  • Coaches from across Alberta receive inaugural Level II NCCP coaching certifications.
  • Pickleball Alberta Junior paddles coming in this month!
  • Pickleball Alberta Provincials registration opens May 10!
  • The new scoring format, Rally Scoring being used by professional leagues, explained.
  • Pickleball Alberta jackets for sale while supplies last.
  • Match Point Do your part for the future of our game, be informed, and VOTE!
 
 
 

March 2023

FAC: Dean Edwards

Dean is a builder for pickleball in Alberta as the Charter and current President of the Camrose Pickleball Club, one of the first to join PA.

  • Pickleball Alberta PATV YouTube Channel popularity grows and gets a graphic facelift
  • Where in the World Pickleball Alberta jacket contest is underway!
  • Level II NCCP course put on by the Tennis Professional Association a big success.
  • Pickleball Alberta Junior Jamboree set for July 22 at EVPC!
  • Alison Ramsley comes onto the PA Board of Directors as the new Director of Technology.
  • Initial Pickleball Alberta Provincials details released.
  • Pickleball Alberta jackets for sale while supplies last.
  • Match Point: Pickleball Alberta to best practices model to now follow others.

February 2023

FAC: Rob Cundy

Rob is a pioneer for pickleball in Alberta, introducing pickleball to the deaf community in Alberta and across North America.

  • National Funding and Recognition not happening in the next phase.
  • Alberta Sports Hall of Fame does recognize pickleball!
  • “Where in the World” Pickleball Alberta jacket contest is underway!
  • Level II NCCP courses, dates, and locations announced for Okotoks and Edmonton.
  • Pickleball Alberta jackets shipment is in and are again on sale.
  • Next order of Junior Pickleball Alberta paddles to arrive in May. 
  • National Bylaws Being Revamped. They are dry but are so important when important actions and decisions have to be made.

January 2023

FAC: Linda Dane

Linda is a pioneer for pickleball in Alberta, helping to start up many clubs, including some of the largest in the province.

  • The Legacy Project with the Pickleball Alberta history is launched.
  • The Shot of the Month contest is underway!
  • Teach the Teacher initiative soft launched in southern Alberta!
  • Level II NCCP courses dates and locations announced.
  • Alberta Pickleball Day is set for June 3rd!
  • New rule changes listed and referee reimbursement schedule for 2023
  • Shot Statistics from recent PPA Tour Event.
  • Goal setting for your pickleball participation 2023.

December 2022

Year in Review

Pickleball Alberta looks back at the events, tournaments, initiatives, and story lines that shaped our year.

  • Pickleball Alberta welcomes affiliating clubs Carstairs Pickleball Club and Chestermere Pickleball Club.
  • Month-by-Month highlights for the year 2022.
  • Pickleball Alberta ends year with 8,526 members, an increase of 41% for 2022!
  • Total clubs affiliating with Pickleball Alberta grows to 38, an increase of 13 for 2022!
  • Year End Listing of Alberta Referees who have leveled up.
  • Year End Listing of Alberta NCCP Coaches who have leveled up.
  • Season End Power Rankings listed for all Age Divisions.

November 2022

FAC: Tony Tighe

Past President of the Calgary Pickleball Club with 2,300 members, one of the largest pickleball clubs in North America.  

  • Pickleball Alberta welcomes the Edmonton Volleyball and Pickleball Center (EVPC) as the first affiliating Associate Organization
  • Pickleball Alberta announces Red Deer Pickleball Club to host 2023 Provincial Championships. 
  • Pickleball Alberta to start work with Special Olympics.
  • Pickleball Canada announces 2023 Major Championships Hosts and Dates.
  • Membership database to permanently delete PA members who have not renewed since 04-30-2020.
  • Power Rankings for Juniors.

October 2022

FAC: George Oko

Founding member of Westlock Pickleball Club, tournament organizer, and one of the early pioneers of pickleball in Alberta.

  • Pickleball Alberta welcomes the Northern Lights Pickleball Club (Calgary) and the Lacombe Pickleball Peeps! 
  • Membership hits 8000
  • All back issues of Around the Post newsletter are now available on the PA website.
  • Pickleball Alberta Legacy/History Project underway for website.
  • Subscribe to PATV YouTube channel to help PA receive advertising dollars.
  • Power Rankings for the 65+ Division for Mens and Ladies.

September 2022

FAC: Doug Fogg

Past Director of the Edmonton Pickleball Club, past Pickleball Alberta Vice President, and current Director of Pickleball Canada.

  • Pickleball Alberta welcomes the Richmond Green Pickleball and Social Club, the Tees Pickleball Club, and the Westlock Pickleball Club
  • AGM held virtually on September 25
  • New Board members elected and brought in for 2022-2023
  • Provincial membership fee increase voted down for 2023
  • Power Rankings for the 60+ Division

August 2022

FAC: Brenda Feser

Brenda is the Junior Director for Pickleball Alberta and Past President of Red Deer Pickleball Club.

  • PA Junior Jamboree big success with large enrollment 
  • Provincial membership fee increase being vetted for 2023
  • All 1,600 matches for Red Deer and Parkland have Certified and Accredited referees
  • Power Rankings for the 50+ Division

July 2022

FAC: Lisa Loveless

Vice President and junior leader of the Grande Prairie Pickleball Club.

  • Provincials hosted by Medicine Hat resounding success!
  • Membership hits 7000
  • Pickleball Alberta sets another national first with Of the Year awards handed out
  • PA TV is branded on YouTube with live streaming and event videos
  • Power Rankings: Open Mens and Ladies

June 2022

FAC: Gordon Masson

First year President of the Medicine Hat Pickleball Club and top 70+ competitive player.

  • Welcome Bow Valley Pickleball Club
  • Pickleball Alberta Day Big Success 
  • NCCP Level I Learn to Play certification clinics scheduled
  • Seven Alberta Schools receive Pickleball Alberta School Grant
  • Alberta 55+ Games hosted by Mighty Peace Pickleball Club
  • Power Rankings paused for Provincials play

May 2022

FAC: Daryl Newman

Member of Red Deer Pickleball Club; 6000th Pickleball Alberta member.

  • Welcome Sundre Pickleball Association
  • Membership hits 6000
  • Pickleball Alberta Day June 11
  • Power Rankings: 65+ and Juniors

April 2022

FAC: Garand Jones

Club President, Pickleball Alberta Director, Referee of over 1300 games.

  • Welcome Elk Island Pickleball Club
  • 2022 Provincials
  • New Pickleball Alberta website launches
  • Power Rankings: 60+ Mens and Ladies

March 2022

FAC: Brenda Lea MacPhail

Tournament Director, 2022 Alberta Provincials.

  • Welcome Fort Saskatchewan Pickleball Club
  • Club President’s Season-Kick-Off Conference
  • Of-the-Year Awards
  • Power Rankings: 50+ Mens and Ladies

February 2022

FAC: Ernesto Fajardo

The recognized #2 player in Canada.

  • Welcome Yellowhead West Pickleball Club
  • Coaching Working Group Formed
  • Officials Clinics
  • Power Rankings: Open Division and Juniors

January 2022

FAC: Ted Sherback

Steward of Pickleball Canada’s insurance  program and long-serving PC Director.

  • Junior Training Equipment Grant
  • Club Competitions
  • Volunteer Needed for Grant Applications
  • Power Rankings: 65+ and Juniors

December 2021

FAC: Ilsa Wong

Director of Coaching, Pickleball Alberta.

  • Junior Pickleball
  • Coaching
  • Renewing Your Membership
  • Power Rankings: 60+

November 2021

FAC: Kim Layton and Brad Chapman

Top Male and Female players in Alberta.

  • NCCP Coaching Program being rolled out with Coaching Training Sessions happening across Alberta 
  • Membership hits 5000
  • 2022 Nationals: Pickleball Canada announced for Kingston Pickleball Club
  • Membership shown by Sport Zone and Club
  • Power Rankings: For first time rank top 50+

October 2021

FAC: Brian and Julie Sribney

Spruce Grove volunteer-power-couple who have played a major role in the success of the Pickleball Alberta officiating program.

  • President Kirk visits with the Quebec Pickleball Federation in Montreal
  • Winner of Top Sport Zones Contest Announced
  • Pickleball Alberta AGM sees new bylaws passed and directors elected
  • Youth survey coming to clubs 
  • Medal Results charted by Club and Sport Zone
  • Power Rankings: OPEN Division

September 2021

FAC: Benn Gibb and Rafe Prince

Two up and coming Alberta youth players who won gold medals in the Youth Doubles Divisions at both the Provincials and Nationals.

  • Recap of incredible Nationals hosted by Red Deer
  • AHS Guidance lifted for events
  • Introducing the 8 Sport Zones as determined by Alberta Sport
  • Two of our finest our heading to Atlantic Canada this fall to share their expertise
  • AGM will be virtual event on September 28
  • Power Rankings: Open Mens and Ladies

August 2021

FAC: Marcel Letourneau

Vice President and Tournament Director of the Parkland Pickleheads, the host of the 2021 Provincials.

  • Provincials big success with over 300 competitors
  • Claudine Lemieux from Camrose interviewed by CBC Radio
  • YouTube channel setup for livestreaming Provincials
  • Pickleball Alberta Night set for Nationals
  • Power Rankings: Open Mens and Ladies

July 2021

FAC: Wanda Lazar

Passionate volunteer making an impact for the Medicine Hat Pickleball Club.

  • Leadership changes with Kirk chooses to continue as PA President and leave PCO Presidency
  • Officiating clinics happening across Alberta
  • Virtual social media tours continue across Alberta
  • Power Rankings: Open Mens and Ladies

June 2021

Kirk Jensen President PCO

The first newsletter was sent by PCO President to the entire Canadian membership through PCNS.

  • Path to Sport Eligibility
  • PCNS successfully launched in 10 provinces and territories 
  • NCCP Coaching Program moving ahead
  • Junior Program major focus
  • 2021 Nationals Announced for Red Deer
  • Club Emergency Action Plan

May 2021

FAC: Mike Cooper

Founding Director of Pickleball Alberta, Past Director of Pickleball Canada, highly regarded coach and National and Provincial champion at the 5.0 level.

  • Alberta launches the PCO National System 
  • Canadian Tournament Player Rating introduced
  • Pickleball Alberta has awarded the Parkland Pickleheads to host the 2021
  • Power Rankings Paused for Major Championships

April 2021

FAC: Judy Bohn

Barrhead Treasurer and Builder.

  • Pickleball Canada is launching a youth program.

  • Membership hits 4000
  • Pickleball Canada National Championships registration to reopen April 15

  • Officiating clinics well underway in Alberta

  • Power Rankings paused.

February 2021

FAC: Blair Morton

PA Technology.

  • National System rolling out with Kirk Jensen chairing the project

  • Beverley, Blair, and their team set Alberta to roll out on June 1

  • Level 1 Referees recognized

  • PCO Membership fees are being raised to $10.00

December 2020

  • President’s Holiday Message
  • 2021 Rule Changes

September 2020

  • 2020-2021 Board of Directors elected at AGM
  • Pickleball Alberta’s Year in Review

July-August 2020

FAC: Brady Hurshowy

Alberta’s Youngest Competitive Player.

  • Completing our Strategic Plan
  • National Cert. Coaching Program
  • Goal: 100 Certified Referees

June 2020

FAC: Marcel Latouche

Builder, Strategic Plan Consultant and Leader.

  • Pickleball Alberta Vision
  • Pickleball Canada AGM and Elections
  • New Outdoor Courts in Alberta

May 2020

FAC: Val and Gene Vollmin

Gene: Tournament Chair for 2021 Canadian Nationals.

Val: Past President Red Deer Pickleball Club and 6th President of Pickleball Canada (2016-2017).

  • Red Deer Pickleball Club Awarded 2021 Nationals
  • Kirk Jensen Appointed to Pickleball Canada Board

April 2020

FAC: Beverley Walker

Founder and Charter President (2016-2019) of Pickleball Alberta and founding member of Calgary Pickleball Club.

  • Red Deer Pickleball Club Applying for 2021 Nationals
  • Canadian Officiating Standards Set
  • Competitions Cancelled

March 2020

FAC: Abed Dergham

ICU Nurse in COVID Intensive Care; Founding member of Edmonton PC.

  • Welcome Lethbridge Pickleball Club
  • Steve Deakin Appointed Pickleball Canada Ambassador

February 2020

FAC: Cookie Drake

Elite Player and Builder.

  • New Pickleball Alberta logo unveiled
  • Pickleball Canada Policies and Guidelines
  • Competitions
  • Power Rankings: Men’s and Women’s Doubles

January 2020

FAC: Doug Thompson

7th President of Pickleball Canada (2018-2019).

  • Power Rankings: Men’s and Women’s Doubles
  • 2020 Memberships
  • Clinics and Competitions

December 2019

FAC: Ed Neuman

Brought Pickleball to Alberta.

  • Central Lions 10-Year Anniversary
  • Calgary Pickleball Club Clinics
  • Competitions

November 2019

  • Members Elected to Pickleball Alberta Board
  • Pickleball Canada Selecting Provider for National System
  • PC Investigating Alternative Official Ratings

© Pickleball Alberta 2022