by Joe Locke

Founder and President, SLV Blazing Paddles Pickleball Club

May was another busy and exciting month for the Blazing Paddles Pickleball Club and the SLV Pickleball Community. From the completion of our Men’s and Ladies Spring Ladder Leagues to our Recreation Center Open House to the Dedication of our new courts, there was something for everyone. And we still have ½ of the year left.

Congrats to all our Women’s and Men’s Ladder League Medalists

On Monday, May 11^thwe completed play for our Spring Women’s and Men’s Ladder Leagues. There were a lot of great games, and all our division champs were decided on the last day. Over 80 players and subs participated in the Spring leagues this year. We had some new players join us and many veteran players who played their hearts out.  We all enjoyed great games and new friendships.

Special thanks to Linda Dodd, Leigh Munsick, and Dave Aldrich for doing an awesome job running the leagues this season. Congratulations to all our medalists. They will be recognized at our Spring Banquet and Awards Ceremony on June 20^th.

Women’s Spring Ladder League Results

Hearts Division: JackieBarto (Gold), Diane Fielden (Silver), and Robin Auld (Bronze)

Shamrock Division: Jayne Dobes (Gold), Linda Dodd (Silver), and Nina Lilly (Bronze)

Men’s Spring Ladder League Results

Lions Division: Walt Hueston (Gold), Kord Willis (Silver), and Joe Markiewicz (Bronze)   

Tigers Division: Dave Aldrich (Gold), Bobby Downey (Silver), and Steve Dobes (Bronze)

Bears Division: Ted Mawla (Gold), Ken Ballard (Silver), and Doug Lilly (Bronze)

Blazing Paddler Brings Home 3 Medals from one tournament

Congratulations to our very own Tracy McGraw, who hit the trifecta at the NOT’lanta Open in Augusta, GA in May. Tracy won the Gold Medal with Leisa Price in the Ladies Doubles Bracket, Bronze Medal with Kelly Jordan (another Blazing Paddler) in the Mixed Doubles Bracket, and Silver in the Ladies Skinny Singles Bracket. We are very proud of you, Tracy. You go girl!!!

Pickleball was a big hit at the Recreation Center (RC) Open House

On Saturday, May 16^th the SLV Recreation Center hosted our 4th annual Open House. Over 25 clubs and organizations were represented. Several experienced players volunteered to greet new players and help get them started on the courts. A big shout out to Kim Swigart for organizing the volunteers.

In addition, the Blazing Paddles Pickleball Club had a booth inside the spacious McCormick Room. Hundreds of people stopped by the booth and 16 people joined the club that day. We also sold some of our cool club merchandise, including shirts, hats, and towels. All-in-all, a fun and successful day.

Our New Courts are Open

At the RC Open House on May 16^th, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for our 4 new Pickleball Courts. The courts are awesome, and we are all very excited and grateful to have them. A big shout out to everyone who was involved in the process, including our wonderful RC Director Andy Roth, our Community Services Director Shane Bryant, our Board of Directors, and our Operations Leadership team.

Other upcoming events sponsored by the SLV ‘Blazing Paddles’ Pickleball Club

• Our Spring Potluck Banquet and Awards Ceremony
• Jumpstart Class 2026-3
• Game Night 2026-3
• Our wicked fun Dance

If you are an SLV resident and want to join the Pickleball Club, please email our club treasurer Jacqui Errico at jerrico1234@gmail.com.