July 15, 2024 by Hilary Jenison
Nestled within the vibrant community of Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., pickleball has emerged as more than just a sport; it’s a thriving social hub for many residents welcoming more than 200 players each month.
At the heart of this pickleball phenomenon is Bill Humberd, the dedicated Linden Ponds pickleball captain, coordinator and coach! Bill’s dedication to the game has been instrumental in fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, encouraged and most importantly safe.
Behind the scenes, Bill worked closely with the Linden Ponds administration to create an indoor pickleball court in the main community space so that this active group of pickleballers can enjoy the sport all year long.
Bill is very proud of the indoor pickleball court (which he lovingly shares with the Catering team) where safety and enjoyment are the priority for his tight-knit community of pickleballers. Players are reminded to be careful and stay safe, ensuring that every match is not only thrilling but also injury-free.
Bill’s mantra, “Never run backwards,” serves as both a guiding principle for gameplay and a metaphor for embracing life’s challenges head-on while always moving forward.
I recently attended a Monday morning pickleball session and had the honor of chatting with Bill as well as local resident pickleballers Horace Lukens, David Mabel, Gabor Kuzman, and Marge Sullivan. They all share a passion for the sport and the opportunity to stay active while having fun and being social!
David, echoing the sentiments of many, appreciates the perfect balance of competitiveness, athleticism, and sheer enjoyment that pickleball offers. “Every activity you do, you get to know more people, which is important,” he remarks, emphasizing the social fabric woven through every match.
Horace shared how the sport has provided not only a source of physical exercise but also a reason to embrace each day with enthusiasm. Former tennis players like him have found in pickleball a refreshing alternative to staying active and competitive, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow players.
Mimi Fitzgerald, a stalwart of the Linden Ponds pickleball scene for almost three years, shared “It’s fun! It’s social and active,” encapsulating what makes pickleball so special.Don Mistretta, nearing his fourth year of playing pickleball, and Gabor, a seasoned player with five years under his belt, both hail from tennis backgrounds as well, finding in pickleball a new avenue for their athletic passions. For them, the highlight of the week is the adrenaline rush of Monday and Friday matches with friends.
Lou Alteri serves as an inspiration to all. His unwavering dedication to pickleball are a testament to the ageless joy that this sport brings.
Want to join in the pickleball fun at Linden Ponds? You can learn more here: https://www.ericksonseniorliving.com/linden-ponds.
