Player Spotlight: Jack’s Journey | Keeping Cool | 2026 Membership
- Elizabeth Luscombe
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Player Spotlight: A Conversation with 'Super DUPR Player' Jack Castro
If you’ve stepped onto the pickleball courts at the Don Haskins Recreation Center, chances are you’ve seen or met Jack. This month, we’re getting to know Recreation Specialist Jack Castro and learning about his journey from a 30-year soccer career to becoming one of El Paso’s most dedicated pickleball advocates. With the explosive growth of the sport, Jack credits organizations like Pickleball El Paso for making the game accessible in our community.
Q: When did you first start working for El Paso Parks and Rec, and what is your current role?
Jack: I started with the City of El Paso in May 2022 as a Sports Site Specialist. A year later, I transferred to the Recreation Department as a Specialist at Nolan Richardson Rec Center—which is where I first discovered pickleball. Eventually, I moved to Don Haskins Rec Center, and I’m proud to call it my home today.
Q: When did you first start playing pickleball?
Jack: I started in the Fall of 2023, right around Thanksgiving. As of 2026, I’ve been playing for a little over two years now.
Q: What other sports have you played in the past?
Jack: I’ve played numerous sports, but soccer was my main focus for over 30 years, both recreationally and competitively.
Q: What do you like most about pickleball?
Jack: It’s easy to learn, strategic, and fast-paced. But most importantly, it is social and very friendly.
Q: What advice would you give to a new player just starting out?
Jack: Focus on consistency and control. Be patient with yourself! Everyone misses easy shots at first, but improvement comes fast if you stick with it.
Q: For the intermediate players looking to level up, what is your best tip?
Jack: Win the kitchen battle and don’t force the point. Get to the kitchen safely and as soon as possible. Dink with a purpose, recognize attackable balls, and remember that communication is key.
Q: How many paddles do you own, and which one is your "old faithful"?
Jack: I’m down to four now, though I had about ten at one point! My “old faithful” is my PhD paddle; I used it for almost a year and could never go wrong with it.
Q: Is it a blessing or a curse to work at the facility where you play?
Jack: It’s a blessing. I have to give a huge shoutout to my “Pickleball Mentors,” Ray and Ben, from Nolan Richardson. I am deeply grateful to them for showing me what the game was all about. Being at Don Haskins now is an even greater blessing because I get to play while providing for the community.
Q: You’ve become one of the top players in the area—what was the "lightbulb moment" for your game?
Jack: I owe my success to the pickleball family here at Don Haskins. Spending countless hours in open play, clinics, and leagues—learning and making each other better—made me the player I am today.
Q: How has the local community changed since you started?
Jack: It has changed drastically for the good. It used to be hard to find courts or get a game going, but thanks to the work of Pickleball El Paso, it’s now easy for everyone to play.
Q: When you eventually move on, what do you want the community to remember about your time here?
Jack: I want to be remembered as someone who fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment. I hope I contributed to the growth of the game by promoting sportsmanship, respect, and a positive experience for everyone.
Next time you’re at Don Haskins for a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday open gym, or a Friday morning league (info below!), be sure to say hello to Jack. He isn’t just there to work—he’s there to ensure every player feels supported, respected, and ready to play.
Upcoming Haskins League and O'Rourke Schedule Change Notice
*Mandatory Players Meeting 9:00 1/08
On the Court: How to Handle High-Stakes Nerves
We’ve all been there: you are all set to play, look across the court, and see someone you know (or have heard) is a really skilled player. Suddenly, your grip tightens, your heart races, and your feet feel like lead. Court intimidation is real, but it doesn't have to ruin your game. Here are four tips to help keep your cool when nerves run high.
1. Guess What? They Might Be Nervous, Too
It’s easy to put more experienced players on a pedestal, but remember: pressure is relative. That "better" player is often as nervous about losing as you are about playing them. When you realize the pressure is shared, the court feels a lot more welcoming.
2. Just Keep it in Play
When panic sets in, we often try to hit a "great shot" - low-percentage winners that end up going out or right into the net. Try this mantra instead: Make them hit one more ball. Shift your focus from winning the point to simply keeping the ball in play. Let them be the one to make the mistake.
3. Use the "Reset Breath"
If you feel shaky and adrenaline is pumping, use the time between points to get grounded. Before you step up to serve or receive, take one deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This physically signals your nervous system to exit fight-or-flight mode and return to focus. Remind yourself that you are there to have fun!
4. Play the Ball, Not the Person
Stop playing the person and start playing the shot. Focus on the ball placement, your footwork, and getting to the net. By narrowing your focus to the physical task at hand, you leave no room for the doubts or expectations that can fuel panic.
Next time you feel outmatched, take a breath, smile, and remember: you belong on that court just as much as they do. Stay calm, have fun, and dink on!
Membership Matters 2026
As we kick off a new year of pickleball, our PEPA community continues to grow stronger. We’ve seen lots of member momentum over the last two months and are thrilled to keep that energy going through 2026!
Welcome to PEPA!
First, a warm welcome to the new members who have joined Pickleball El Paso recently. Whether you’re just getting started or you're a seasoned player, we are excited to have you on board. Our community grows better with every new face we see on the court.
Renewals Made Easy
For our returning members, thank you for your continued support! Many of you have already seen our new Join It membership software in action. This system was implemented to make your membership experience seamless, and we’re happy to see so many of you using the automated reminders to renew your memberships for the 2026 season.
Why Join or Renew?
Your membership keeps our pickleball community running and growing. It allows us to:
Advocate for access to courts and facilities across the city.
Provide clinics and resources to welcome more players to the sport.
Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for players of all levels.
If you haven’t renewed yet, keep an eye on your inbox for your personalized Join It reminder, or visit the Join/Renew page of our website where you can also gift or sponsor a PEPA membership.
Here's to making this our best year yet!
See you on the courts,
Liz Luscombe
Newsletter Editor
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