Meet Our Volunteer!

Doug Gawne – Vernon Y Branch

Hi, I am Doug Gawne and I will be one of your Learn to Play Pickleball volunteer instructors at the Vernon YMCA. I have played and coached a variety of sports throughout my life including baseball, softball volleyball, soccer, hockey and now Pickleball.

I started playing Pickleball about a year and a half ago. A friend of mine asked if I was interested in playing because they needed a fourth person. I told him I had no idea what Pickleball was, but he took the time to show me and explain the game and the rules. After playing 3 or 4 times I was hooked, I had my own paddle, and now play 6 days a week.

Here at the Vernon YMCA our group of Pickleball players often help new people who are interested become players instead of watchers. We have wanted to have a less intimidating venue for new players to learn, a lot of people have said “I want to play but you people are too good”. Another thing we hear is “I want to play but don’t want to hold up your games for me to learn how to play”. With Director Rachael’s help, we came up with Learn to Play Pickleball, so those people have a place and time to just learn to play. We will start with the basics like safety, how to dress, how to hit the ball, and we will work on how you play the game of Pickleball.

Please come and join us and learn how to play the great game of Pickleball!

Additional Questions or Concerns:

Hannah Fuller

Operations Director

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 814-336-2196