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Kim Hayes,
President
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 Hi everyone, I'm Kim Hayes. I'm retired, a mom to two amazing young adults, Tyler and Kenton, and have been married to my husband Jimmy since 2014. I began playing pickleball after being invited to the free beginners' lessons in August of '21. That November, another friend suggested I come to open play at Salvation Army. I had been nervous about going, as I barely knew how to play, but so many nice people welcomed me with open arms and helped me become a better player. It was that warm welcome that made me fall in love with the game and it has continued to lead to many wonderful friendships I wouldn't have had I not accepted the invite to go to the beginners' lessons. The kindness given me has not been forgotten, and I try to extend that kindness to others who are just starting their pickleball journeys. I enjoy teaching and playing with new players. It's fun to watch them develop their skills and love of the game. I'm excited to have been elected to the board as an at large member, as it gives me another way to pay it forward and help grow our community/club so we can better find ways to meet the needs of our current and future members.
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John Eilering,
Vice President |
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Jan Gardner,
Secretary |
 Like many players, I began playing pickleball at beginner’s night at Iles Park.
Pickleball is energizing, challenging, and very addictive.
I may be one of the oldest players on the court, but my love of pickleball and the people I play with never grows old.
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Jim Hagerman,
Treasurer
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 My retirement motto is to “Live like a 9 year old!” … head out after breakfast, play all day with friends, get back home by dinner. Pickleball has been helpful in living this dream. As a CPA, I spent my career helping clients with income tax matters and financial planning. Along with pickleball, I enjoy traveling, hiking, coffee shops, music and a nice red wine. |
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Barbie Armstrong,
Executive Council
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Tina Centola,
Executive Council
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 I worked for the State of Illinois for 30+ years. When retirement was nearing, I began looking for something I could do to fill my time. I like to work out, be active, and enjoy the outdoors, so I was looking for something to fit those areas. I had heard about Pickleball so I attended several beginner nights to give it a try. Once I fully retired in 2020, I started going to Iles Park in the morning to play. I quickly fell in love. I loved that I could be active and get exercise while having so much fun! And also meet a lot of great people. I usually go south for a couple months in the winter and pickleball has provided me with a way to meet new people while travelling. We get together with some of the same people year after year. Pickleball has been a great addition to my life. That’s why when I was nominated to be a board member for the SPC. I agreed because I want to do whatever I could to help pickleball grow in our community. |
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Jack Handy,
Executive Council
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"I'm Jack Handy. I'm a retired teacher/coach, state employee, and business owner. I was part of the first group in Springfield to play pickleball on a regular basis. That was in April 2010. Our group started out that summer with 8 players. Every year we doubled or tripled in size. In 2012 the park district converted Iles Park from two tennis courts into 8 pickleball courts. It was in September 2012 when I formed the Springfield Pickleball Club so that we could help in maintaining high-quality pickleball facilities. I served as President for the first 12 years of the club's existence. I'm now back on the board serving as one of the five at-large members.
I love how pickleball is as much of a social experience as it is an athletic experience. I have made so many great friends by playing this sport. And it has played a major role in my health. In 2016, I contracted West Nile Virus. I was fortunate to survive and my doctor credited being active (in pickleball) for helping save my life. I was unable to play pickleball for six years due to balance issues as a result. In 2022 I started playing pickleball again on a regular basis."
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Sally Petrone,
Executive Council
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 After years of being coaxed by our neighbors to join them at a game of pickleball, we quickly found ourselves hooked! Wherever our travels take us, whether it's on land or at sea, we have met the friendliest people at pickleball. The best parts about pickleball are keeping the mind active (what's the score?) and the body moving and meeting you, and you, and you!
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Lindy Moore,
Executive Council |
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