My Pickleball Story

How pickleball helped save my life

My pickleball story started in the fall of 2020. I was within weeks of completing the sale and a two-year transition of transportation software I had created to Uber. Although there was an offer to remain, I still hadn’t decided. Then, I received news that no parent should ever have to hear. I had tragically lost one of my children just shy of his 30th birthday. Everything changed in an instant. My world was shattered. Career-related priorities that had been so prevalent in my life for decades had completely lost their significance. The decision to remain with the company had been made for me. I needed time away, maybe retire.

It was around then I started hearing about a game called, Pickleball. “What a ridiculous name,” I thought dismissively. Our community had just built a couple of courts, and due to no one knowing what the heck pickleball was combined with a global pandemic, they were always empty. After a long period in isolation, (also experienced by billions all over the world due to the pandemic), and some prodding from friends, I conceded to give it a try. Fast forward many months, dozens of kitchen violations, countless dinks into the net and the occasional friendly-fire tattooing, and I was starting to enjoy myself again.

As the months rolled on, the game became increasingly popular within our community and, apparently, globally. The courts went from always being empty to needing wait lists and a court reservation system. The level of play steadily increased. I don’t want to be overdramatic, but Pickleball truly helped me cope during a very dark period. There were many, many days that friends ‘needing a 4th’ was the only reason I got out of the house.

Being primarily a computer nerd, I had never played racket sports before or much of any sports for that matter. My skills weren’t (and still aren’t) that great, but what I lack in skill, I try to make up for in enthusiasm. Win or lose, Pickleball usually keeps me grinning from ear to ear. I simply love this game!

As mentioned in a previous post, I recently got an epiphany and now believe my contribution to this game may actually be more off the court than on. Since then, I have been focused on building the best possible app for Pickleball players. I am happy to say that it is starting to get some traction and I am currently working on assembling a team of talented people who share the vision and would be willing to work for pie (not literal pie, more on that here)!

Although still unsure of where this journey will end up, I will forever be so thankful for this sport and especially to the people who, unbeknownst to them, have helped me through a really rough time. Funny how life is sometimes. A random choice to join friends and play a game with a ridiculous name has given me a new purpose with the potential to do the same for others. Stay tuned as I am confident the bulk of this Pickleball story is yet to be told.

Thanks for stopping by.
-Ben

PS: If you found this post interesting, please consider sharing. Additionally, if you want to hear more about the Pickled project, you can read about it here.