I was introduced to pickleball in 2021, and after falling in love with the sport, I immediately introduced my husband, Chris to pickleball. Since then we haven’t been able to put our paddles down. Pickleball is so much more than playing a game on the court. I love the community and friendships I’ve made along the way through our passion for the sport. I enjoy the competitive side of pickleball, but truly enjoy drilling when I can. I believe in giving back to the community, so when the opportunity opened up to become a board member, it was an easy answer.  I live in the south metro and when I’m not playing pickleball, you’ll find me biking or kayaking with my dog. 

I was introduced to pickleball by my parents in 2019, and have been hooked ever since.  I love the competition and the Twin Cities has a lot of it!  I joined the TCPC board hoping to give back to the pickleball community and I look forward to serving on the board.  I am originally from central WI, and moved to Saint Paul with my wife Allison in 2015.  We have a full house with our son Franklin, 3 dachshunds, 2 turtles, a frog, and a bearded dragon.

About Me: 

Austin is an avid pickleball player and student of the sport. He started playing in 2020 and hasn’t been

able to put the paddle down since. He holds an MBA from Indiana University and works in marketing.

Outside of pickleball, Austin enjoys reading, fitness, and board games. He currently resides in Uptown.

Why I Joined the TCPC Board:

Austin joined the TCPC board with the goal of enhancing the member experience of the club. In his role as Treasurer, he will manage the club’s bookkeeping and maintain its strong financial health.

My wife, Jane and I live in Eden Prairie and have been playing Pickleball for about 15 years. We enjoy both the competitive and social aspect of Pickleball.

I have been a TCPC member since the club started.

I think it is important to give back to an activity or sport you enjoy. I have been involved in many different aspects of Pickleball ...teaching, refereeing, fundraising for courts, encouraging players to join TCPC, overseeing tournaments and being a board member.

Hopefully, many members will consider giving back to a sport we all love.

Sally and Bob Wallace retired to Christmas Lake in Excelsior, MN from Cincinnati, Ohio 7 years ago.  Why? Because they have a daughter, son-in-law, Lucas, 7  and Millie 4 years old that live here.  When they moved here Sally did not know anyone.  Through PB she now has a very large group of friends.  She enjoys traveling, walking, running, Pickleball, hiking and fishing, etc.  Sally is looking forward to serving on the Twin Cities Pickleball Board. 

I am excited to return to the board of an organization that helps bring information and joy to so many of our members. While I have lived in Richfield for 49 years, I was introduced to Pickleball on a trip to Arizona 14 years ago and fell in love with the sport. Since beginning to play, pickleball has provided me not only with a game I love, but a social experience that has blessed me with countless new friends. Through these connections I became a board member of the SouthWestMetro Pickleball Club, now renamed, TwinCitiesPickleball Club 6 years ago. During that time our board met with Park and Recreation organizations and City Councils across the metro area to procure additional outdoor courts to keep pace with the explosion of the popularity our sport has undergone. I am looking forward  to work with the new board members as we put our heads together to come up with new ideas and opportunities for our members to advance their game in a challenging and fun environment.  When I am not on the courts you can find me gardening or spending precious time with my husband Tom, our two children and their spouses and our five grandchildren.

Sue Martell started playing Pickleball in Bloomington in 2011.  She is retired as the Volunteer Coordinator for Bloomington Public Schools. She enjoys gardening, traveling, volunteering and sharing adventures with her husband, children and grandchildren.