In the spirit of Dani Rojas’ catchphrase in Ted Lasso (TV’s greatest comedy-drama), I playfully yet sincerely exclaim, “Pickleball is life!” It is an activity—yes—but it is so much more. Pickleball has the power to build communities, foster relationships, and improve health outcomes. This is not hyperbole—I’ve personally experienced all of the above since I discovered the sport a few years ago.
Fast facts about me: proud parent, Bloomington-Normal resident for 20+ years, IWU and ISU grad, former college tennis player, and State Farm employee. Oh, and pickleball addict/enthusiast.
Kara Klepp,Vice President
My dad and brother taught me about good natured competition at a young age. These epic family battles made me love competing. I continued that tradition with high school and college tennis where my teammates were my closest friends. My pickleball journey actually began years later with a sweet gesture of someone gifting me a paddle. Since then, it has become a slight obsession for me. I think often about why I play pickleball, and for me, staying active and healthy while creating a community is the end game. I hope to bring something similar to members of Bloomington Normal Pickleball Club. Outside of pickleball, you can find me teaching at NCHS, walking my dog Gene, or reading a book.
Hunter Blake, Vice President
I got into pickleball in 2019 after my boss said “Hey let’s cut out a little early today and go play pickleball, this sport is going to be huge”! It didn't take much convincing to leave work and go get some exercise. Since that day, pickleball has played an enormous part of my life. The community here in Bloomington/Normal is second to none, which is why I was so passionate about this club. I’ve met some awesome people who took me under their wings and showed me the ropes of this game, and I get really excited about being that person for others who have become obsessed with this game, just like I did.
Best advice for new players: Take the leap! Showing up to courts can be scary when they’re packed, but you will be met by the most welcoming group of people you could imagine. Hope to see you out there!!
Carol DeLoriea, Secretary (Interim)
I was born in NY but I have lived in central Illinois since 1978. I learned about pickleball while in Arizona for a tennis invitational. A friend brought us to the Sun City pickleball facility and taught several of us how to play. In late 2019 I went to a couple of open play pickleball nights at Evergreen Racquet Club. I did sign up for pickleball lessons also at Evergreen, then continued to play outdoors in the local parks. It was very exciting to watch Zane Navratil at a demonstration at Game Time gym right here in Bloomington. A couple months later I had an opportunity to sign up and play in his 2-hour clinic at Lion’s Park in Muskego WI with my sister. That’s all I needed to get hooked. My sister, from Waukegan, IL, is the only other regular pickleball player in my family. I do enjoy other interests, Tennis, Photography, Art, and even newer to me than pickleball is Letterboxing. In starting out playing pickleball I found it helpful to play out of town when I was in different places. Found many friendly players along the way, while getting to play on different courts all adding to the fun of pickleball. Remember to keep playing “ … just one more game.”
Carla Wright, Social Media / Marketing Director
I retired in 2020 after 35 years at State Farm. While trying to fill my time post-covid and early in retirement, I was invited by a friend to join a group of ladies - the "Sweet Pickles". I spent my first summer (2021) playing exclusively with these ladies - and am forever thankful for their kindness! Over the next couple of years my circle of pickleball "friends" grew as I started to play more often and discovered indoor play at Evergreen Racquet Club. I continue to play 4-5 times a week with a few different groups, I like to drill (but don't do it often enough), and appreciate everyone who has been part of my pickleball journey!! My husband, Jim, is an avid tennis player who has also taken up pickleball and plays both as often as he can. We travel a lot and I try to play pickleball wherever we go -- I even played when on an Alaskan Cruise!
Diane Lam, Activities Director
I have been a resident of Bloomington-Normal for over three decades. Yet, it is amazing how many new people I have met and become friends with since being introduced to pickleball during the pandemic. I’m so grateful for the kind people who welcomed and taught me how to play at Rollingbrook. Pickleball quickly became an obsession and soon I was helping to coordinate play on the courts. I thoroughly enjoy bringing people together and creating a fun experience for all. More importantly, I love being part of the pickleball community of friends who support one another on and off the court. We are all very fortunate. So, let’s pickle on!
Karen O’Shea, Activities Director
Growing up in Normal, I enjoyed playing tennis as a youth. Later, I turned my interests towards music and became a music teacher. Having taught for 33 years so far, I have especially enjoyed teaching elementary students. Pickleball piqued my curiosity, so I decided to give it a try and have been hooked ever since! Through playing in tournaments and meeting lots of people, I have enjoyed making many new friends. I look forward to seeing our club grow and bringing people together within our community. See you on the courts!
It was 35 years ago when my husband came to work in Bloomington-Normal for an intended two years and then we came to realize what a great place to live, work, and raise a family! We retired after working 25 years in our dental practice originally located next to the Normal Theatre. My daughter introduced me to pickleball before she left for college and then I was hooked! Two months after learning to play pickleball, I ventured into playing tournaments and had so much fun. I have met many people through pickleball and made wonderful friends. I also learned early on that I enjoyed helping others learn the game and always remember how I was so graciously welcomed to play with a group of ladies at Ironwood Park when I was a beginner. They taught me how to score and gave me tips on how to play! When Tom Wait encouraged me to take over his role as Pickleball Ambassador, it was an honor and a privilege, to help support the growth of this sport which has enhanced my life in many ways!
Bloomington-Normal Pickleball Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
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