The Lund Family’s Inspiring Pickleball Journey: From Beginners to Champions
Lund Family’s Pickleball Journey: From Pandemic Pastime to Competitive Passion
SARASOTA, FL — In a heartwarming tale of family bonding and athletic growth, the Lund family has transformed their lives through pickleball, a sport they discovered during the pandemic. Matt Lund, the CEO of a YMCA in Oregon, initially sought a way to keep his family active and connected during lockdowns. Little did he know, this decision would lead them on a remarkable journey from casual players to serious competitors.
A New Beginning
In the early days of the pandemic, with gyms empty and activities on hold, Matt invited his wife, Stephanie, and their four children—Adalynn (15), Christian (14), Payton (11), and McKaelynn (10)—to try their hand at pickleball. “We’d seen seniors playing before the shutdown, and it just seemed like something worth trying,” Matt recalled. This simple decision opened the door to a new family tradition.
From First Steps to Tournament Success
What began as a fun family activity quickly evolved into a competitive pursuit. With no prior experience, the Lunds learned the ropes together, transitioning from home games to local pickup matches. Their first taste of competition came when Matt and Stephanie entered a 3.5-level tournament and won gold, igniting a passion for the sport within the entire family. Adalynn and Christian also shone, earning bronze medals in their division.
“They just fell in love with it,” Matt said. “From there, we started entering them in more events, coaching them, traveling together. It all took off.” Now, the family competes in 12 to 16 tournaments each year, with Adalynn and Christian reaching a 5.0 skill level and even attempting pro qualifiers.
Life on the Road and New Opportunities
After years of traveling with a trailer to tournaments across California, Oregon, and Washington, the Lunds relocated to Florida for better opportunities in pickleball. Matt now leads a new pickleball facility in Sarasota, where Stephanie works alongside him. Their children contribute by teaching lessons and running clinics.
“The opportunities here are incredible,” Matt shared. “It’s just part of our daily life.” Balancing school and travel can be challenging, but the family ensures that education remains a priority. “We stay in touch with their teachers and bring schoolwork on the road,” Stephanie explained.
Playing as a Family
While playing together has its challenges, the Lunds have learned to navigate the complexities of family dynamics on the court. “We’re not just partners; we’re teammates,” Matt emphasized. Their approach to the game focuses on strategy and control rather than power, a style that has become their signature.
Looking Ahead
As the children continue to improve, Matt and Stephanie are shifting into coaching roles. “I can’t keep up with my son forever, but I’ll keep coaching him,” Matt said, expressing his hopes for future family doubles matches. Stephanie reflected on their journey, noting that the proudest moments often come from watching their children grow and thrive in the sport.
Advice for Other Families
For families considering pickleball, the Lunds offer simple yet encouraging advice: “Pickleball can feel awkward at first, but give it time. Take a clinic, play with your kids, and make mistakes together. That’s part of the fun,” Matt said. Stephanie added, “You don’t need to be athletic or have fancy gear. Just get out there and try.”
In Brief
The Lund family’s pickleball journey showcases how the sport can foster family connections while building essential life skills. Now based in Florida, they continue to compete and inspire others to embrace the game, regardless of skill level. Their story is a testament to the power of family, sport, and the joy of shared experiences.
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