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58 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2022 Pure joy… Those who play this game of pickleball truly love it! We laugh, celebrate a particularly good cross court shot, and rejoice when we get in a wicked dink. But do we feel true, pure JOY? Daniel Edwards does, and he is happy to share it. Daniel Edwards celebrates not only his life and his work but also celebrates each and every one of the many people he has encouraged, challenged, and watched improve their games not only in the Skills and Drills clinics he developed, but in each and every day of his life. Dan lives his life in pure joy. As a career elementary and PE teacher and lifetime athlete, he fell naturally into the role of coach, teacher, and encourager, which has continued since his move to Four Seasons in 2017. When his neighbor Marilyn "Roadrunner" Sarchett urged him to try pickleball, it only took one day and he was hooked. He played and practiced and using the strategies learned in every sport he had played or coached, he progressed quickly to a point where one day Joanne Sepulveda asked if he would give her some pointers… others noticed and the Thursday night (6 pm) Skills and Drills was born. Dan's philosophy is inclusive; he wants everyone to celebrate their victories and learn from their mistakes. Watching his "students" put into practice or successfully utilize a new strategy brings him pure joy. Dan's strategy for helping others improve is derived from every sport he has played, and comes from sharing every tool in his athletic tool box to help others improve. "Change the pace of the ball, change the level of the ball, use your tools." Of Skills and Drills, Dan says, "I feel I have been blessed with a gift to share, and watching others improve their games and fall in love with pickleball is a total blessing for me." He also believes strongly in the ripple effect: as you improve, you share your joy in the sport and encourage others, which they do in turn. So, if you are "intermediate-ish" come out on Thursdays at 6 pm for Skills and Drills. To quote one of our seasoned players and clinic participants Irma Peterson, "I have never worked with anyone in any capacity who is always so positive. He does not allow any player to make a negative comment about their play, but instead will always turn it to something positive." Totally new to the game? You will still meet Dan on the courts because he plays with everyone. But if you are a beginner, clinics are offered on Saturdays at 9:30 am with Jeromee and Nancy. If you live in Four Seasons, and are looking for THE most fun thing to do, why not try pickleball? ~ Julie Stayner, juliestayner@gmail.com Pickleball Daniel Edwards experiences pure joy sharing his love and knowledge of Pickleball and watching people improve their game and grow An impromptu lesson from Skills and Drills mentor Daniel Edwards