Photo credit: Melissa Levin Photography
Happy New Year fellow pickleballers,
As we turn the page on another year of pickleball in the Seattle metro area, we start with a simple message: Thank you.
Whether you volunteered on chilly mornings or played matches on warm evenings, welcomed new players, supported leagues, joined community events, or simply cheered each other on, the growth of our community is a direct result of your support and participation.
Looking ahead, the SMPA team is excited to build on everything that made 2025 so fun—expanding tournaments, leagues, indoor programming, beginner lessons, youth programs, and community outreach.
We also want to recognize the leadership that helped us get here. SMPA thanks Michael Connell for his service as Board President. Michael stepped down at the end of 2025 and will remain on the board. We’re equally excited to welcome Tony Pisa as our new President, effective January 1, 2026. Meet our directors.
Here’s what you can expect in 2026:
SEATTLE METRO CLASSIC (SMCW) – New Winter Tournament at Side Out Tsunami!
An SMPA program, the Seattle Metro Classic has been a summer staple since 2018. This new tournament is sure to be an instant classic. Every Tourney medal winner will earn exclusive early registration for the summer Seattle Metro Classic.
- Register for the Seattle Metro Winter Classic Feb 13 – 16
- Volunteer for the Seattle Metro Winter Classic
MARINERS PICKLEBALL NIGHT
On Saturday, March 28, join SMPA for Mariners Pickleball Night at T-Mobile Park—a joint celebration of pickleball and baseball during Home Opener Week, as the Mariners host a four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians. PPA pro Ella Cosma, a Seattle Metro–based player who signed with the PPA in 2025 at age 16 and the first female to earn three junior PPA triple crowns, will throw out the first pitch.
WA STATE SPORT LICENSE PLATE LAUNCH – wapbplate.org
Washington’s new pickleball license plate lets players and supporters showcase their passion for the state sport on the road. Sponsored by SMPA and available since November 2025, it launched with a License Plate Bash and state-wide Pickleball License Plate Auction—where our community showed up with energy, generosity, and heart, once again proving what makes Washington pickleball so special.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN PICKLEBALL (DIIP)
In 2025, private indoor pickleball facilities continued to open in the Seattle Metro region. Some of these facilities are currently working with Sue Goodwin to bring SMPA’s DIIP in program indoors in 2026. This partnership includes events and scholarships for non-member play. DIIP is hosting its first Play Day at Pickleball Kingdom in Lynnwood in January.
- Register for the Jan 17 DIIP Play Day
- Connect with DIIP on Facebook
INTRODUCTION TO PICKLEBALL
Known for his dynamic and engaging teaching methods, Don Goulet will be leading instruction specifically designed for beginners. Stay tuned for upcoming clinic dates and locations.
WESTSIDE PICKLEBALL – Save the date! Rally on the Rock returns on June 6 with mixed doubles. https://westsidepbleague.org/
We wrapped up our fall leagues in mid-December and are thrilled to have raised $10,000 for local food banks. Thank you to our amazing community!
- League spots are available at CSHS and SeaTac for the Winter Session, which starts Jan 11. Side Out Tsunami leagues are currently full, with waitlists only.
- Our Westside Youth Program is growing—now with two winter groups, including a ladder league for experienced players.
COURT AVAILABILITY AND IMPROVEMENT ADVOCACY
SMPA continues to advocate for public courts through its service on SPR’s Racquet Sports Strategy Advisory Council. This stakeholder advisory group will dive deeper into the strategy’s recommendations and establish a level of service for pickleball and tennis which will guide future capital improvement planning. We’ll keep you posted on future updates.
MORE NETS THROUGHOUT SEATTLE METRO
SMPA has been providing Douglas nets across the Seattle metro area since 2018, supporting communities with wholesale net discounts, corporate matching gifts, and installation alongside volunteers. SMPA has placed almost 40 Douglas nets on the courts, including the most recent ones at Magnolia. Our latest fundraiser will help the UW Husky Pickleball Club obtain two Douglas nets for the IMA courts on campus.
COMMUNITY
SMPA will continue to:
- Strengthen connections between Seattle metro clubs, neighborhoods, and players
- Simplify finding play by location and skill, and encourage joint events between clubs
- Promote lifelong regional pickleball by supporting juniors, schools, and families
We’ve made progress, but challenges remain. Many public courts are still crowded or in need of repair. While private facilities help ease demand, access is limited, so public courts remain essential for most players. SMPA will keep advocating for better facilities and more ways to get people playing. These issues won’t be solved overnight—but with your support, we can keep moving the needle.
We’ll also work to share regular news updates, member spotlights, event information, and those everyday wins that make this sport fun. Visit us on our social channels, including Instagram and Facebook, as well as our website to stay connected, share photos and stories, and offer feedback. Your participation keeps this community strong and engaged.
We’re grateful for your support, your excitement, and your belief in what this sport can become.
Sincerely,
Your SMPA Board of Directors
Tony Pisa – Kate Van Gent – John Rankin – Bob Koenig – Michael Connell – Don Goulet – Amy Greger – Alyse Rome – Josephine Wong
www.seattlemetropickleball.com