Pam Lahmann: Building Community Through Pickleball
Pam Lahmann not only plays pickleball five times per week, she’s become a pickleball community organizer, connecting players and coordinating women’s-only clinics for leagues in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.
“I should have been a party planner,” Pam quipped. “I like running social happenings; I’ve done that where I worked, too. It’s fun starting and building a program and seeing how it has taken off.”
Pam fosters a deep appreciation for the pickleball’s social and emotional aspects as well as for the opportunities to learn and grow with the game. An athlete with a repertoire that includes volleyball, softball, tennis, skiing, weight training, and Zumba, she first took up a pickleball paddle in a 2019 clinic.
“I came home and told my husband that I think he would really like this new game called pickleball and now we’re both hooked,” she recalled.
Over the years Pam said the sport has led to “the best group of friends who I may not have ever met if it wasn’t for pickleball. We do social things off the court—go out to eat, biking, out to concerts, etc.
A Positive Force On and Off the Court
On the court Pam continues to improve her skills and game strategy through lessons, clinics, drill sessions, and watching or playing with others. In contrast to her team sport experiences, she was challenged to learn to play with “one partner.”
“It’s so different. I am a competitive person. No matter who I play against or with, I always remain positive to all people,” Pam explained. “Compliment good shots no matter who hit it. Pump someone up when they make mistakes. Have fun! Unless you are in a tournament, these games don’t matter at the end of the day.”
Encouraging the Next Generation
As Pam’s groups and the pickleball network grows, along with the increasing numbers in pickleball overall, younger players continue to join in the mix. Pam appreciates the interest and energy yet offers counsel to those coming into the game.
Pickleball “is not just about hitting hard and running around,” she said. “Younger players also need to learn the finesse part of the game and the strategies with doubles. Playing with more experienced players can help them do both of those things.”
About the Author: Laurel Nelson-Rowe is an independent contributor to Empower Pickleball. A longtime business technology and communications leader, she now runs LaurelComms, delivering content for corporate and non-profit partners. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her on the pickleball court, volunteering, or sharing stories on her Substack, My Life Adventurement.