October 24, 2022
Created in 1965 to alleviate boredom during a family vacation, Pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the US. With simple rules and a shallow learning curve, it’s the perfect sport for athletes and couch potatoes alike. Now, Pickleball has made its way to the tennis courts of St. John’s University, where scores of alumni join together for fun, fitness, and friendship.
“I first learned about Pickleball from one of The McCallen Society members,” explained Susan M. Damiani ’87CBA, Director of Gift Planning and The McCallen Society. “I was planning the society’s activity schedule for the year and members were telling me they wanted to move their bodies and go outdoors. It seemed like a natural fit.”
Calling themselves the PBJs (short for Pickleball Johnnies), this intrepid group of nearly 30 St. John’s alumni joins together each week from May through late October to play the sport which combines elements of ping-pong, tennis, and badminton. A Pickleball court is just a fraction of the size of a regulation tennis court.
With most of the PBJs having little to no Pickleball experience, the group received coaching from former St. John’s tennis player, Igor Maslov ’20CCPS, ’21MBA, and current student, Evan Naumann. Evan, a senior in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, learned the sport from his grandfather, a three-time Wisconsin Senior Olympics Champion in Pickleball.
“It’s relatively easy, especially with great coaching,” said Maryanne Twomey ’89CBA, ’95MBA, Director of Financial Aid. “Best of all, it’s an opportunity to learn a new game, meet some fellow alumni, and create new friendships. My family laughs at how much I look forward to each session.”
“It took me a while to learn how to swing. I used to play paddleball and I was hitting the ball too hard,” said Laura Bellacicco ’83CBA, ’85MBA, who also appreciated the coaches’ helpful hints. Ms. Bellacicco is an International Student and Scholar Advisor at St. John’s. “I laugh so much. It’s an engaging experience for the social connection, as well as for the physical exercise.”
Mary Benzie ’79C, who played tennis for the St. John’s Women’s Tennis team from 1975 to 1979, admitted that the sport is not without its challenges—even for a former collegiate athlete.
“My first lesson was embarrassing because I missed hitting the ball several times. I had to laugh at myself,” said Ms. Benzie, who retired from a 38-year career with the federal government in 2020. “The biggest adjustment was adapting to the smaller paddle and adjusting my hand-eye coordination.”
While she enjoys the friendly competition, her favorite part of the PBJs is the camaraderie that has developed during gameplay and after each session, when the group unwinds and cools off at the PBJs’ social mixer. “Although most of us had never met before, players introduced themselves and started laughing with each other. It’s also wonderful interacting with the student who coordinates the program.”
According to Ms. Damiani, there are plans to bring a PBJ group to Florida next year, as alumni from the Sunshine State join together to celebrate at the Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“The PBJs are among the friendliest groups of people,” she added. “They are not overly competitive—they play for fun and are sociable. If anyone wants to belong to a positive network of people, have fun, release some stress, and take in some exercise, join the PBJs. They are a sheer delight.”
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