Author: rkraemer333

Year-End Letter from the SJPA President, George Johnson

As my term as president of the SJPA ends, I would like to thank the Board, the Committee Chairs, and all of the other members who helped make 2024 so successful.  There have been terrific events, both on-court and off, and lots of spirited and fun play.  We continued to work closely with The Clubs at St. James to enhance the pickleball facilities, both for usability and safety.  And more improvements are coming in 2025, including resurfacing the courts at the Rymer facility.  The topic of getting gates at the entrances to the courts continues to be discussed and I am hopeful that it will be addressed soon, though I do not have the details or timing as yet.

Those of you who attended our social events (Winter Dance, Progressive Dinner, Spring Fling, Pool Party, and Beach Events) understand that this is a group that knows how to have fun, whether it includes good food, music, dancing, tug-of-war, or a swimming relay race with an inflatable pickle.

In addition to the always popular Battle of the Paddle, we introduced several new on-court events including men’s and women’s championships, and the All-Aboard Tournament involving competition for every level of player.  We also had a number of Mixed-Up Doubles events in all seasons and weather conditions – heat, cold, and wind  – where part of the goal is to meet new people and have fun playing with folks you might not know.

While we had many successes, we encountered a few challenges as well.  Court reservations and utilization continue to be areas of concern, though with only 10 courts for over 600 pickleball players in St. James, it seems that the competition to get courts at the most popular times will always be a challenge.  How to ensure that the courts that are reserved are actually used is a separate issue that remains unresolved.  A number of ideas have been discussed, but none have been put into practice, so this is an area where the SJPA and The Clubs will continue to work toward a viable solution.  The procedures for using the Whiteboard during open play evolved during the year and it seems to generally be working, as long as everyone understands the process and includes all players who attend, regardless of level.

I look forward to more fun events and energetic play, with a bit of competition and a lot of laughter, in 2025.  (We can’t take ourselves too seriously!)  I expect that the new SJPA Board will continue to offer events and activities for all of our members.  

Happy holidays to you and your families.  I hope to see you at the socials and on the courts in the new year!

George Johnson

SJPA President, 2024

Interested in playing in Cape Fear Intercommunity League?

The Cape Fear Intercommunity League will begin play on March 10th, 2025, and will end around the 3rd week of May 2025.

The Cape Fear Inter-Community League Rep is now soliciting interest for this friendly, social, and competitive pickleball league that provides opportunities to play other communities including Winding River, Brunswick Forest, Waterford, Compass Point, Porter’s Neck, Landfall, and Del Webb.

Players must be 55 or older to play in the league. If you turn 55 in calendar year 2025, you are eligible to play.

This is NOT an SJPA sponsored event or league.

DIVISIONS:

  • SOCIAL/NOVICE – Social division for beginner/novice players that will play in a social environment. No DUPR rating required, but if DUPR rated, rating must be under 2.99 DUPR. Team formats will vary depending on community participation. Play will be scheduled every other Monday.
  • INTERMEDIATE – Competitive division for players with a minimum of 30 DUPR games and a rating between 3.00 – 3.49. The game format is one man’s double, one woman’s double, and two mixed doubles: playing 7 rounds totaling 28 games weekly for a team of 10 to 12 players. Play will be held on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM – 7:00PM for away matches and Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to – 7:00 PM when hosting at home.
  • UPPER INTERMEDIATE – Competitive division for players with a minimum of 30 DUPR games and a rating between 3.50 – 3.99. The game format is one man’s double, one woman’s double, and two mixed doubles: playing 7 rounds totaling 28 games weekly for a team of 10 to 12 players. Play will be held on Thursdays from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
  • ADVANCED 4.0+ – Competitive division for players with a minimum of 30 DUPR games and a rating over 4.0. The game format is two men’s doubles, one women’s double, and one mixed double: playing 7 rounds totaling 28 games weekly for a team of 10 to 12 players. Uploading DUPR scores is required for these matches. Play will be scheduled every Monday.

STEP ONE – League Registration

Contact Cathy Rollins at 703-901-3217 or via email @ crollins@comtex.com to register.

Players will be assigned to teams based on the stated criteria and roster slot availability.

STEP TWO – DUPR Registration for this event

Players are required to register on DUPR: https://mydupr.com.

When you register you will be asked to provide your community. Enter: Cape Fear Intercommunity League. If you do not have a DUPR rating, you have until February 15, 2025, to complete 30 DUPR matches. DUPR will begin recording your scores as soon as you register, and you will get a rating which will change as you enter your games. The more games you play, the more accurate your rating becomes. It is strongly suggested that you begin to use DUPR and as soon as possible if you wish to participate. It is also strongly recommended to schedule and play DUPR matches with players of like ability.

Event Organizer: Cathy Rollins, 703-901-3217, crollins@comtex.com

Halloween Mixed-Up Doubles

Another beautiful, sunny day in St. James provided the perfect backdrop for SJPA’s Halloween Mixed-UP Doubles with the Pro event on Saturday, November 2nd.

The first session was a sell out on all 8 courts, and the second afforded a more intimate group with everyone in both groups able to play with the pro. Kim Mihan gave it her usual 100%, playing to win when she needed to but still giving players helpful instruction and pointers.

As always, donations were collected for the food pantry and more than a few participants indulged in Halloween candy and homemade cookies.

3rd Annual Battle of the Paddle — and the winner is….

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WHITE TEAM!

Over ninety players, divided into four teams, competed in the 3rd Annual Battle of the Paddle event which was held at the Rymer Pickleball Courts on September 28th and 29th. Included in the competition were skill drills, dinking matches, and round robin play. Competition was fierce but friendly!

Captain Joe Waskas led his team to victory!

Second place went to the Blue team, with the Green team and the Silver Team placing third and fourth. 

Following the two days of play, a banquet was held at Members Club. Awards were presented and raffle prizes were awarded. Members Club provided a delicious buffet supper. Music, provided by DJ Rodney Axsom, got the crowd up and dancing for a great end to a truly fun weekend!

Carolyn Gaziano, once again, was on hand to capture many great moments. You can view all of her photos HERE.

Congratulations to everyone who competed and special thanks to the Events and Social committee members who planned and executed a great event. 

SJPA Donates to Southport Schools’ Pickleball Program

The St. James Pickleball Association (SJPA) started teaching pickleball to students at the Southport Elementary School two years ago. The kids were engaged and enthusiastic from the beginning, and now, they get very excited when they see the pickleball nets set up in the gym because they know what the day’s event is going to be. 

Because of this success, the program is being expanded to include the South Brunswick Middle School in Southport. To help start the middle school program, the SJPA donated 20 “gently” used paddles and 20 new pickleballs. SJPA member Holly Ahrens personally donated 15 “gently” used pickleballs.

The elementary school’s paddles needed new grips, having gotten some good use over the last two years. Kim Mihan, St. James’ Pickleball Pro, donated grips, and Rick Norton, SJPA member, re-gripped the paddles.

Courtney Nix, Southport Elementary P.E. teacher, was thrilled to receive these donations.  She loves working with the kids on pickleball and has seen the sport being enjoyed by kids of any athletic ability.  

SJPA members who help teach enjoy working with the kids and love to see them “get it” and have fun! The SJPA is looking forward to the next time we join the kids for some pickleball fun!

Students at South Brunswick Middle School

The SJPA Board of Directors WANTS YOU

APPLY NOW

The SJPA is seeking to fill the following positions which start in 2025:

  • Vice President – one year, elected Board position, followed by one year as SJPA president
  • Tournaments and Events Director – two year, elected Board position
  • Social Director – two year, elected Board position
  • Communications Director – two year, elected Board position
  • Webmaster – appointed position
  • Sunshine Committee Chair – appointed position

If interested, please submit an email to stjamespickleballassociation@gmail.com expressing your interest along with a brief resume no later than October 31st.

If you have any questions or just want to learn more about any of these positions, feel free to contact any current member of the board, send an email to stjamespickleballassociation@gmail.com, or contact SJPA Vice President, Christine Cournoyer, at cccournoyer@gmail.com or 978-761-4468

Position descriptions are available in the SJPA Bylaws.

Women’s Championship Tournament – Three day results

Three nights of play saw some very good competition and a lot of fun as the SJPA ladies competed in the Womens’ Championship Tournament over three consecutive evenings.

Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated in the event. Thanks also to everyone who came out to cheer for the ladies! And, special thanks to Carolyn Gaziano and Becky Jones for the great pictures!

Women’s Championship Pictures from Carolyn

Women’s 6.0 – Gold- Cindy Phillips and Katy Nasiff; Silver – Sandy Woods and Aleysa Waskas; Bronze – Tara MacCall and Susan Consoletti 

Women’s 6.5 – Gold – Lynne Albrecht and Janice Ammann; Silver – Katie Raiff and Brenda Gamba; Bronze – Wendy Reeves and Jane Martinez 

Women’s 7.0 – Gold – Alicia Mastropietro and Christine Cournoyer; Silver – Kathy McArthur, Teresa Grant and Kathy Cravinho; Bronze – Lynne Albrecht and Teri Romano

SJPA Pool Party – Lots of fun, good food, and laughs

The SJPA Pool Party was a huge success. Originally scheduled to be at the Founders Pool, the party was quickly moved to the Seaside Pool because updates to Founders Pool would not be complete in time. Members enjoyed the good food, drink, socializing in and around the pool, and fun games. Once again, music was provided by DJ Dan. 


The Ice Breaker had each member trying to find their “mate,” by matching the number they were given at check-in to that of another member. Congratulations and a small prize were given to the first three “couples.”

The games were a lot of fun!   

The Tug-of-War was exciting as the men and then the ladies gave it their best.   

The Pickle Race, a Pool Party favorite, did not disappoint. Teams of five were gathered and each contestant grabbed an inflatable pickle to swim a lap down and back without letting go of the pickle. We have quite a few fast swimmers among our pickleball players.   

The Wet T-Shirt Race started with the first swimmer putting on a t-shirt, swimming one lap, removing the t-shirt, giving it a teammate to don (easier said than done), then the teammate swam back to the finish line. 

We had a few attempts at the new Inflata-Bull. A few brave men and women gave it a shot but found it was not so easy to get on that bull. Better luck next time!  

We had great weather with a nice breeze and a fantastic time was had by all.

SJPA All Aboard Tournament – SURVEY RESULTS

Here’s what we learned from the survey: Most players enjoyed the event, thought it was well organized, would attend again, and had FUN!

Where can we improve?  Changing the tournament from two days to one was not well received and five game matches was about two games too many, leaving too much “standing around” time. The heat and humidity, which some suggested we should work on improving next time, added to the feeling of too many matches, taking too long.  (We’re working on that weather thing).  Suggestions were also made about switching up partners more frequently.

We’ll be using the responses and the suggestions offered for several events in the future. Thank you to all for your feedback.

Click here to see the full survey results, including all comments.