How can pickleball become more than a game and turn into a source of friendship, character, joy, and lifelong growth?

In this episode, Glen Peterson shares his remarkable pickleball journey, from being introduced to doubles by his 85-year-old father at the North Shore Senior Center to becoming a decorated senior pickleball player with medals in singles and doubles at major championships. Glen reflects on growing up in Seattle, playing high school tennis, retiring at 48 after a worldwide career with Caterpillar, and then unexpectedly finding a new passion in pickleball in his early 50s. Along the way, he talks about his years with Pickleball Central, creating instructional videos, developing the SwiftNet, and working with Selkirk on a signature paddle. 

Glen also opens up about the evolution of pickleball from a fun hobby into a true sport, and why he still believes the heart of the game is not winning, but people. He shares stories about learning from stronger players, traveling to tournaments in Japan, partnering with top senior pros, and discovering that the friendships built through pickleball often matter more than the medals. He also offers thoughtful insights on how pickleball reveals character, teaches humility, and reminds us that looks can be deceiving, conflict can teach us something, and the right partner can change everything. 

This is a wise and uplifting conversation about pickleball, senior pickleball, Pickleball Central, SwiftNet, Selkirk, Japan pickleball, doubles strategy, friendship, sportsmanship, healthy aging, character, and the life lessons that remind us to smile, include others, choose great partners, and enjoy the people on the court more than the score. 

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

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Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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