Men's & Women's Doubles Tournament Registration Underway
As soon as the link went live Tuesday, registrations started rolling in for the inaugural Men’s and Women’s Doubles Tournaments set for the second week of July. The women’s tourney, sponsored by Sisters & Company, will be Thursday, July 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Marshdale courts. The men will play Tuesday, July 11, also at Marshdale from 8 to 2.
Form your own team or ask to have one chosen for you by selecting Individual status when registering. Two choices are thoughtfully provided: “Yes, please, I’m desperate.” or “No thanks, I’ll keep looking.”
We are thrilled to have Sisters & Company sponsoring the women’s tournament. Anyone who is not playing in the tournaments but would like to help with the myriad tasks associated with putting it on, please contact tournament director Mick Pearce.
World Team Pickleball Director Returns to Evergreen
Laura Fenton Kovanda and three pickleball pros were enthusiastically welcomed to Marshdale Monday by a sold-out group of 32 players eager to learn.
From left, Sarah German, Laura Fenton Kovanda, Jerry Beth Owen at this year’s clinic
Laura’s clinic made its first appearance in Evergreen four years ago through the efforts of Sarah German and Kathy Fasold, who encountered her at an event in the Denver area earlier in 2019. This year, Laura thanked EPC’s Jerry Beth Owen for working tirelessly to facilitate the logistics associated with the 2023 clinic, and also expressed her appreciation for Sarah’s help. Shirlie Price actually loaned her house to the pros.
From left, Kevin Neeson, Conor Gallegos, Laura Fenton Kovanda and Donnie Gallegos at the public exhibition
At the three-day clinic, there was intensive instruction in court positioning. correct execution of all kinds of shots and how to prepare mentally. Proper nutrition and warmup/cooldowns were emphasized each day. Laura, a five-time U.S. Open champion, is not kidding when she says she is a stickler for detail.
The first day of the clinic was topped off with an evening exhibition for the public. Laura, along with Donnie Gallegos, Kevin Neeson and Connor Basnight, battled through five games. Lest anyone forget, and no one did, Connor is young - but not too young to be an IPTPA certified teaching professional in Overland Park, KS. Donnie is a staff pickleball pro at the Gates Tennis Center in Denver. Kevin is a pickleball pro based in Hood River, OR.
Last Call for Pre-orders
Your chance to pre-order from a new line of men’s and women’s Sport-Tek® athletic T-shirts featuring the EPC logo on the chest is Friday, June 23. Shirts are made from soft, comfortable, moisture-wicking performance material perfect for sunny, summer play outdoors. With a choice of 19 colors, pre-ordering now ensures the size and color you want.
And with so many pickledays coming up, these shirts are the perfect summer gift. You can order here. Expect delivery in mid-July.