Costa Rica, February 2024—I was still new to Costa Rica, learning a whole new way of life. Navigating the struggles of reprogramming my daily routine, figuring out how to make things work in a foreign country. My son, on the other hand, had settled in perfectly. He was in the best school I could have dreamed of for him, surrounded by new best friends. He was thriving. But me? I was struggling to figure out what I was going to do, besides rescuing animals and spending a lot of money taking care of them because I really didn’t have anything better to do.

My friend Bel, who co-founded my son’s school with her husband, kept insisting that I try pickleball. She said I needed to move my energy, have fun, and meet amazing people. But I turned her down more times than I could count. I mean, pickleball? That’s a game for retired people. How could something called pickleball possibly be fun or challenging?

Then, loneliness and stress crept in faster than I expected after our move. I figured giving pickleball a “shot” was better than how I was spending my days anyway. So, in March 2024, I played my first game ever.

Not only was the game way harder than I thought, it was also brilliant. A strategic, highly competitive sport disguised by a ridiculous name.

For the first time in my life, I had an addiction. I started playing nearly five hours a day, day after day, sometimes even twice a day. I wasn’t very good at first, and I wasn’t getting invited to play much, so I joined open play where anyone can go, sometimes even men’s opens, just to get more court time. My goal? To get good enough that Bel would finally ask me to be her tournament partner. Because she was the best around. In Costa Rica, pickleball tournaments happen as often as the rainy season, there’s no shortage!

Months of playing, learning technique and strategy (and finally teaching myself not to dive for every single ball, stuntwoman instincts), it finally happened. I was dropping Bel off at her house when she turned to me and said the magic words:

“Shauna, would you like to be my pickleball partner?”

I couldn’t believe my ears. I had finally gotten good enough for Bel. I felt like I was just asked to Prom by my biggest crush ever. 

I responded, “I thought you’d never ask, YES!”  It was a moment, HA!

Pickleball, hands down, has the silliest name for a sport, but it’s one of the greatest games I’ve ever played (second only to soccer, of course). It’s competitive, there’s always room for improvement, and you get to trash-talk your friends while having a blast. In fact, we even started a traveling Pickleball club to check out courts and competition all over Costa Rica. I have played in mixed tournaments also placing, which, if anyone would have told me I would be living in Costa Rica playing in Pickleball tournaments, I would have NEVER believed you. 

Life’s “curve balls” are one to embrace and let flow. Because of Pickleball, my life in Costa Rica has reached an all -time high of how much I love being here. 

I’m convinced that pickleball is the secret to staying young forever. Between the fun on and off the court, the incredible community, and the phenomenal workout, it’s the best not-so-kept secret on the planet these days. There is a reason it has gotten so popular.

So, if you haven’t tried this silly-named game yet, and you’re looking for everything I just described: this is your sign to go for it. I can almost guarantee it’ll be a “game-changer” in your life like it was in mine.

Bel and I have now placed first or second in five tournaments so far. We send each other endless YouTube videos of drills to try. Pickleball has given me community, lifelong friends, and it keeps me at my goal weight without having to set foot in a gym. (My ADHD has never been a fan of the gym.)

One warning, though: you might find yourself playing against someone twice your age and getting your butt kicked. Never underestimate the power of the elders.

Ultimately, pickleball is more than just a game—it’s a lifestyle.

Thanks to Roger and Holly for building beautiful courts here in Costa Rica. Playing at Jungle Pickleball is a staple in my life, thanks to the community it has created in the Jungle.

My wish for you? Go out and give it a try. If you are feeling stagnant, it’s time to move some energy and try something new. Who would have thought “Pickleball” would be the answer to creating the life I dreamed of but wasn’t sure how to fully achieve it. And who knows, maybe it’ll be the answer for you, too!

And if you’re feeling adventurous, come join us in Costa Rica for a tournament! Oh, and if you ever take a photo on the Pickleball courts, JUMP!