If you’ve been to the courts in Pelham, chances are you’ve seen Karen Sullivan—paddle in hand, smile on her face, and ready to help anyone who wants to learn or improve their game.

A retired snowbird, Karen splits her time between Pelham and Fort Myers, Florida, where she first picked up pickleball 2½ years ago for exercise—and quickly got hooked. A lifelong athlete and former tennis instructor for children, she found that teaching pickleball was a natural next step. When Pelham opened its new courts, Karen was one of the first to volunteer to help beginners get started.

“I love the spirit of pickleball,” she says. “People are welcoming and adapt to each other’s level of play.” Karen is often found at the courts daily and is passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported. One of her pet peeves? Players who consistently “target” weaker players in recreational games. “It’s not only discouraging—it actually slows down your own development. Playing with stronger players is how we all get better.”

Karen is happy to schedule meet-ups for anyone who wants to work on a new skill or just hit around for fun. So if you see her at the courts, don’t hesitate to say hello—she’s always up for a good rally and a great conversation.