Celebrating Ted – The Heart of Cordillera Pickleball

Every community has that one person whose energy, dedication, and spirit seem to hold everything together. For the Cordillera Pickleball Community at Valley Club, that person is Ted.

Ted’s role goes far beyond teaching lessons or coordinating matches. He is the heartbeat of the program—always reaching out, always organizing, always making sure no one is left out. His phone never seems to rest, and neither does he. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, Ted is texting to arrange lessons, set up competitive matches, or pull together a casual social game so that everyone feels welcome and engaged.

But what truly sets Ted apart isn’t just his tireless work—it’s how he does it. His professionalism ensures that every lesson is not only instructive but inspiring. His skill on the court motivates members to elevate their own game, while his kindness ensures that both beginners and seasoned players feel equally valued. And then there’s his humor—always quick with a laugh or a lighthearted comment—reminding us that pickleball is, at its core, about joy and connection.

Without Ted, our pickleball program would be only a shadow of what it is today. His commitment has built more than just a calendar of events—it has built a true community of friends who gather not only to compete, but to share in something bigger than themselves.

As this summer season comes to a close, we want to show Ted how much he means to us. As a small gesture of gratitude, we are asking members to consider making a donation of their choice. Together, we’ll present this to Ted in appreciation for his unmatched dedication and the impact he has made on all of us.

Because while we may all love the game, it is Ted who has given us a reason to love it—and each other—even more.