Celebrating Pinehurst’s Ageless Pickleball Queen
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Over 50 pickleball players and adoring fans gathered in early September at the courts at Pinehurst No. 6 to pay tribute to Mary Crusius. Celebrating her 90th birthday, Mary was instrumental in bringing one of the nation’s fastest growing sports to the golf-crazed town in 2012.
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Mary dominated Court 1 at Pinehurst No. 6 during the celebration.
Members of the PCC Pickleball Club and Senior Enrichment Center partnered to set up a morning of round-robin play, snacks, and lots of reminiscing. The group surprised her with a personalized “Pickleball Queen” paddle signed on the back with congratulations and thanks by many of the participants. Mary’s biggest surprise was a visit from her daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Gary Geiger, from California, both of whom also play pickleball.
For the past six years pickleball has been played in Pinehurst, Mary has been a welcome example to beginners and experienced pickleball players alike with her pleasant smile, careful instruction, willingness to organize, and fun competitive spirit.
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Over 50 of Mary’s “fans” gathered for her birthday and a thank-you for bringing pickleball to Pinehurst.
Every year, Mary participates in the Moore County Senior Games in the Pines and the NC Senior Games, usually bringing home a handful of medals from pickleball events and several other sports to add to her ever-growing collection. She has also served as a USAPA Ambassador, helping to grow the sport throughout the area.
Contributed by Vicki Hancock, Pinehurst Country Club Pickleball