Pickleball Kingdom Plano hosted a ‘Match for the Generations’ on Friday afternoon as 94-year-old Joyce Jones and 10-year-old Nicolett Shand Manzano teamed up to take on challengers in a highly anticipated match.
Brad Stanford, director of operations at Pickleball Kingdom, helped set up the event that involved the two athletes competing against staff and members of Pickleball Kingdom Plano, saying that those involved are “very excited” about the opportunity to host such a fun event.
“The idea for this event was inspired by the unique stories of Joyce and Nicolett, who both love pickleball, showing that anyone can enjoy this sport, no matter their age. Bringing them together in Texas for this special match is a great way to celebrate the sport’s ability to connect people. We hope this event will inspire more people to pick up a paddle and play,” he added, according to a news release sent to The Dallas Express.
Both Jones and Manzano spoke with The Dallas Express about the event and said they felt honored and excited about having the opportunity to participate.
Jones has over 40 years of experience playing pickleball and has become one of the most well-known figures in the sport. During her career, she has won more than 50 titles across national and international tournaments.
Despite the numerous accolades that Jones has acquired, she said one of her proudest accomplishments was getting pickleball added to the National Senior Games.
Jones said she attempted to add the games while working as a coordinator for the state of Washington, but her request was denied due to the lack of states that included the sport in qualification tournaments.
She then spent multiple years determining which states included pickleball and advocated for even more to add it to qualification tournaments, prompting its inclusion as an exhibition sport.
The first year of pickleball resulted in an incredible turnout, which led to the sport being added to the Senior Games in 2013.
Although Manzano does not have nearly the same amount of experience as Jones, she has already accomplished an incredible amount in her short career.
Manzano told The Dallas Express that she tries to have fun while also improving on her past performance every time she steps on the court.
While competing in the 2024 U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, Manzano won a gold medal in the Junior Mixed Doubles for the 12 and under division and a bronze medal in the Junior Girls Doubles for the 14 and under division.
When discussing what the pair would say to those looking to take the first step into playing pickleball, Jones said those interested should embrace the chance and just “go out and give it a try.”
“Chances are they’re going to love it, and it’ll provide them the opportunity to make all kinds of new friends and stay fit,” Jones told DX.
Manzano presented a similar viewpoint to those who are looking to begin playing pickleball, saying that she was nervous at the beginning but quickly fell in love with the game.
“Once I went on the court, I loved it. So once you get on, it’s just really, really fun. And I just wanted to do it for the rest of my life,” Manzano told DX.
