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54 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2020 Pickleball Player Focus: Meet Gayle! How long have you been playing pickleball at Four Seasons? I have played pickleball regularly, three to six times a week, for the past year. I play in both the morning and afternoon sessions as my work schedule allows. What do you enjoy about playing pickleball at Four Seasons? There are many things to enjoy. Firstly, our pickleball people are the best. Everyone has been welcoming, supportive, and encouraging right from the first time I stepped onto the courts. There is good camaraderie. I knew no one and nothing about pickleball when I started, though had played other sports before. Shout out to Vivian Walker who became my pickleball godmother and sent me home with one of her own paddles that very first day. Also, learning to play a new game is mentally and physically stimulating, as well as fun. Strategically, there is way more to playing this game than first meets the eye. You can develop and play competitively in skill- based tournaments if you wish, or not. You begin to use muscles that you'd forgotten you had (and they may let you know that!) The endorphins released with exercise like this can make you feel better. I think many of us at this age have some nagging, uh, discomforts, which the physicality of playing pickleball can help lessen. So best choice is to "move it" not "lose it." When you are playing with others who are recovering from knee surgery, foot surgery, or casted arms, you want to buck up and play past that little backache, because you see others out there doing the same. We are all just out there enjoying the game; it's the best. How often do you play pickleball outside of Four Seasons? I have played twice outside of Four Seasons, but hope to do so more often. What would you say to someone thinking about playing pickleball at Four Seasons? If you are even thinking about playing pickleball you need to put on some comfy loose clothes, tennies, and get yourself to the pickleball courts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 3:30 pm, or take part in the beginners' lessons. Just step onto the courts, introduce yourself, let someone know it's your first time there, and we will find you a paddle to use and help you begin. You may immediately know that it's not for you, or most likely enjoy beginning a new fun sport and become part of an awesome group of people here at Four Seasons. Take that first step. ~ Karen Rose, (626) 497-6644 Pickleball

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