Pelham Pickleball MVPs (Most Valuable Volunteers)

If you’ve attended a Pelham Pickleball fundraiser, tournament, or social event, chances are you’ve seen—or heard—the dynamic duo of Gretchen and Chris Brunelle in action.

Gretchen Brunelle: Our Raffle Queen & “Zip Tie Lady” Gretchen is the creative force behind our ever-popular raffle baskets. She tirelessly collects donations from local businesses and community members (often generously contributing from her own household), then assembles stunning themed baskets that bring excitement and heart to every event.

But Gretchen’s talents don’t stop there—she’s also affectionately known as the “Zip Tie Lady.” That nickname doesn’t just come from one act of brilliance—it’s earned. When our courts needed a solution for holding spare balls during games, she took a pickleball to Dollar Tree and tested it in every container she could find—right there in the aisle, as curious shoppers looked on. Her ingenuity paid off when she discovered that rubber sink strainers were the perfect fit. She bought eight of them, zip-tied them to the nets, and solved a problem in true Gretchen fashion: creatively, resourcefully, and without fanfare.

She’s also known for constantly replacing the worn zip ties on the court surrounds to keep them safe and secure. Ever thoughtful, she uses plastic zip ties—wary that more permanent metal ones might rip the netting. It’s this kind of care and attention that makes Gretchen an invaluable part of our team.

Since the day our courts opened, Gretchen has jumped into pickleball with both feet. In just 3½ years, she’s become a cornerstone of the Pelham Pickleball community—whether she’s helping organize tournaments, repairing court surrounds, fundraising, or simply offering a warm welcome to newcomers. She’s often seen volunteering at the Hobbs Community Center as well, always pitching in wherever help is needed. She does it all quietly, humbly, and with a big heart.

“Why do I play?” Gretchen says, “When I retired, I needed something to keep my mind and body active—and a way to meet new people. Pickleball gave me all that and more.”
Her advice to beginners, families, and older adults: “Come join us! We have fun, we encourage each other, and it’s great exercise.” One unexpected joy? “You make more friends than you ever imagined.”

Chris Brunelle: Our Resident DJ & Master of Ceremonies: Known as “DJ Chris,” he’s the one behind the music, announcements, and good vibes that keep our tournaments and events running smoothly. Whether he’s spinning tunes live or loaning us his PA system when he can’t attend, Chris adds energy, professionalism, and a sense of fun to every gathering.

Together, Gretchen and Chris bring heart, creativity, and spirit to Pelham Pickleball. We are proud to recognize them as two of our Most Valuable Volunteers—and grateful for everything they do to make our community stronger, friendlier, and more fun.