Meet the team.

Where are you from?

Originally from Auckland.

How long have you been playing pickleball?

Chris has been playing pickleball for 2 years, after first discovering the sport at a Howick Sunday night session.

What's your favourite thing about pickleball?

What keeps him coming back is the incredible community and the unique opportunity to enjoy both competitive and social play in the same session. Whether you're playing with friends or meeting complete strangers, everyone is welcomed onto the court.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

He proudly admits he likes wearing odd socks!

Coffee, tea, or energy drink before a match?

Before hitting the court, his fuel of choice is coffee and an energy drink.

One piece of advice for new players.

"Stop the big backswing." A shorter, more controlled swing will help you improve consistency and accuracy.

If you're not at the courts, where are we most likely to find you?

When Chris isn't busy keeping APC running smoothly, you're most likely to find him at the beach with Hermie, or, if not there, probably back at APC!

Where are you from?

Originally from France, but I've called a few countries home over the past 10 years before settling in New Zealand.

How long have you been playing pickleball?

About a year… and I'm still as addicted as I was on day one.

How did you discover pickleball?

Friends introduced me to it when living in the Philippines… where I completely fell in love the game.

What's your favourite thing about pickleball?

The people. The pickleball community is hard to beat.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I'm French, but I don't like wine, cigarettes, or snails… I do, however, fully embrace the stereotype when it comes to cheese and fresh bread!

Coffee, tea, or energy drink before a match?

Energy drink.

One piece of advice for new players.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Pickleball is meant to be fun, and the more you relax and enjoy the game, the faster you'll improve.

If you're not at the courts, where are we most likely to find you?

Outside somewhere — probably wandering somewhere with a good view or chasing the sunset.

Where are you from?

Originally from Auckland but have spent half my life overseas (mostly Singapore).

How long have you been playing pickleball?

I have been playing pickleball for over 5 years now.

How did you discover pickleball?

I discovered it at a park in Singapore and thought "That looks fun!". Having played tennis since age 5, racket sports grab my attention!

What's your favourite thing about pickleball?

My favourite thing about pickleball is the people. 75% of my phone's contact list have the last name "Pickleball"!

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I have visited over 45 countries and worked and lived in Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Amsterdam and of course Auckland.

Coffee, tea, or energy drink before a match?

Coffffeeeeeeeeeeee

One piece of advice for new players.

"Bend your Knees!" 😊 Don't get frustrated when a shot doesn't go the way you want it to. Keep practicing, have fun, and don't be nervous to join in with strangers – everyone started the same way!

If you're not at the courts, where are we most likely to find you?

If I am not on the court you will probably find me enjoying the sunshine or at a café.

Where are you from?

I'm originally from Manila, Philippines.

How long have you been playing pickleball?

I've been playing pickleball for 2.5 years.

How did you first discover pickleball?

I first discovered pickleball through an initiative in our condominium where residents were invited to try the sport in the basement courts. Equipment was provided and sessions were free for everyone. I gave it a go, got hooked soon after, started playing at multiple clubs—and the rest is history!

What's your favourite thing about pickleball?

Pickleball is easily one of the most fun sports I've ever played, but what makes it truly special is the community. It brings people together in such a unique way, and I love being part of that.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself.

I was a foot model for more than 15 years!

Coffee, tea, or energy drink before a match?

I usually stick to just water. But if I were to choose, black coffee would be my go-to.

One piece of advice for new players.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: focus on your footwork. It's the foundation of everything we build in the game.

If you're not at the courts, where are we most likely to find you?

If I'm not at the courts, I'm most likely in full-on mum mode.

Where are you from?

Born & raised in West Harbour, Auckland and still currently living here 🙂

How long have you been playing pickleball?

I have been playing pickleball since March 2024, so it's been around 2 years for me!

How did you discover pickleball?

I first discovered pickleball at Browns Bay Leisure Centre, where I was playing basketball and later got into it with my siblings.

What's your favourite thing about pickleball?

My favourite thing about pickleball is the great sense of community & friendship, while still being competitive & fun.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

One fun fact about myself is that I love painting & enjoy hikes!

Coffee, tea, or energy drink before a match?

Bit of Powerade, a sip of water & some lollies.

One piece of advice for new players.

My advice for new players is to develop a consistent stroke (same way of hitting a shot) for each different shot of the game: serve, 3 shot drop & flick etc.

If you're not at the courts, where are we most likely to find you?

Probably at home watching pickleball or eating at some new food spot.

Where are you from?

I'm Samoan and Tongan.

How long have you been playing pickleball?

I've been playing pickleball for the past three months after my friend Diane introduced me to the sport.

What's your favourite thing about pickleball?

My favourite thing about pickleball is interacting with people and being part of such a great community.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A fun fact about me is that I love to sleep.

Coffee, tea, or energy drink before a match?

Before a match it has to be a coffee.

One piece of advice for new players.

Don't make Chris angry! - He just may make you work harder on the court 😊

If you're not at the courts, where are we most likely to find you?

When I'm not at the courts, you'll most likely find me at home in bed.

Where are you from?

Hermie is originally from a farm up north and has been keeping a close eye on the team ever since.

How did you discover pickleball?

Her introduction to pickleball wasn't exactly by choice. After being hit by far too many stray pickleballs while watching from the sidelines, Dad kept bringing her along anyway.

What's your favourite thing about pickleball?

When asked what she likes most about pickleball, Hermie's answer was simple: "Nothing." She'd much rather be at the beach or curled up in bed with Dad than spending hours at the courts.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

If you hug her Dad, she'll probably try to bite your ankles.

Coffee, tea, or energy drink before a match?

Before a busy day on security patrol, Hermie's drink of choice is water.

One piece of advice for new players.

Her advice to all the other dogs out there: "Don't let your owners start playing pickleball. They'll end up spending more time with other humans than they do with us."

If you're not at the courts, where are we most likely to find you?

When she's not at APC, you'll most likely find Hermie at the front door, keeping watch and barking at any dogs that dare walk past.