Welcome back, pickleball enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into a very special episode of People of Pickleball featuring the dynamic Paul Bamundo, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Pickleball League (NPL). As the mastermind behind the league’s incredible growth and success, Bamundo brings a wealth of experience from his previous stints at the NBA, IMG, and Subway, among other prominent organizations. In his conversation with Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa, we get a glimpse into the exciting second season of the NPL and the upcoming championship weekend.

Enter the World of Pickleball

Paul Bamundo’s journey into the world of pickleball is as intriguing as the game itself. Although familiar with pickleball for several years, it was his local tennis club in Connecticut that first introduced him to the sport. Known for his prowess in a variety of racquet sports, Bamundo quickly became captivated by pickleball’s unique charm and explosive growth.

A serendipitous text during a Jackson Browne concert set the wheels in motion for Bamundo’s eventual role as CEO of the NPL. In true “undercover boss” style, he visited the Glendale championship last year, blending into the vibrant pickleball community and witnessing firsthand the league’s potential.

Season Two Unveiled

As the NPL enters its second season, Bamundo proudly reflects on the expansion from 6 to 12 teams. The league has simultaneously fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and fierce competition among players, drawing parallels to his experiences in the Ivy League. Importantly, the NPL remains committed to gender equality by ensuring an equal division between men’s and women’s rosters, with equal weight given to all players’ efforts.

The impact of pickleball’s growth is undeniable. With new venues and an ever-expanding fanbase, Bamundo envisions a future with East and West divisions and thrilling playoff tournaments, possibly growing even bigger with more teams in the pipeline. Despite the current logistical challenges, the NPL’s innovative approach has laid a strong foundation for future success in professional pickleball.

The Championship and Beyond

Excitement is mounting as the Championship Weekend looms on the horizon. Hosted at the acclaimed Pickle Lodge in Cincinnati, this year’s event promises to deliver unforgettable matches with live-streamed games and CBS coverage, showcasing the exhilarating skill and talent of the players.

Bamundo anticipates that the competitive spirit, skillful plays, and engaging personalities of NPL stars will captivate both new fans and seasoned pickleball enthusiasts alike. As these players bring their impressive athletic and professional backgrounds to the court, they add a distinct layer of depth to the league, drawing more eyes and amassing a devoted following.

A Sport of Community and Passion

At its core, Bamundo emphasizes that pickleball is about fostering healthy competition and building a tight-knit community. Whether it’s the players or the fans, those involved in the NPL quickly find themselves drawn into a supportive, energetic environment unlike any other.

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The episode concludes with an invitation to join the NPL family, either in person at the Championship Weekend or by following the live events online. It’s a thrilling time for pickleball, and with leaders like Paul Bamundo steering the ship, there’s no limit to where this sport can go.

Stay tuned for more insights, and be sure to follow the National Pickleball League’s exciting journey towards a brighter, bigger future in the world of sports!

Paul Bamundo

http://nplpickleball.com

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In the bustling world of professional pickleball, the spotlight often shines on major organizations like the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP). While these entities focus largely on showcasing young, vibrant talent, there’s a wealth of wisdom to be drawn from the more understated realms of the National Pickleball League (NPL) and the Senior Pro Tour, where seasoned athletes continue to impress.

Longevity in the Sport

Senior pro players offer invaluable insights into maintaining a lasting athletic career. Their expertise in injury prevention, recovery, and adaptive play provide a blueprint for career longevity that younger pros can emulate.

• Training and Conditioning: Senior pros have honed methods to maintain agility and endurance, lessons that can enhance training regimes for younger athletes.
• Injury Management: With a focus on alternative fitness and healing practices like yoga and nutrition, senior players offer models for managing stress injuries effectively.

Focus on Community and Inclusivity

The NPL and Senior Pro Tour are bastions of community spirit and inclusivity, setting a standard that mainstream organizations could embrace.

• Amateur Involvement: By integrating a strong sense of community involvement into competitions, they make the sport accessible to various age groups and skill levels, enhancing the spirit of events hosted by PPA and APP.
• Multigenerational Appeal: Highlighting pickleball’s charm across demographics, senior tours set a precedent for inclusive and family-friendly events.

Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer

Senior pros excel in mentorship, sharing not just technical skills but also mental fortitude.

• Formal Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentoring relationships can foster well-rounded players through strategic advice and supportive, intergenerational learning.
• Player Development: Insights into resilience and adaptability from seniors can aid younger pros in navigating high-pressure scenarios.

Marketing and Brand Longevity

By focusing on forming enduring relationships with brands and sponsors, senior tours illustrate a path for sustainable partnerships.

• Broadening Sponsorship Opportunities: Targeting brands that appeal across generations opens new revenue channels, with wellness-focused brands being a natural fit.
• Sustained Engagement: Marketing pickleball as a lifelong sport invites a wider audience and participant base.

Balanced Scheduling and Player Well-being

The senior circuits often factor player wellness into event scheduling, a practice that pro tours could emulate to avoid player burnout.

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• Player-Centric Schedules: Adopting flexible schedules could enhance performance levels by ensuring athletes receive adequate rest.
• Rest and Recovery Focus: Encouraging recovery periods and prioritizing mental health support helps maintain peak conditions for competition.

By drawing lessons from senior pro players and their organizations, professional pickleball can cultivate a more enduring, inclusive, and community-focused environment while ensuring the long-term success of its athletes.

Want more Pickleball News and Information?

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

https://sleeves-spr-people-of-pickleball.castos.com

Hey, pickleball enthusiasts! Get ready for a thrilling new episode of the “People of Pickleball” podcast, where host Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa sits down with the incredible Kim Kesner from the National Pickleball League’s Kansas City Stingers. This episode promises an engaging mix of athletic journey insights, strategic discussions, and personal stories that will inspire every pickleball lover out there.

Meet Kim Kesner

Kim Kesner is not your average pickleball player. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, she boasts a rich history of athletic accomplishments. From college volleyball and softball to becoming a pivotal player in the pickleball world, Kim’s sporting history provides a unique perspective on the game. She’s known for her never-give-up attitude on the court, whether she’s playing singles or doubles.

Achievements and Accolades

In 2023 alone, Kim has clinched 3 gold medals, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal. Her prowess on the court earned her a 4th place finish at the US Open in the women’s division and a commendable 5th place in mixed doubles at Nationals. Last year, she bagged the prestigious APP Most Improved Player award and made waves with her highly viewed match against Anna Leigh Waters.

The Personal Side of Kim

Beyond pickleball, Kim wears many hats. She’s a dedicated chiropractor and acupuncturist who owns a practice in Denver with her husband, Chad Kesner. The duo is also proud parents to their son, Cole, a rising star in chemical and biomedical engineering and a college football player at South Dakota School of Mines. When not on the court or at her clinic, Kim loves engaging in outdoor activities like dirt biking, snowmobiling, and hiking. Her passion for helping others also sees her treating Lou Gehrig’s disease patients in her free time.

Podcast Highlights

In this episode, listeners can expect an insightful conversation as Mike Sliwa delves into Kim’s entry into pickleball, her thoughts on the evolving game, and the significance of being part of a 50+ professional league. Kim shares her reflections on the rapid growth of pickleball, changes in game tactics, and the joy of playing alongside legends like her Stingers partner, Jen Dawson.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this podcast episode is a treasure trove of strategies, personal anecdotes, and professional growth tips. It’s a celebration of the vibrant community and dynamic spirit that defines pickleball.

Be sure to tune in to “People of Pickleball” to catch all the action and inspiration. This episode with Kim Kesner is not one to miss!

Kim Kesner

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http://nplpickleball.com

http://kcstingers.com/team

https://www.onixpickleball.com

IG:@kimberlykesner

**Follow us on social media:**

SPR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

SPR on WEB https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-seni...

Advertisement

SPR on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seniorpickl...

SPR on TikTok 

twitter: https://twitter.com/SeniorPBReport

Hey, “People of Pickleball” fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We’ve got you covered! Just head over to this link for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners. Don’t miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices!

Sleeve’s SPR on the web: https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

Sign up for the SPR Newsletter and get news and episode release info right into your inbox: https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/sleeves-spr-newsletter-sign-up/

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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