Annual Meeting, Tournament Photos and More
- pickleballep
- Nov 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
Celebrating Our Past, Welcoming Our Future
This month marks a significant milestone for the Pickleball El Paso Association (PEPA) as we transition leadership and welcome a new board member, all while celebrating the monumental efforts of our founder.
Thank You, Jamie Fisher: Celebrating a Founder's Legacy
This month we express our deepest gratitude to Jamie Fisher, the founder and outgoing President of the Pickleball El Paso Association. For the past four years, Jamie's vision and tireless work have been instrumental in transforming the pickleball landscape in El Paso.
The Vision and Launch of PEPA
Back in October 2021, facing a complete lack of dedicated courts, Jamie set out to create a movement. While other cities like Las Cruces were opening multi-court facilities, El Paso lagged behind. Jamie realized that to secure the attention and action needed, the community had to be visible and it had to be numerous.
She set out with petitions in hand, gathering signatures for courts and gym hours from players at rec centers. Her simple question—"If we start a (pickleball) club, will you join?"—sparked a movement. With sapphire blue t-shirts and a shared purpose, the Pickleball El Paso Association was born.
A Growing Legacy
Under Jamie's leadership, the pickleball scene in El Paso has truly flourished, resulting in remarkable successes:
Dedicated Courts: Jamie, the PEPA Board of Directors, and PEPA members' relentless efforts directly led to the opening of four dedicated courts at Ascarate Park in 2022 and an additional six courts at Skyline Youth Park in 2025.
Widespread Access: Recreation centers all around El Paso now offer pickleball hours.
Tournament Play: Working in collaboration with the Sun Bowl Association, PEPA assisted in organizing El Paso’s first divisional pickleball tournament in March 2025.
Community Support: Funds generated by PEPA membership dues allowed the association to donate wind screens to the new Skyline facility, demonstrating the power of a unified community, which Jamie worked to create by founding PEPA.
Jamie’s vision for accessible pickleball in El Paso is now a reality. Incoming president, Ida Chavira, and the PEPA board of directors are determined to ensure this momentum continues!
Thank you, Jamie, for your dedication, your persistence, and the incredible foundation you have built. The El Paso pickleball community owes you a deep debt of gratitude!
Annual Meeting Recap: A Day of Appreciation and New Leadership
On October 15th, PEPA held its Annual Meeting during a lively Pickleball Potluck Luncheon at Galatzan Rec Center. The meeting included highlights of PEPA's accomplishments and heartfelt appreciation for Jamie Fisher and all that has been accomplished under her leadership.
We are excited to announce the results of the recent election and leadership transition:
New Board Member: Elizabeth (Liz) Luscombe was elected to the PEPA Board of Directors. Liz will serve as both the Webmaster for the PEPA website and the Newsletter Director.
New President Installed: Following the luncheon, the Board convened and Ida Chavira was officially installed as PEPA's new President.
Pickleball El Paso's New President: Ida Chavira
Pickleball El Paso is thrilled to introduce our newly elected President, Ida Chavira! A proud native of El Paso, Ida brings a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to growing our local pickleball community.
Ida, her husband, Manny, and son Nick are all enthusiastic pickleball players. As Ida puts it, “It's been good for us! We speak the same language and now we’re that family that travels with our paddles.” She discovered the sport just two years ago when a friend from Washington state visited, admitting, "It wasn’t my favorite until I found my people—that changed everything."
You may have met Ida if you play on the east side of town; she can often be found playing at Marty Robbins and Gary del Palacio Recreation Centers, or at Sun City Pickleball Club.
Since March, Ida has been dedicated to growing the game by leading beginner clinics at Gary del Palacio Rec Center. She explains her motivation: “I absolutely love meeting new players, sharing laughs, smiles, and paddle taps—and making those treasured connections that happen through the magic of pickleball.”
We are excited for the enthusiasm and experience Ida brings to Pickleball El Paso in her new leadership role!
October: A Month of Halloween Candy and Tournaments Galore!
San Juan holds evening event
On October 8, a rare evening candy tournament was held at San Juan, a gym nestled south of Bassett Center. Congratulations to first place winners Brian and Sam. Second place went to Luis and Alex.
Haskins candy tournament
Galatzan team competition
A fun time was had by all at Galatzan's Tag Team competition on Tuesday, October 28. Seven teams, comprised of three pairs of players, took to the courts in a timed competition. The first pair from each team played for five minutes, then passed their score to the second pair, who passed it to the third. The winners were determined by the combined scores of all team members. The costumes made it more lively.
Halloween Carnival held at Gary del Palacio
On the evening of Thursday, October 30, east side players set up a net at Gary del Palacio and never was the court empty. Some children could be seen crying when they had to leave - a lot like some of us adult players! It was a great night supporting community and spreading the love of pickleball.
Other Tournaments
Queen of the Court at Pickle and Par
On Friday, October 31, 16 upper-intermediate and advanced level women participated in this rotating format competition.
All players are continually in action, using four courts. After each game, winners advance "up" the court ladder and the partners split up for the next round, while the vanquished move down and split up. This provides opportunities to meet and play with a lot of different partners. Several skilled players drove in from Las Cruces, and a good time was had by all. This event is held every Friday at 9:00AM - entry fee $10. Hanna Kehr-Gomez was crowned the victor.
Announcements
*All Rec Centers will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, for Veteran's Day
Save the Date! PEPA sponsored Beginner's Tournament on Friday, December 5, 9:00AM - noon, Sun City Pickleball. Watch our website home page for the flyer.
New streamlined membership software coming soon
PEPA Is transitioning to Join It, software designed to make the membership and renewal process even smoother! The updated link will be installed soon. Please check back soon for updates!
Westside construction update
If navigating the westside is in your immediate future, here are two news flashes: the Thorn bridge overpass opening has been pushed to December, and I-10 will be completely closed, east and west bound on November 8 - 9, from Mesa to Artcraft.
Official Pickleball El Paso Instagram Account
An older version of a PEPA Instagram account is soon to be deactivated. The current, official account on Instagram, which is linked at the bottom of this newsletter and at the bottom of the homepage of the PEPA website, is pickleball_epa. If you are an Instagram user, please take a moment to ensure you are following the active account.
Trivia
Speaking of west side, can you name the three facilities with dedicated pickleball courts between Sierra Vista Growers and Don Haskins Rec? (Answer at the bottom.)! All three are less than one year old, along with Sun City and Skyline in northeast. It has been a productive year.
Answers to trivia: The Ranch, Pickle and Par, and Serve.