NOMINEES FOR PICKLEBALL CLUB

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1/1/2024 - 12/31/2025
Steve Meyer
I am originally from a small town (pop. 650) in Montana.  I grew up on a farm where we produced malting barley for the production of Michelob beer.  I was active in football and wrestling in high school.  I graduated from Montana State University in 1979 with a degree in biology.
 
My career path was a little varied.  After a couple of jobs in the quality control world, I worked as a lobbyist in Montana and D.C. for 9 years.  Following a short stop back at the farm, we moved to Olympia WA in 1993. I worked for state government for 12 years in the natural resources arena. After leaving state government, I embarked on a career in sales and real estate for 18 years.  

My wife Paula and I built a house in Festival in 2017 with the plan on retiring here.  We were part timers for almost six years, renting the house during the prime months and visiting here in the fall and spring.  This past June 1, we both retired and moved here permanently.  We survived July!
 
I was introduced to pickleball in 2018 while we were here as Paula recovered from knee replacement surgery.  In order to fill my time, I participated in Gina and Don’s intro to pickleball.  I became hooked, playing 4 to 5 times a week both here and in Olympia.  I play morning open play and some of the 3.0/3.5 rotations.  I currently am one of the volunteers who clean courts every other week.
 
I’ve offered my name because I was taught that one must give back to their community.  Serving on the board would allow me to fulfill that need to give back and to help others enjoy the sport as I was helped when I started.
Scott Moyer
My name is Scott Moyer and I am a candidate for one of the SCF Pickleball Club Director positions.
 
My passion (ok, addiction—you can find me on the courts most days playing or drilling) for pickleball started in 2015 when I moved to Bend, Oregon.  I became a USAPA Ambassador and served on the Bend Pickleball board for 4 years in positions of vice-president and court utilization.  I also assisted with the organization of the NW Regional tournaments for two years.  Additionally, recognizing the needs of the rapidly growing club membership, I researched many applications and ultimately implemented Court Reserve, which continues to be used today in Bend as well as our club here in SCF.
 
My wife Joan and I moved to SCF in 2019 as full-time residents and since then I have been very involved in the SCF Pickleball Club including running several tournaments, managing ball inventory, cleaning courts and organizing rotations as well organizing an all-inclusive group play.  
 
As one of your directors, I hope to continue to contribute and work with the other directors and the players in the community in the areas of court utilization, enhancing our court facilities and ensuring balanced and competitive play across ALL levels.  My friends tell me that I have a reputation of listening and soliciting input and plan to use these skills to enhance the SCF Pickleball Club experience. 
Beth Castle
After serving on the Board for the last 2 years (in various roles), I would appreciate your vote to continue to volunteer for our great club.  After our COVID shut down, and we opened back up, our Tournaments returned (In-House, Highlander, Hen House, Dink-A-Thon), Skill and Drills came back, and our Rotation schedule became more robust.  A huge shout out to all the great volunteers who made these events happen.  You make it work!  We’ve had social events (4th of July and Halloween), and modules are returning!  I would like to thank the dedicated and hard-working current Board for all their amazing contributions! 
 
I always have an open ear, and I appreciate your questions and concerns, comments, and compliments!
As President the last 8 months, I have developed important relationships with the HOA, and the Board has ideas to make our club even better in 2024.  I would like to continue to be a part of that. Our club continues to grow, and I would like to continue to serve. 
 
Thank you and see you on the courts!
Rob Dryden
My name is Rob Dryden. Originally from Nebraska, I have resided in SCF since 2008. As a master plumber by trade, and someone who provides a variety of handyman services throughout our community, many of you already know me.

I am a previous business owner, whose leadership and management skills will transfer over nicely in my ability to assist with pickleball club needs, such as court time usage and monitoring, and being attentive to the voiced concerns of fellow club members.

I already contribute to the PB club in a variety of ways. Whether I am helping with court cleanings, volunteering my time to assist with various club activities, or helping others with their PB development, I am regularly involved. I also spend a good portion of my time at the courts, regularly playing or watching the play of others.

As a disabled amputee who was once restricted and limited in being able to participate in much, I refuse to let life hold me down. As a result, I am a very active & passionate club member, on and off the courts. I participate in tournament play, host off-site Introduction to Pickleball sessions for fellow amputees, and teach AARP pickleball during the summer, back in the Iowa/Nebraska area.

I am currently seeking a board position with the belief that my skill set and passion for the sport will allow me to provide current and future insight, as our PB club continues its growth. I enjoy helping all skill levels to improve and contributing with the ongoing needs of our club. I am also committed to promoting a respectful and collaborative team culture, which includes my desire to provide an avenue for all club voices to be heard, and to do my best to ensure all members are being included. With your vote, I look forward to representing our club and the needs of its members.

And if anything can be done to encourage Pulte leadership to build us additional courts, of course, I am all-in with the effort to do so.
Wayne Long
I have been playing pickleball going on 5 years and am proud to consider myself a “pickleball addict.” I truly enjoy playing, teaching, and studying the game! My weekly schedule often consists of all things pickleball related (playing, drilling, assisting others with their personal pickleball development, testing new paddles & balls, supporting friends at in-house or local tournament events, watching & studying the pros, as well as a variety of on-line pickleball content.) Above all, my primary objective is to HAVE FUN & TO PROMOTE FUN ON THE COURTS! 

I was born in America, raised in Canada (dual citizenship), and am an honorable veteran of the U.S. Air Force. The bulk of my professional career has focused on Training & Development, Problem Solving & Process Improvement, and Change Management. I have been involved in, as well as lead, a variety of teams, committees & special projects. I believe each of these areas of focus translate well to the current & future development of our pickleball community.

​Pickleball is the one club activity that can provide value to a wide array of individuals, regardless of one’s overall athletic background, current skill level & personal interest. Whether you are happy at your current skill level, have the aptitude & desire to push yourself to new heights, or become a victim to time &/or injury where your overall skill level diminishes, there is always a place within the pickleball community to participate and enjoy. It is also probably the best “bang for the buck” type of activity available, as the cost to be a community member & participate is minimal and an overall great value.  

In addition to exercise, pickleball is a great socializing activity, where in addition to gathering with friends, it consistently introduces you to others. And whether you play &/or watch, it is also one of the few activities with the power to create & promote a strong sense of community spirit. Of all the community activities SCF has to offer, pickleball is by far my most favorite pastime.

If elected to the board, I hope to continue the overall development of our pickleball program, doing what I can to ensure pickleball remains an inviting & exciting activity that provides a shared sense of fairness, community value & enjoyment to all members. 

I hope I can count on your vote to fill one of the upcoming vacant board positions, as I look forward to serving our club & seeing you on the courts! 
Ramona Knipstein
I would like to nominate Ramona Knipstein for a position on the SCF Pickleball Board.

Many people know Ramona Knipstein as a veteran employee working at the Athletic facility at Sage and Saguaro. Ramona comes with a racketball background so knows the ins and outs of a paddle sport. She has played pickleball for 8 years. Over those years she has volunteered numerous times in clinics, helped one on one with beginners who are eager to learn this sport and reach their potential goal. On any given day you will see her helping players!

Ramona is a team player and will be an asset to the board in making fair decisions that will benefit all levels of play. Our club will benefit with Ramona’s expertise!

Nomination submitted by Cindy Olson with Ramona's permission as Ramona is out of the country at this time.

​
​Sun City Festival Pickleball Club 
Sun City Festival
26501 W Desert Vista Blvd
Buckeye, Arizona  85396
Contact:  admin@scfpickleballclub.com