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October 31, 2024

Fondly known as the area’s “pickleball people,” Mountain Recreation is fortunate to have Robin and Jerry Santoro—a dynamic duo that brought pickleball to our community with the goal of promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and social connection. Today, we are proud to share their journey, celebrate the sport, and highlight the community they’ve built around it.

Robin and Jerry discovered a new passion during a trip to Florida in 2013, pickleball. Captivated by the game, they returned to Colorado eager to continue playing, only to find the nearest courts were in Glenwood Springs which required long drives. After a year of driving to Glenwood twice a week, they reached out to Scott Ruff (the Gypsum Rec Center supervisor at the time) in an effort to introduce pickleball to Mountain Recreation. With Scott’s support, the Gypsum Rec Center provided the space for the Santoro’s to share their passion for pickleball. As they began to play on the indoor basketball courts, they quickly sparked the interest among members who were attending fitness classes and walking the track on the upper level.

Pickleball players at the Gypsum Rec Center courts.

The Santoro’s warm personalities and enthusiasm for the sport naturally attracted people from all corners of the facility to the courts. As interest grew, additional courts, playing hours, and workshops were added. During this time, they became ambassadors for USA Pickleball; “Being an ambassador means volunteering your time to promote and teach the sport; everything we do is voluntary,” Robin explained. She also shared that in 2016, the town’s recreation survey asked Gypsum residents what activities they wanted more of, and pickleball ranked number one. In response, Mountain Recreation, the Town of Gypsum, and the Santoro’s joined forces to open free outdoor pickleball courts across the street from the Gypsum Creek Golf Course clubhouse, this established the sport as a permanent part of the community.

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By making the sport more accessible, the Santoro’s have not only grown its presence but also highlighted what makes pickleball so appealing to everyone. They emphasize that the game is easy to learn, affordable, and welcoming, attracting players of all ages. “Tennis is a great sport and we’ve played it for years. However, pickleball is easier to pick up as a beginner,” Jerry explained. “In tennis, you’ll spend most of the time picking up balls as a beginner, but with pickleball, you’ll feel competent in no time. After just a two-day workshop with us, people are ready to play—and that immediate gratification keeps them coming back.”

With its accessibility, it’s no surprise that pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport and the third most played sport in the country. The sport’s relatively low cost also contributes to its success, requiring only a couple of paddles and some pickleballs—and the free courts in our community make it a budget-friendly activity for families. The Santoro’s recommend visiting usapickleball.org for more information on rules, equipment, and places to play. Highlighting the sport’s social aspect, Robin noted, “You don’t need a partner to join in. You can show up alone and find a game or bring a friend and work your way into playing with others—something you don’t often see on a tennis court. Pickleball is incredibly friendly.”

The Santoro’s have cultivated a supportive and welcoming community through their leadership. “When we’re at the outdoor courts and see a group we haven’t met, we always introduce ourselves before we leave—and if we have an upcoming clinic, we invite them,” Robin explained. They also offer on-the-spot coaching to players, which has inspired others to follow suit. For many, pickleball has become more than just a game; it has evolved into a social hub that people were craving—a way to make new friends through a common activity. “We saw real friendships forming, with people having lunch together and organizing their own groups to play,” Robin shared. The friendships forged on the court have grown into lasting bonds that extend well beyond the game. “These connections have made a real difference in people’s lives,” Jerry noted, sharing heartfelt examples such as players offering rides for cancer treatments and organizing meal trains during difficult times.

If you’re seeking more than just a sport—a place to connect, grow, and belong—our pickleball community is ready to welcome you. Register today for our upcoming Pickleball Clinics, designed for players of all skill levels to advance their game and enjoy the camaraderie that makes pickleball so unique. Clinics will be held on November 22nd and 23rd at the Gypsum Rec Center for ages 18+, and there are only a few spots remaining. Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or looking to refine your game, the Santoro’s and their vibrant community will be there to support you every step of the way.

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“In times when there are so many things that are being put in front of us to divide us as a country, pickleball is one of the things that are pulling people together—and we need more things to pull us together.” – Jerry Santoro

 

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