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44 | OHCC LIVING | JANUARY 2023 | Racquet Club Join the Racquet Club… Just for the fun of it! 2022 was a fantastic year for the Racquet Club! No effort was spared to get members out of their homes and actively engaged as players, students, teachers, spectators, and volunteers. There was always something going on or coming up in pickleball, tennis, paddle tennis, and during the summer, badminton. Pickleball is the driving force at the courts with 300+ residents playing. Daily morning drop-ins allow players to show up to play with no fuss. Friday evening mixed level drop-ins offers a low-key way to play with friends and make new ones. Seasonal court schedule adjustments prioritize drop-in during prime morning hours but those preferring to reserve a court have the opportunity to do so. And middle- of-the-day and evening time slots are generally wide open. Making reservations requires a Skedda ID (contact ohrchelp@gmail.com) or just walk on to an empty court and start playing; daily schedules are posted at the courts and on the free Skedda app. The Recreation Department has paddles to check out. If you use the courts, abide by the posted rules of play. Paddle tennis and tennis players are fewer, but those who play do so regularly and with gusto! Games are prearranged but drop by the courts to see what's going on. The HOA courts with their double sets of nets and "extra" lines accommodate both paddle tennis and pickleball - confusing only at first. Monday mornings are dedicated to paddle tennis drop-ins. 2022 action included men's, women's, and mixed doubles pickleball tournaments culminating in hotly contested finals with spectators lining the Pavilion fences to watch. Our first-ever dinking competition was tons of fun! Saturday "play and stays" promoted mingling after morning games and will return in 2023. Volunteers are essential to everything the Racquet Club does. For the instructional team providing free beginner pickleball lessons, it's a labor of love. The summer's skill sessions for experienced players were highly successful because so many talented advanced players offered their time to teach technique. Tournaments require a small behind-the-scenes army to run smoothly; socials and the summer lanai party taps creative volunteers to plan and host. The massive event that was Game Day 2022 required a village; mark your calendars for Game Day II on Oct. 1, 2023. We've got more up our sleeves for 2023. Join us! Dues are $15 and worth every penny! Intermediate Division Champs Michelle and Greg Gamble (R) with Runners-up Ron and Julie Espalin (L) Advanced Division Winners David Steele and Heidi James (C) and Runners-up Lois and Jack Green (R) Novice Division Pickleball Champs Kathy & Marshall Kelsay (R) with Runners- up Robert and Cheryl Kelly (L) and referee David Levine