When Life Gave Deb Redmond A Travel Delay, She Made A Lifetime Pickleball Memory

An impromptu pickleball game in the San Francisco airport was just one of the pickleball-related surprises on Redmond’s recent trip to visit her sister.

By Bob Reinert
Red Line Editorial

If Deb Redmond learned one thing during her recent weekend trip to California, it’s that you should always carry your pickleball paddles and ball with you.

When she encountered a 5½-hour delay between flights at San Francisco International Airport on her way to see her sister in Bishop, California, Redmond knew just what to do. She asked if anybody wanted to play pickleball.

A young family of five that included three small children took Redmond up on her offer, so she reached into her backpack for her paddles and foam ball and found a spot in the nearly deserted end of the airport terminal.

“You almost needed to be there to believe it,” Redmond recalled. “We just got out the paddles and started playing. I’ve had some great times playing pickleball, but that was one of my favorites.

“We just had an absolute blast. It was just a great time. They were just adorable. You know how kids are. They’ll do anything. They’re just so fun to be around. I really enjoy the kids.”

The youngest, Scarlett, showed real promise, according to Redmond.

“I don’t think Scarlett put the paddle down the whole, entire time,” she said. “I think we are going to see her on the national (pickleball) circuit one day.”

They played in an area between rows of seats that Redmond estimated was about three-quarters the size of a regulation pickleball court. They had to employ an imaginary net. By the time they finished playing, Redmond had racked up more than 10,000 steps on her activity app.

“It just happened,” said Redmond of the impromptu pickleball lesson. “It was an angel from pickleball. This was just classic. It was a lifetime memory. I’ll just never forget it.”

Ironically, it was made possible because Redmond was traveling from her home in Caldwell, Idaho, to Bishop to teach her sister Janna how to play the game. She had placed her pickleball equipment in her carry-on when she had no room left in her suitcase.

The trip became even more memorable when Redmond and Janna went to a Bishop park to play. Redmond noticed that someone was conducting a pickleball skills class.

When the woman turned around, Redmond discovered that it was 2019 Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee Jennifer Lucore, a longtime championship player and co-author of “The History of Pickleball: More Than 50 Years of Fun.” Lucore was attending a family reunion in nearby Aspendell.

Redmond recalled watching Lucore and doubles partner Alex Hamner playing in tournaments when she was learning the game. She had tried to emulate what they did on the court.

And the happy surprises didn’t end there.

While Redmond was visiting Janna, their brother Buzz made a trip up from his home in Las Vegas. Though recovering from hip replacement surgery, he also became enamored with pickleball and is awaiting the approval of his doctor to begin playing.

“It really was a weekend of surprises,” Redmond said. “It was just a fun weekend.”

Redmond began playing eight years ago in the YMCA gym in Caldwell. She had retired in 2013, after 22 years as director of food service for the Vallivue School District there.

“I’ve always loved being active,” she said. “I don’t know what I would do without pickleball.”

Redmond is one of more than 150 members in the Canyon County Pickleball Club. Funded by an urban renewal grant of $750,000, Caldwell opened eight new outdoor pickleball courts last August.

“It’s a great facility,” Redmond said.

As Redmond pointed out, the club holds two tournaments a year. Members enter for free, and outsiders can play for $15 each. Like other members of her club, Redmond is committed to preaching the gospel of pickleball to anyone who will listen.

“I’ll teach anybody that wants to play how to play,” she said. “I just want people to love the sport as much as I do. Our whole club is really good with that, as far as the newbies coming on, just helping everybody get better and better.”

And in that quest, Redmond won’t be leaving home without her equipment again.

“I guess the (moral) of the story is carry on your pickleball paddles and your foam ball in a bag,” said Redmond, “in case you need them in the airport.”

Bob Reinert spent 17 years writing sports for The Boston Globe. He also served as a sports information director at Saint Anselm College and Phillips Exeter Academy. He is a contributor to USA Pickleball on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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