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Autumn is here and all around us we see red, orange, and yellow. But what seems like a “change” in color is actually just a fading of chlorophyll caused by the temperature dropping, revealing the vibrant hues hidden in the leaves all along.
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I like to think that there’s a pickleball player hiding in every person and maybe the conditions haven’t been right yet for their hidden talents to shine! This month, think about inviting someone new to the courts to learn about the game that we all love so much!
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In This Issue:
- The Commissioners' Corner
- Big Hearts in Our Pickleball Community
- Remembering Jim Holland
- Pickleball Classes and Open Play in Chesterfield County
- U.S. Legends Pickleball League: Follow the Richmond Rocketeers!
- Highlighted Charity Tournament
- Benefits of Partnering with the PPA for the VA Beach Tournament
- Member Discount for the Honcho Amateur Tour
- Court Updates
The Commissioners' Corner
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A Note from Debra and Maggie
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Thank you to all our players, league coordinators, and board members for making this season truly memorable! We loved connecting with so many of you and supporting the league throughout the season. Your energy, teamwork, and commitment made everything possible.
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Keep an eye on future newsletters for registration information for the Spring 2026 season, anticipated in late February/early March.
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Your feedback matters! Please check your email for the league survey that was sent out. We want to hear from you, get your feedback, hear your ideas and suggestions. It will help make the next season even better. Please take a few minutes to respond by November 10th. Let your voice be heard!
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Drives & Dinks Dudes league, Tuesday nights @ Harry Daniels
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Serve & Volley Superstars league, Sunday afternoons @ CTC
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Friday Night Paddle Party league @ CTC
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Big Hearts in Our Pickleball Community
We are fortunate to have so many wonderful members in the PCCC doing great things in the community to promote pickleball. In addition to the warm and welcoming people on the courts, the many charity tournaments, and the selfless players who pick up trash and help keep the courts looking nice, there are others working quietly to benefit the community on their own. Here are two examples, both showing support of our growing youth population.
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A Providential Bonus for Providence Middle School
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In September, one of our long-time players and good friend, Dave Simon, hosted a small pickleball tournament followed by an evening cookout at Kim Nelson's home on the James River. There was a minimal charge to cover expenses, but as it turned out, they had money left over. Dave, who has a heart of gold, came up with the idea of using this money to purchase and donate pickleball equipment—including nets, paddles, and balls—to Providence Middle School.
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One day last month, Dave and some friends did precisely that. The supplies were graciously received by the staff, who are looking forward to putting them to good use. Thank you, Dave and friends, for your generosity in supporting the growth and enjoyment of pickleball among the youth, who we know are our future.
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Paddles for Schools - Donate Your Old Paddle to a Good Cause
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Last month we told you about a generous paddle donation by one of our members (see pic of Donn's gift below). This month we want to highlight the person spearheading this project, Carol Bechtler.
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PCCC member Carol Bechtler started collecting last September after witnessing the disparity of paddles being used by a group of students that were playing on the court next to her at CTC. She noticed that one duo had quality paddles–borrowed from their parents according to the P.E. coach–while the opponents who had horrible ones were losing badly and not having fun. She loaned the girls a couple paddles and observed that "the change was like night and day.” Soon the girls were full of smiles and they were the ones making their opponents run all over the court!
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This project hit the “sweet spot” for Carol. As a former P.E. teacher, she knows the limits of school funding and the struggle to get sports equipment. In the past year, she has collected and distributed a dozen paddles, but she is hoping for many more. Can you help? This is a great way to support Chesterfield area schools and spread the joy of pickleball.
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To donate your paddles, you can text Carol directly at 804-839-0989 to set up a drop off at one of the county pickleball courts (please provide your name and let her know it’s for the Paddles for Schools project).
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Remembering Jim Holland
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A Heartfelt Tribute by Linda Scott
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Jim Holland was a true champion for Chesterfield County, having served as the longest-tenured member of the Board of Supervisors (17 years) and leaving a lasting legacy of bringing people together in the spirit of community. He was also my friend.
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His steadfast support of pickleball’s expansion in our county has been invaluable to residents, particularly those who enjoy the courts at Harry Daniels Park, which became a reality thanks to Jim’s hard work and leadership. His attendance at every ribbon-cutting ceremony for each newly-installed county court was much appreciated. Known for his ability to foster collaboration, Jim Holland earned the admiration and respect of all who had the privilege of working with him. His friendship and advocacy for our pickleball community will be missed.
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Pickleball Classes and Open Play in Chesterfield County
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Chesterfield Parks and Recreation has some upcoming pickleball classes, boot camps, and a listing of indoor and outdoor places where you can play for free. They have expanded their offerings to youth and teen classes, too! Click HERE to check the dates and locations (enter “pickleball” in the search box).
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US Legends Pickleball League: Follow the Rocketeers!
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Have you heard of the Richmond Rocketeers? They are one of 12 teams in the U.S. Legends Pickleball League, a brand new national league created for senior pro players ages 50+/60+. Two of the Rocketeers’ 14 players are locals you may know: Marcie Cetani and Michael Cao. We’d like to congratulate them on placing 3rd in the most recent Showdown in Hatboro, PA and on being ranked 5th overall! Their next event will be in Baltimore on December 5-7th. If you’d like to follow the league play, check out the U.S. Legends website where you can find the schedule, rankings, and links to game replays on YouTube.
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Coming in 2026: the league will expand to include a division for players aged 35-49 with tryouts in Richmond scheduled for January 16-18, 2026. If you’re interested, click on the “35+ Pros” tab on the USLPL website for more information.
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Highlighted Charity Tournament
- When: November 15th
- Where: Performance Pickleball, 8641 Quioccasin Rd, Henrico, VA, 23229
- Cost: $65 plus fees
- Registration closes November 9th.
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We Are All Winners!
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Benefits of Partnering with the PPA for the VA Beach Tournament
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In July, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) invited the PCCC to partner with them to promote their Virginia Beach pro series. This collaboration benefitted our members through the use of a unique discount code offering savings on tickets and registration.
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We are thrilled to report that our members and friends in the community saved nearly $1000, and the reduced pricing allowed some people to attend who might not have without the discount.
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Additionally, the club earned $723 for our promotion efforts. As a non-profit organization with a mission to support and grow pickleball in Chesterfield County, we are grateful to have had this opportunity. These proceeds will help fund future activities and support our community.
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Word on the street is that the PPA is coming back next year for a third tour! We hope to partner with them again so we can all save money and enjoy more great pickleball!
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Member Discount for the Honcho Amateur Tournament
Along those lines, here is another opportunity for you to save, this time as a player. The Honcho Amateur Tour Powered by JOOLA is coming to Richmond on November 22nd - November 23rd, 2025. Performance Pickleball RVA is hosting.
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When using the code PCCC, players can save $13.00 off the $105 required for registration. (This is a benefit to our membership; PCCC is not receiving any commission for promoting this tournament.)
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This is a round robin, doubles-only tournament (Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed), with a minimum of six scheduled matches. Registration closes on November 16th.
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Court Updates
We are grateful to be a co-sponsored club through Chesterfield County and always appreciate their support. We continue to field questions about the status of the new shade structure at CTC. We want to assure you that the Parks and Recreation Board is responsive to our feedback and working on a plan for this structure. As soon as we know more about this and other court improvements, we will let you know!
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On a personal note, I'd like to express my gratitude to this wonderful community for your kind and encouraging words as my husband Dave navigates ongoing health issues. We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
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Sending warm, positive thoughts to all of you as we enter the holiday season!
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