About Sarah, in her own words:

As a solo woman female traveler, I have traveled the world, Latin America being my "home" — pickleball allows me to make friends and be a part of something with like-minded locals and expats. So easy to find groups on social media and reach out even before arriving – instant friends! Being an active Ambassador for Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA) also has opened up many doors and contacts all over Central/South America and Mexico, where many of us Ambassadors have an active Whatsapp group, sharing contacts, ideas, and building communities.

Despite an ankle sprain, knee meniscus surgery, and more recently, a broken wrist (all over the last year) my craving for the sport, exercise, camaraderie, and social events (stemming from PB groups) just became stronger.

I am 55, originally from England, spent most of my childhood in Canada, moved to Puerto Vallarta 2003-2006, then Panama... now I live in both places!

How long have you been playing pickleball, and where are some places you have played?

April 2022 - Coronado Panama, where my patient friends taught me to play! The courts are only a block from my home. We also have Gorgona and Chame groups, close by – where, while we are competitive, we have nothing but FUN! Mimosa mornings, fun tournaments, as well as free clinics for beginners. I have also played in Mexico (Mexico City, Oaxaca, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias), Canada (Whistler, Kelowna), and USA (St. Pete Beach Florida).
 

What led you to become a World Ambassador with IFP? 
I was nominated by Dan Beeman who recognized my efforts in scouting locations, donating equipment, and marketing new groups in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Since then, I have nominated 8 others (in Mexico, Panama and USA) who are serious about their roles and helping others learn, improving venues, and spreading the word.
 

What are some of your favorite projects or accomplishments as Ambassador?

Bringing people and ideas together, staying active and building community. Throwing pickleball parties! We are making the world smaller and friendlier with our shared passion of pickleball!
 

What are you looking forward to next? 
Seeing pickleball in the Olympics! As Ambassadors, we are striving for recognition in all countries and taking this sport to the next level. I am always looking forward to traveling and meeting other players and joining groups. I am about to embark on a Mexico road trip with a car full of balls and finding (or helping to create/ expand) more groups around Mexico. And of course, using PlayTime Scheduler to make life easier!

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, 2021 - Thanks to the help of Ben Johns and Pickleball Getaways, they donated 3 nets and loads of balls and t-shirts following a Pickleball Getaway I attended in the Mayan Riviera. A small group of us quickly went to work, to negotiate cost and access with a tennis club, threw a great tournament, and then researched other more affordable venues. Now it's thriving with dozens of international and national players of all levels at the sports arena at the edge of town.

My good friends Tony and Petra Beauregard are members of North Shore Pickleball in New Orleans. They asked their members for some donations, and brought to me many paddles and balls to Mexico, which I have distributed among new players, particularly young Mexicans who are getting involved and learning to play!

I have to highlight the story of little Roger, who was about 8 years old when he started coming to our Gorgona Panama group and acting as ballboy. A sports enthusiast (soccer, baseball), he was quick to learn. A few months later, he was playing and beating us all! This photo is with our friend Dale who spearheaded donations from the group to buy Roger running shoes and a bicycle. We also dontated new basketball nets to the community (as we share those courts at different times with local basketball players).