Pickleball enthusiasts from all over the country gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, for the inaugural PickleCon event, and our very own Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC) members were right in the mix, representing Bloomington with pride! Heather Kinderthain, Dave Martin, and Timber Tucker all had incredible experiences at this groundbreaking event.
Heather Kinderthain’s Weekend to Remember
Heather attended the event with her close friend Kate Grossman Staltari, and it turned out to be a weekend full of fun, competition, and unforgettable memories. From the moment Heather and Kate arrived at PickleCon, they were surrounded by like-minded pickleball lovers. The event was a vibrant celebration of the sport, featuring everything from tournaments to glow-in-the-dark games, and even a variety of vendor booths offering the latest in pickleball gear.
One of the highlights of Heather’s weekend was participating in the women’s 3.0 tournament, where she and her partner put up a stellar performance and secured 2nd place! The excitement of standing on the podium with their paddles held high was a moment Heather won’t soon forget.
When they weren’t on the courts, Heather and Kate explored Kansas City in style. They visited three different restaurants, each featuring pickleball courts, allowing them to indulge in delicious food while playing their favorite sport. They even took the opportunity to ride Bird scooters around the city, adding a bit of adventure to their trip.
The glow-in-the-dark tournament was another unique experience, where the courts were lit up in neon colors, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere that only added to the thrill of the game.
Heather mentioned how wonderful it was to meet so many new people who shared her passion for pickleball. The event was not just about competition but also about community and connection. Heather’s Facebook post reflected her joy in being able to share these moments with her oldest and dearest friend, making the event even more special.
As Heather reflects on her time at PickleCon, she’s already looking forward to next year’s event. The excitement, camaraderie, and pure joy of being surrounded by fellow pickleball lovers have left a lasting impression on her.
Dave Martin’s PickleCon Highlights
In addition to Heather’s success, Dave Martin also had a fantastic time at PickleCon. Dave won a social media contest from Pickleball Club Magazine, earning two Player Passes to PickleCon. Upon request, they graciously added a third pass, allowing Dave to attend with his son—an active-duty Army member stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas—and his wife Haylee.
The weekend turned out to be a winning one for the Martin family. Haylee won not one, but two Selkirk paddles, each valued at $249.99, along with Selkirk Dry Fit hats for all three of them. Beyond the prizes, Dave had the opportunity to network with key figures in the pickleball community, including Susan Swern from Pickleball for Good Fund, Troy Aikan from EcoSports, and Bethany Owens from CourtReserve, the platform that our club has recently transitioned to.
Dave’s experience at PickleCon wasn’t just about enjoying the event; it was also a chance to build connections and bring back valuable insights and contacts that could benefit the Bloomington Pickleball Club.
Timber Tucker’s Role at PickleCon
Another highlight for the BPC was Timber Tucker’s participation in the college pickleball panel at PickleCon. Timber was honored to be part of this discussion, where he had the opportunity to represent his new Six Zero Pickleball Ruby Paddle. Timber shared that he learned a great deal from the other panelists and was proud to represent our club in such a meaningful way.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
Heather, Dave, and Timber’s experiences at PickleCon are testaments to the vibrant and welcoming community that pickleball creates. We’re proud to have members like them representing the Bloomington Pickleball Club on such a grand stage. Congratulations on all your successes! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you all and for our entire club.