Olé Pickleball - Event season January through March!
Our pickleball courts are as old as the community itself, but it wasn’t until March of 2017 that the first official, or at least the first officially recorded, Olé End of Season Pickleball Party was held to commemorate a season of friendly play. The following year the number of pickleball players in Olé almost doubled! And the year after that, it doubled again! Pictured here are some of those original players, many of whom you may recognize as they are still dinkin’, smashin’ and tearin’ it up on those courts! They are some of our most talented players and the group that perhaps helped to open all of our eyes to the then new sport that was sweeping the nation! Thanks to all of these Olé Pickleball Pioneers! You planted the seeds that grew our wings.
Then and Now
The Committee
The Olé Pickleball Committee began as a grassroots initiative that expanded in size, organization, and innovation alongside the growing number of pickleball enthusiasts in Ole. Initially, Dave Mensching was the driving force behind the planning and execution of tournaments and events, food truck and entertainment arrangements, clinics, court maintenance, supply coordination, and various other tasks essential to keeping everything running smoothly. While Dave had a reliable support network, the responsibility of organizing and motivating the team primarily rested on his shoulders.
As interest in Olé Pickleball surged, a group of Dave's dedicated followers naturally formed a loosely organized team. This group evolved to meet the increasing demands, population, and interest, becoming more specialized and professional over time. Though not formally elected, this passionate team of eight individuals, who share a love for Ole and pickleball, now leads the committee.
We maintain year-round communication, often exchanging texts in the early morning or late at night, sometimes sharing off-topic updates like Dave's latest culinary creation or Tony's impressive chef-d'oeuvre. Our focus remains on addressing both significant and minor pickleball matters to ensure your satisfaction.
501(c)(7) Organization
Today, our committee has grown to include over 160 players in our contact list. We have achieved official status as a federal tax-exempt entity under 501(c)(7) and have enriched the Olé Pickleball experience by introducing a leveled end-of-season tournament, two glow-in-the-dark events, and weekly clinics.