Meet Lynne Hildreth – Pelham’s Volunteer Pickleball Coordinator

If you’ve played pickleball in Pelham, chances are you’ve met Lynne Hildreth—or you’ve benefited from her behind-the-scenes work. As Pelham’s dedicated Volunteer Pickleball Coordinator, Lynne has been the driving force behind building a vibrant, welcoming, and growing pickleball community of over 700 players.

Lynne and her husband Bruce—her “chief volunteer supporter”—are both retired and loving it, but you’d hardly call them idle. Their days are filled with meaningful volunteer work, especially in the world of pickleball. Married with four grown children (two of whom now play pickleball) and 11 grandchildren (with two more pickleballers in training), the Hildreths especially love when three generations can play together. For them, pickleball is more than a game—it’s a joyful way to connect across generations.

Their pickleball journey began in 2017, when they first spotted the game during a trip to Cape Cod and thought, “Wow, that looks like something we could do together!” Just six months later, they walked into an indoor facility, were handed paddles, and jumped into the game with both feet. It was a baptism by fire—and they were hooked. As Lynne jokes, “We got the Pickleball bug right away. There is no cure.”

What keeps them playing isn’t just the game, but the people. “We walk away from the courts not caring if it was a winning day or not. We just had fun,” Lynne shares. “The social aspect and friendships we’ve formed are the true reward.” She proudly wears a t-shirt that says, “If it wasn’t for pickleball I would have never met you and you and you and you…” She’s often heard others say that pickleball has helped them beat loneliness—especially during long New England winters. “People tell me that if they didn’t have pickleball, they’d just be sitting alone inside,” she says. “That’s why this community matters.”

Lynne and Bruce are also passionate about growing the game. They volunteer as beginner instructors, introducing newcomers to the sport with enthusiasm and kindness. “It’s a simple game to learn, and we love meeting new players and watching them grow,” she says. One of Lynne’s favorite memories is introducing Pattie Parece to the game. “Before that first class was even over, Pattie was hitting better than us. She started drilling with more experienced players and, just a year later, she was winning medals!”

For newcomers, Lynne offers this advice: “You don’t need experience, gear, or even much knowledge to start. If the courts aren’t too busy, someone will usually lend you a paddle and show you the ropes. Just play safe and play nice.”

Thanks to Lynne’s tireless efforts, Pelham’s pickleball community continues to grow, thrive, and welcome players of all ages and skill levels. We’re lucky to have her at the heart of it all.