Karen Strine

When I first went to play pickleball, I found that I not only loved hitting the ball with a paddle, but that I could still get exercise with not as much heavy impact as I had done playing racquetball and later in tennis. I was smitten by the sound of the pop of the ball being hit, too. Then there was the camaraderie of some old and some new friends. It was fun to learn something new and be able to laugh at each other and offer support, too. That was years ago when pickleball was beginning its rapid climb and is now called "the fastest growing sport." Pickleball is the Zeitgeist and with its explosive growth, it will continue to be. For my book, I enjoyed writing the stories of the players of the game, those involved with other aspects of the game and those who volunteer their time to grow the sport. These are their stories that readers will get to enjoy and be inspired. I reached out across the world and I sent some emails to some of the sport's ambassadors. They were willing to answer my interview questions, have shared their stories of where their countries are now in the evolution of the sport. The game is evolving further now in those countries. Today there are even more countries who are playing pickleball. Senior players embraced the game first, but the younger generations are helping to grow the sport now and are embracing it just as eagerly. It's not uncommon at all to see many different ages playing together in recreational play. I have volunteered in many capacities and helped to raise money for some of our outdoor pickleball courts. I also volunteered as an event planner/fundraiser, chairing and co-chairing different events for a decade. I want to continue that volunteerism spirit by donating a generous portion of any proceeds to pickleball charities. Everyone who buys a book will be helping, esp children, get the tools to learn the game. I was gratified when the book reviewers said that they smiled and found joy in my pickleball book while also learning new information. I hope the same for anyone who buys and reads this book as they also will be contributing some joy and hope to others. And pickleball is a game that I hope that many more will sign up to learn because it's good exercise and great fun to play with others.