Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to our amazing pickleball community! 🎉 Here’s to more laughs, friendships, and great games in the year ahead.

As this year comes to a close, I’ve made the decision to step down as President of the Erie Pickleball Players Association. I have very mixed emotions, because EPPA has been a HUGE part of my life since the summer of 2021, when I walked onto the (old) Baldwin courts and very innocently asked, “Have you ever thought about having an EPPA Facebook page?”

That one question led me from Social Media and Website Manager, to Board Member, to President. It also became the groundwork for my growth—as a pickleball player, an organizer of all things pickleball, and most recently, a facility owner.

Pickleball changes people, but the network built within this community has truly changed my life. Mike and I travel often, and our paddles are always packed. Having experienced pickleball outside of Erie, I can say firsthand that what we have here is very special—no matter which courts you play on or what level you play at.

I talk often about the early days of pickleball in this area because some newer players may not realize that just a few years ago, we didn’t have dedicated courts, true pickleball surfaces, or “real” nets. We’ve come so far in such a short amount of time, and I credit the efforts of EPPA board members (past and present) as well as our members, for that growth.

I’ll never forget showing up at Baldwin alone, nervously approaching the courts and wondering if I’d be good enough to keep up. I’ll never forget Keith Pierce explaining how the paddle stack worked—back when paddles were stacked on the ground and a rock was moved to show who was up next. I know… it sounds like the Stone Ages, not 2021.

Back then, there were very limited options for places to play.

After that first summer at Baldwin, the weather turned and I started to panic—I couldn’t imagine going even one day without pickleball. I loved playing with friends at Church of the Cross, but my work schedule didn’t align with the gym hours (or any gym hours).  Thankfully, Westwood Racquet Club had painted pickleball lines on one of the tennis courts and many of us flocked there to get in our games.  Unfortunately for us players, after one year too many of us started playing on those two courts and it was a bit of a scheduling nightmare to get in games.

EPPA had a strong relationship with Westwood, and I spent countless hours there—playing, running tournaments, helping with clinics, and frequently bugging asking Tom (the owner) for more pickleball courts. I never imagined that Mike and I would become involved in expanding pickleball at Westwood, but organic growth, high demand, and a shared passion led to the creation of Around the Post. When we were asked to partner in this venture, it was an easy YES! Selfishly, WE wanted courts to play on—but more importantly, to us- pickleball has ALWAYS been about community and more courts meant creating a stronger pickleball community.

I’ve witnessed incredible friendships form through this sport. With the addition of more members and more courts at Around the Post this season, my time has become increasingly stretched thinner, which is why I need to scale back my responsibilities with EPPA.

In a city our size, we are incredibly fortunate to have so many indoor and outdoor playing options. No matter which courts you consider your “home courts,” I’ve crossed paths with almost all of you during my time as EPPA President, and I am genuinely thankful for your support.

If I had never gone to Baldwin in 2021 or started helping with EPPA, none of what I’m doing today would be possible. To Bob Borgia, Tom Wisinski, and Jim Perrotto—thank you for starting an organization that has changed the Erie pickleball community for me and for so many others!

To Renee Majchrzak, Sherry Elchynski, Rick Seibel, Rob Ricart, Nina Siggia, Jeremy Spader, Bill Wozniak, and all committee members and volunteers—thank you for making our events, clinics, and tournaments possible. The wonderful feedback we consistently receive is because of you.

Lastly, a VERY special thank you to Andre Francis. You have been a supportive Vice President who truly wants the best for the development of pickleball. You’ve dedicated countless hours to becoming PPR Pro Certified, planning and running tournaments, mentoring players, and stepping up whenever needed. I am incredibly grateful to pass the torch to such capable hands.

Ladies and gentlemen, I proudly introduce the next President of the Erie Pickleball Players Association… Andre Francis!

I will be staying on the board in the role of Secretary, as EPPA remains an organization I am passionate about.

Bill Wozniak will be filling Rob Ricart’s board position as Rob enjoys retirement and more time with his family. If you’ve ever met Bill, you know his enthusiasm for pickleball and his commitment to getting things done efficiently. We’re excited to officially welcome him to the board.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Melissa Hart to the EPPA Board as Vice President. Melissa has been a dedicated volunteer at nearly every EPPA event since joining, and we’re excited to have her leadership and energy on the board.

Looking ahead to 2026, we have many exciting things planned. One project I’m especially proud of is our continued partnership with Urban University to host a weeklong youth pickleball clinic. This year, EPPA and Royal Pickleball are partnering to ensure every youth participant begins their pickleball journey with a brand-new, high-quality paddle. More details to come!

If you know someone who plays pickleball but isn’t yet familiar with EPPA, please direct them to our website. Our minimal annual dues help support pickleball in our area, and the more members we have, the greater impact we can make!

Thank you all for being part of the very best pickleball community around. Happy New Year!