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Tony Stang,
President
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 I began playing pickleball in the summer of 2022 and immediately fell in love with the game. Through it, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people in the Springfield pickleball community. Both the sport itself and the friendships it fosters have become a true source of joy in my life.
What I love most about pickleball is its accessibility—there truly is something for everyone. Whether you’re a college athlete or retired, in peak shape or just starting your fitness journey, you can always find a court and a game waiting for you.
I’m honored to serve this community and give back to the sport and the people who have given me so much.
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Tim Hickmann,
Vice President |
I played a crazy amount of softball my entire adult life until age 62, when my right arm just couldn't throw the ball overhand anymore. A few of my softball colleagues told me about this new craze, called pickleball, where you mainly hit the ball underhand and "dink" a lot! Given that my softball hits were almost always "dinks", I figured I was a natural for pickleball. My softball days are now over, but that hole has been filled by a lot of pickleball play and what seems to be endless stream of new friends!
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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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John Gatlin,
Executive Council
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 I retired from the Illinois Department of Insurance after 36 years. Some of my leisure time I spent going to the YMCA playing racquetball with a friend who kept encouraging me to take up pickleball. I finally relented and went to "beginners" night to learn all about the game and I was hooked. I never missed a Wednesday night after that. I finally got the nerve to try another night. I sat in the bleachers when I heard a loud voice from the far end of the courts asking if I want to play pickleball. I looked around and saw no one. I figured out they were talking to me. They asked what level I was. They were looking for 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5 etc. but all I knew at the time was that sometimes I am an "A" player and sometimes I am a "D" player. They smiled and said that's good enough. From that point forward I never missed a weekday evening.
In the fall, we played under the lights until it was too cold. I was able to move inside to the Boys and Girls Club with a group of friends where we played in the mornings and taught pickleball in the afternoon. On other afternoons we provided activities to the younger children. You never know where pickleball will take you. I have made new friends that extends beyond the pickleball courts. I thoroughly enjoy not only the sport but the friendships I have made along the way. By the way, I still go to "beginner's night." Some say I still need help, but I actually go to help others learn the game and hopefully get them hooked on pickleball.
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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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Kim Hayes,
Executive Council |
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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