Pickleball Kingdom Plano Hosts ‘Match for the Generations’ Featuring 94-Year-Old Joyce Jones and 10-Year-Old Nicolett Shand Manzano

Pickleball Kingdom Plano recently hosted a heartwarming event that brought together two generations of pickleball players for a friendly match that showcased the sport’s ability to connect people of all ages. The event featured 94-year-old Joyce Jones, a seasoned pickleball player with over 40 years of experience, and 10-year-old Nicolett Shand Manzano, a rising star in the sport.

Brad Stanford, the director of operations at Pickleball Kingdom, organized the event to highlight the unique stories of Joyce and Nicolett, who both share a love for pickleball despite their age difference. The match was a highly anticipated event that brought together staff and members of Pickleball Kingdom Plano, as well as spectators eager to witness the friendly competition.

Joyce Jones, a pickleball legend with over 50 titles to her name, shared her pride in helping to get pickleball added to the National Senior Games. Her advocacy efforts led to the sport being included as an exhibition sport in the games, ultimately resulting in its official inclusion in 2013. Jones encouraged newcomers to embrace the sport and emphasized the opportunities it provides for making new friends and staying fit.

On the other hand, Nicolett Shand Manzano, despite her young age, has already achieved remarkable success in pickleball, winning gold and bronze medals at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. She shared her initial nervousness about trying pickleball but quickly fell in love with the game and now hopes to continue playing for the rest of her life.

Both Joyce and Nicolett’s stories serve as inspiration for anyone looking to start playing pickleball. Their passion for the sport and dedication to improving their skills demonstrate that pickleball is a sport for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player like Joyce or a young talent like Nicolett, pickleball offers a fun and engaging way to stay active and connect with others.

The ‘Match for the Generations’ event at Pickleball Kingdom Plano was a celebration of the sport’s ability to bring people together, regardless of age or experience. It showcased the joy and camaraderie that pickleball can bring to players of all generations, inspiring others to pick up a paddle and join in on the fun. So, if you’re looking to try something new and exciting, why not give pickleball a shot? Who knows, you might just discover a new passion that will keep you active and connected for years to come.