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2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball
National Championships
Oct 31 – Nov 8, 2026 | Barnes Tennis Center | San Diego, CA
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Meet the Team

USA Pickleball Staff

Our team is dedicated to advancing pickleball at every level, from local courts to National Championships. With diverse expertise and a shared passion, we’re proud to lead the way in shaping the future of the fastest-growing sport in America.
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Mike Nealy

Chief Executive Officer

Mike's Bio

Mike Nealy is the Chief Executive Officer at USA Pickleball and is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization. He is a Minnesota native and holds a BSB and an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Mike believes pickleball has a special quality of bringing people together and loves seeing the diversity of players enjoying the game. When he’s not working, you can find him on the pickleball court, golf course or out hiking with family or friends.

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Justin Maloof

Chief Competition Officer

Justin's Bio

Justin Maloof was the organization’s first full-time employee, where he oversaw every aspect of USA Pickleball’s operational structure, sustainability and service to its members and sponsors. Currently the Chief Competition Officer, he and his team are responsible for the oversight of the USAP National Championships, competitive event sanctioned and certified play, officiating and other national governing sport-related operations. He also serves on the board of directors of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), the international governing body for pickleball. Justin is originally from Tacoma, WA, where he was first introduced to pickleball in the mid-‘80’s. After graduating from the University of Puget Sound in ’92, he started his career in sports as an account executive with the WHL’s Tacoma Rockets Hockey Club. He then relocated to Phoenix and worked for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes Hockey Club for 16 years, initially as the head of fan development before being named executive director of the team’s training center in Scottsdale. Justin loves pickleball because of the positive impact it has on people of all ages and abilities. In his spare time, Justin is an aviation enthusiast and is currently obtaining a virtual pilot certificate as he considers pursuing a pilot license.

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Jose Moreno

Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Director, USA Pickleball Serves

Jose's Bio

Jose Moreno is the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Director, USA Pickleball Serves at USA Pickleball, where he leads the organization’s marketing, brand development, partnerships, communications, and community impact initiatives. In his role overseeing USA Pickleball Serves, Jose is focused on expanding access to the sport through youth programming, community partnerships, court initiatives, and inclusive opportunities that help grow pickleball nationwide.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Jose is a proud graduate of University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and holds a master’s degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is passionate about pickleball because of its energy, inclusivity, and unique ability to bring people together across generations and communities.

Outside of work, Jose enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, exploring the outdoors, and traveling the world.

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Carl Schmits

Chief Technical Officer

Carl's Bio

Carl Schmits serves as Chief Technical Officer. He also serves as the chair of the Equipment and Evaluation Committee (EEC) and chairs the ASTM pickleball equipment and facilities subcommittee. The Technology Office is responsible for a) the definition, design, and implementation of specifications, standards and testing protocols; b) facilities development and certification program; c) research in the areas of player and performance analytics, acoustics, etc. Carl’s training was in industrial and systems engineering with Battelle Memorial Institute, with careers in professional racquet sports (including field product development), and executive-level roles within information and communications technology, medical device development, robotics and renewable energy. Carl holds a CTO certification from MIT Professional Education.

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Luke Underwood

Vice President of National Events

Luke's Bio

Luke Underwood is the Vice President of National Events. He works to partner with cities and sports commissions to build and produce world-class events, including USAP Golden Tickets and the USAP National Championship. With over 20 years of industry experience, he has worked in various sports and entertainment events, including the FIFA World Cup, Major League Rugby, MLB, Live Nation, and ESPN. Luke spent over a decade touring with mainstream recording artists and has spent time teaching English and Communications in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With additional experience in broadcasting, political consulting, hospitality, and construction management, he is dedicated to building world-class event experiences and helping to continue to grow the sport of pickleball. Luke loves pickleball because it allows for all ages and generations of my family to compete in a sport that values fellowship, athleticism, and integrity. It's a great way to meet people and be hyper competitive and social at the same time. His favorite things to do when not working are: playing pickleball, volunteering, watching the Buffalo Bills, cooking, and going on family adventures. He has been married for 15 years to his wife Angie, and has 3 children (Sydney, Nolan, and Baxter) who all play pickleball. Luke calls both Woodstock, VT, and Peoria, AZ, home, and is a proud Lumberjack from Northern Arizona University.

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Riley Burgess

Vice President of Equipment Compliance

Riley's Bio

Riley Burgess is the Vice President of Compliance, overseeing USAP’s compliance department, which in turn keeps the game of pickleball on a fair and even playing field and strengthens USAP’s brand. This includes communication with manufacturers, our testing lab, and our team of referees. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated from Marquette University with a double major in Supply Chain Management & Finance. I love Pickleball because you can learn to play the game and enjoy it faster than any other sport in recent memory. In my downtime, I love hanging out with my family and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Lance Cowart

Vice President of Competition

Lance's Bio

Lance Cowart is the Managing Director of National Championships. Lance fills the role of tournament director for all events run and operated by USA Pickleball. He is also a member of the Rules and Equipment committees, working to ensure fair play across all levels of pickleball. Lance is from Dallas, Texas, and attended Abilene Christian University. Lance got involved in pickleball after he saw four generations of the same family playing together on the court, which he had never seen with any other sport. When not working or playing pickleball, Lance loves spending time with family, traveling and on the lake doing all types of watersports.

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Christian Portaro

Vice President of Partnerships

Christian's Bio

Christian Portaro serves as the Vice President of Partnerships where he oversees the strategic planning and execution of partnership sales and activation, collaborating across departments to deliver solutions that align with partners’ goals. Christian was born in Las Vegas, NV and graduated from Arizona State University in 2016 with a degree in Business Marketing. Pickleball is his favorite way to stay active - equal parts fun, competitive, and a great way to connect with coworkers. When he's not working, he loves spending time with his girls at home and attending Cleveland sports events whenever he can.
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Julie Atherton

Managing Director of Human Resources

Julie's Bio

Julie Atherton is the Managing Director of Human Resources and oversees the organization's human resources programs, payroll and IT support. She is from Illinois and a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. Julie loves that the sport of pickleball reaches everyone and is enjoyed by so many. When not working, Julie can be found hiking or spending time with friends.

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Gail Avisar

Managing Director of Legal Compliance & Office Administration

Gail's Bio

Gail Avisar is the Managing Director of Legal Compliance and Office Administration of USA Pickleball. Gail’s Alma Mater is Queens College in New York, where she was an English Major with an emphasis in creative writing. Gail considers Flushing, Queens, New York and Salt Lake City, Utah, her hometowns. Gail loves pickleball because it reaches and bridges demographics that may not normally connect. When not working, Gail enjoys spending time with her family (and 5-year-old puppy), interior design and antiquing.

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Tom Tadler

Managing Director of Officiating

Tom's Bio

Tom Tadler is currently the Managing Director of Officiating and the Chairman of the Referee Advisory Council for USA Pickleball. He is a Registered Referee Trainer and a member of the Advanced Training Session Team in the Atlantic South Region led by Julie Scott. Tom has over 1,500 refereed matches since joining USA Pickleball. He joined the USAP referee program in 2018 and became a Certified Referee in September of 2019. He has been the lead official on many televised and live-streamed broadcasts, including for USA Pickleball, the Minto US Open, Association of Pickleball Players (APP), and Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) matches. Tom has worked for Axalta Coatings for many years, managing multimillion-dollar global customers located in 10 countries. He has negotiated contracts and managed support teams that service the customer to reach production and quality goals. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Illinois State University.

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Keith Helmuth

Controller

Keith's Bio

Keith Helmuth is Controller of USA Pickleball, I oversee the financial controls for the company and report on and deliver the financial results for management and our board of directors. My hometown is Kouts, Indiana, home of the Kouts Mustangs! I enjoy sports and being active, which is why I’m drawn to pickleball. It’s the great mix of competition, social aspects and skill that I love. My favorite thing to do when I’m not working is spending time with my awesome wife and family, working out, reading books and working on my urban garden.

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Andrea Fogarty

Senior Director of Marketing & Communications

Andrea's Bio

Andrea Fogarty is the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at USA Pickleball, where she leads brand strategy, marketing initiatives, and creative development across the organization. Andrea brings over a decade of experience in marketing and branding, including several roles at marketing agencies, where she partnered with a wide range of brands to build compelling campaigns and experiences. A graduate of Arizona State University and an Arizona native, Andrea is passionate about creating work that is both strategic and engaging, helping connect people to the sport through thoughtful storytelling and fun, community-driven experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

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Drew Thomas

Senior Director of Memberships

Drew's Bio

Drew Thomas serves as Senior Director of Memberships, a role designed to enhance the organization's offerings. With a focus on expanding sanctioned tournaments and certified leagues, Drew will work across the Membership Department to elevate the pickleball experience for all members. Drew lives in Southwest Florida and is a graduate of Miami University. He loves pickleball because it gives him the opportunity to compete and stay active in a fun and social setting. His favorite thing to do when not working is taking his Bernedoodle, Luna, to the dog beach!

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Craig Haas

Director of Tournament Operations

Craig's Bio

Craig Haas is the Director of Tournament Operations. He loves managing the operations of the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournaments and the National Championships. He found pickleball through a friend in 2012 in his hometown of Huntington Beach, CA where he quickly fell in love with playing pickleball. Since 2015 he has been helping to manage tournament operations from local events to nationally run tournaments. When not running a tournament or playing pickleball Craig is usually off walking with his dog Rascal.

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Jennifer Rogers

Director of Communications & PR

Jennifer's Bio

Jennifer Rogers is the Director of Communications and PR at USA Pickleball, where she leads the organization’s national communications strategy, public relations efforts, media engagement, storytelling, and more. Jennifer brings over a decade of experience in sports and entertainment. She held several roles with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and within Major League Baseball organizations, including the Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Miami Marlins, and Kansas City Royals. A graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Communications. Jennifer loves pickleball because it is a sport that anyone can get involved in and find a sense of community. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and watching sports.

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Ashley Stuart

Director of Partnerships

Ashley's Bio

Ashley Stuart serves as Director of Partnerships at USA Pickleball. Ashley is from Bay City, Michigan and graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University. Fire up Chips! Ashley loves the sport of pickleball because it truly is for everyone and this sport has introduced her to so many amazing people. Ashley's favorite things to do when she's not working are going to Pilates or spending time with friends, family or her Bernese Mountain Dog!

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Nick Salute

Director of Partnerships

Nick's Bio

Nick Salute serves as Director of Partnerships at USA Pickleball. I lead our partnership activation team and manage several key partnership accounts. I oversee year-round asset delivery, partnership fulfillment, and renewals, and I take pride in finding creative, innovative ways to drive value for our brand partners while building strong, lasting relationships. I first picked up a pickleball paddle more than ten years ago, and about three years ago I began playing competitively, entering tournaments and playing weekly. What I love most about pickleball is its accessibility—beginners can jump in and enjoy it right away, yet it still offers high-level competition for those looking to push themselves. I enjoy competing, but I equally appreciate casual Sunday morning games with my family. When I’m not working, I’m usually outside enjoying the outdoors with my wife, Lindsey, our son, Bo, and our dog, Sophie. I’m passionate about staying active, exploring new places, and making the most of family time.

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Hana Sorce

Director of Player Development & Pathways

Hana's Bio

Hana Sorce serves as the Director of Player Development & Pathways for USA Pickleball. In this role, she develops and facilitates resources that support recreational groups, universities and organizations looking to create or expand pickleball programming. Originally from Temecula, California, she played collegiate tennis at Ottawa University in Surprise, Arizona. Hana loves playing pickleball for its social and competitive nature. Outside of work, she enjoys shopping, cooking, and spending quality time with loved ones.

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Jon Lampe

Director of Education

Jon's Bio

Jon Lampe serves as the Director of Education, overseeing education initiatives for USA Pickleball, from course development to learning resources. My job is to make sure anyone stepping onto a court has the tools and guidance they need to grow in the sport. I’m originally from the St. Louis area and earned my BA at the University of Missouri–St. Louis before completing my MFA at the University of Miami. I love pickleball because it strikes the perfect balance between strategy, athleticism, and community. It’s one of the few sports where total beginners and seasoned players can share a court, compete, and still enjoy themselves. When I’m not working, I’m usually reading, exploring new coffee spots, or getting outside for a long bike ride or run.

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Devyn McCurdy

Director of Event Operations

Devyn's Bio

Devyn McCurdy serves as the Director of Event Operations for USA Pickleball. In her role, she oversees the planning and execution of premier pickleball tournaments nationwide, managing all operational logistics to ensure each event aligns with the organization’s brand, mission, and growing community. Originally from Folsom, California and a proud University of Oregon graduate, Devyn brings a deep passion for sports and community-driven experiences to her role. As a beginner pickleball player, she fell in love with the sport for its energy, accessibility, and the way it brings people of all ages together. When she’s not working, Devyn enjoys cooking, attending sporting events and concerts, spending time outdoors, and enjoying time with friends and family.

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Louis Thiel

Director of Membership Services

Louis's Bio

Louis Thiel serves as Director of Membership Services, often the first point of contact for our members when they have questions or need support. He also serves as the liaison for our membership platform, partnering with Sport80 to ensure we deliver the best possible experience for our community. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Grand Canyon University’s Jerry Colangelo College of Business in 2019. What he loves most about pickleball is how it brings generations together. Seeing grandparents and grandchildren share the court perfectly captures the spirit of our sport. Outside of work, you’ll likely find him reading a good book, firing up the barbecue, or catching the game.

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Jordan Onarheim

Graphic Designer

Jordan's Bio

Jordan Onarheim serves as Graphic Designer for USA Pickleball. In her role, Jordan works diligently each day to ensure the brand remains visually consistent, recognizable, and fresh, applying her creativity and attention to detail across a wide range of design materials. Jordan is native to Wisconsin but graduated from Grand Canyon University. When not working, you can find Jordan trying new crafts, thrifting, and enjoying some good sushi.

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Peter Borg

Senior Accountant

Peter's Bio

Peter Borg is the Senior Accountant. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Northern Arizona University. I enjoy pickleball for its accessibility across a wide range of ages and skill levels. Outside of work, my interests include blacksmithing and rock climbing.

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Andrea Moultrie

Volunteer and Events Manager

Andrea's Bio

Andrea Moultrie is a Volunteer and Events Manager at USA Pickleball, where she leads volunteer programs, event operations, and hospitality efforts for national tournaments. She is passionate about creating seamless, welcoming event environments by blending operational strategy with people-centered leadership to support athletes, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. From Bessemer, Alabama, Andrea holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Sport Management from Jacksonville State University. She loves pickleball for its inclusive, community-driven nature and the way it brings people of all backgrounds together through sport. When she’s not working, Andrea enjoys traveling, spending quality time with friends and family, and engaging in experiences that recharge her and keep her inspired.

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AJ Peterson

Partnership Activation Manager

AJ's Bio

AJ Peterson is the Partnership Activation Manager for USA Pickleball, managing the execution of partnership marketing objectives and providing partners with meaningful insights and timely updates. A proud Arizona State University alum, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism and a master’s degree in Sports Law and Business. AJ loves the social aspect of pickleball and often plays with friends and family in casual settings. When he’s not working, you can probably find him enjoying a walk with his wife and their dog.

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Sydney Kim

Social Media & Marketing Coordinator

Sydney's Bio

Sydney Kim serves as the Social Media & Marketing Coordinator for USA Pickleball. In this role, Sydney manages social media platforms, develops and executes content strategies, and supports overarching marketing and communications initiatives. Originally from Houston, Texas, she attended Arizona State University where she ran track and obtained dual bachelor's degrees in Sports Business, Business Management, and a minor in Communications. Sydney loves pickleball because it brings together people of all ages and skill level together. When not working, Sydney enjoys traveling, attending country music concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

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GraceAnn Stewart

Communications Coordinator

GraceAnn's Bio

GraceAnn Stewart serves as the Communications Coordinator here at USA Pickleball where she supports the organization’s communications and public relations efforts, with a strong focus on email marketing. She works closely with the communications team to help share USA Pickleball’s stories, engage the growing pickleball community, and support media and digital outreach efforts. GraceAnn was born and raised in San Diego, California, but graduated from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Communications and Sports Management. She loves pickleball for the unique sense of community it creates, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. Outside of work GraceAnn enjoys traveling, spending time on the water, and hanging out with friends and family.

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Bowen Corley

Community Relations Coordinator

Bowen's Bio

Bowen Corley is the Community Relations Coordinator at USA Pickleball, where she supports national community engagement initiatives through USA Pickleball Serves, helping expand access to the sport through programs, events, and community-focused initiatives. She is originally from Gainesville, GA, and is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, where she earned both her B.S. in Human Development and Family Science and her M.A. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. GO DAWGS!

She loves pickleball because it is an intergenerational sport that strengthens both communities and families. Outside of work, she enjoys playing sports and music, spending time with friends and family, and being involved at church.

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Justin Richardson

Event Logistics Coordinator

Justin's Bio

Justin Richardson is the Event Logistics Coordinator. His role is to coordinate logistical aspects of USA Pickleball tournaments, such as venue setup, equipment management, vendor coordination, and on-site logistics, to ensure successful event execution. Justin is from Orange County, California, and before attending Arizona State University to study sports business. He loves pickleball because it can be enjoyed and played by people of all skill levels and ages. His favorite thing to do when not working is to be around my community and spend time with family.

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Ambassador Engagement Managers

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Logan Halla

Senior Manager, Sanctioning and Ambassador Engagement

Logan's Bio

Logan Halla serves as the Ambassador Engagement Manager for the North region, I have the privilege of working with USAP Ambassadors across Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. My role centers on recruiting, developing, and managing our ever-expanding network of Ambassadors to effectively grow the sport in their local communities, and I'm here to serve as a resource for each and every one of them. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota (SKOL Vikings!), I've proudly called Denver, Colorado home for the past 10+ years. I love pickleball for how accessible it is to people of all ages and backgrounds — it's a fantastic way to meet new friends, build community, and have a great time while burning some calories. When I'm not working — or playing pickleball, which I suppose now technically counts as working — you can find me hiking, skiing, or taking my dog for walks with my wife.

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Heather Conger

Senior Manager, Ambassador Engagement

Heather's Bio

Heather Conger serves as the Ambassador Engagement Manager – East for USA Pickleball, supporting ambassadors, facilities, and pickleball communities across the eastern United States, from Maine to South Carolina. She values pickleball for the strong sense of community it fosters and the meaningful relationships built through the sport, while also appreciating the competitive aspects that align with her lifelong background in athletics. She is based in Medford, New Jersey, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, as well as a Master of Education with a concentration in Athletic Administration from The College of New Jersey. Outside of work and pickleball, she enjoys spending time with her family, including husband, Stephen, and their children, Matthew and Emily.

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Eddie McDonald

Ambassador Engagement Manager - South

Eddie's Bio

Eddie McDonald is the Ambassador Engagement Manager for the South, which includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico and the US. Virgin Islands. In addition to my work with all of our staff members, I work with all of the USA Pickleball Ambassadors in those states, providing support and guidance for all things Pickleball. I grew up in Tate, Georgia, which is located approximately 55 miles north of Atlanta, but a very rural community. I recieved my undergraduate degree from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia and my Master's Degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I have always loved all kinds of sports since childhood. Pickleball was something that I actually taught in high school back in the Mid-1990's. When I saw the sport again 20 years later, I fell back in love with it. As everyone who plays knows, this sport is not only fun but also so social that it is almost impossible to stop playing once you start. The relationships that my wife and I have formed over the past 10 years from playing have been the most rewarding aspect of the sport. I always tell people that almost all of my friends are those that I either go to church with or who I have played Pickleball with! This sport is the first of many that I have played over the years that both my wife and I have done together. It has changed our lives!

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Ben Frie

Ambassador Engagement Manager - West

Ben's Bio

Ben Frie serves as Area Engagement Manager West. My role includes supporting over 600 USA Pickleball Ambassadors in 13 western states of the US to supporting community programs like USAP Serves, USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournaments plus community clinics. Hometown is Overland Park, Kansas but Arizona has been home for 7 years now. University of Kansas is my Alma Mater with my Jayhawk flag proudly flying at my Arizona house. Pickleball is more than a game at the Frie house. It is part of our daily/weekly/monthly social calendar to meet up with friends and family. Hiking is part of the Frie household passion weekly passion.