AUGUST
IIn the charming neighborhood of Ansley Park lives Maria Mogos, a mother of 3 teenage boys. Curiosity led her to Pickleball, and she began taking lessons from Tim Ball, a renowned Atlanta coach.
Maria's interest quickly escalated, and she now plays Pickleball five times a week, savoring every moment on the court. The thwack of the ball against her paddle fills her with joy and determination. She forged friendships, embraced challenges, and reveled in conquering a new skill. Pickleball became more than a sport; it epitomized her tenacity and pursuit of happiness. Maria's journey allowed her to rediscover herself, emerging as a passionate player unafraid to revel in life's adventures.
SEPTEMBER
Once upon a time in the quirky world of Pickleball, there was a man named Brian Hankins. Now, let me tell you, Brian was like no other player I had ever encountered on the court. As his trusty Pickleball instructor, I couldn't help but chuckle at the incredible amalgamation of eccentricities that made up Brian's character.
Brian, a sprightly 60-year-old gay man, had discovered his deep love for this Pickleball just over a year ago. But it wasn't his skill that left a lasting impression; it was his flamboyant sense of fashion. Picture this: Brian would show up to our lessons with photos of him dressed in what I could only describe as "trashy drag." And boy, did he make a statement on the court! It was like watching RuPaul herself strut her stuff, only with a paddle in hand.
Despite his flashy appearance, Brian possessed an unexpected penchant for causing things to go boom. You see, before his Pickleball days, he had worked as a demolition expert. I kid you not! It was a hilarious contradiction to witness his dainty, yet explosive, Pickleball technique. I often found myself in fits of laughter as he swung his paddle, resembling a delicate ballet dancer during an explosive performance.
To top it all off, Brian had recently retired from a career as a medical coder at Emory hospital. Can you believe it? From blowing things up to deciphering medical jargon, his journey had taken him on quite the wild ride. I couldn't help but wonder how his coworkers had reacted when he announced his plans to pursue a passion for Pickleball.
But here's the thing – Pickleball wasn't just a hobby for Brian. It was a way for him to embrace his inner child, let loose, and have a ball (pun intended). Each time he stepped onto the court, he left
behind the stress of medical codes and the seriousness of demolition work, embracing the joy of a simple game with a silly name.
Sure, Brian's unique combination of talents and interests may have seemed outrageous to some, but to me, it was a reminder that life is meant to be lived fully. He taught me that it's never too late to chase after your passions, even if they seem incredibly divergent.
So, there I was, Tim Ball, Brian's trusty Pickleball instructor, learning as much from him as he did from me. We laughed, we played, and we blew away the competition - both on and off the court. And in that spirit of camaraderie, we continued to demolish any preconceived notions about what it means to be a Pickleball enthusiast.
With Brian's vibrant spirit and explosive personality, our Pickleball sessions were never dull. They were an adventure in embracing life's quirks and finding the joy in unexpected places. In the end, it didn't matter if he rocked trashy drag or had a knack for demolitions; what mattered was the laughter, camaraderie, and sheer delight we found in the silly game we both loved.
And that, my friend, is the tale of Brian Hankins, the retired medical coder turned demolition expert turned Pickleball enthusiast – a man who reminded everyone that life is too short to take ourselves too seriously.