Proud to be the USSP Central Zone Director
My US Senior Pickleball Journey:
How I became an Ambassador
As I reached my mid-sixties, I found myself facing off against players half my age on the pickleball court. While the challenge was exhilarating, I longed for a community that celebrated my stage of life and offered tailored opportunities for senior players like myself. It was during this quest for a more age-appropriate pickleball experience that my wife, Roxanne, stumbled upon United States Senior Pickleball (USSP). Intrigued by their dedication to catering specifically to players aged 50 and above, I delved deeper into what USSP had to offer.
After engaging in insightful discussions with several directors within the organization, I was captivated by their commitment to fostering a vibrant pickleball community for seniors nationwide. Recognizing the potential to make a meaningful impact within this community, I took the leap and applied to become a USSP ambassador. To my delight, I was warmly welcomed into the fold and appointed as the USSP ambassador for Northwest Arkansas.
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Embracing my newfound role with enthusiasm, I've discovered immense fulfillment in connecting with senior players from all corners of the country. Each encounter brings the opportunity to forge lasting relationships and cultivate friendships rooted in our shared passion for pickleball. Through these initial connections, I've come to realize that building our sport among seniors isn't just about competition—it's about nurturing a sense of camaraderie and belonging that transcends the boundaries of age and geography.
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As a USSP ambassador, I am not only an advocate for the sport but also a catalyst for fostering a thriving community of senior pickleball enthusiasts. Together, we are rewriting the narrative of aging, proving that pickleball is not just a game but a pathway to vitality, connection, and lifelong enjoyment.
USSP Welcomes Central Zone Director,
Doug Stavig
​US Senior Pickleball members, please join us in welcoming Doug Stavig as the new USSP Central Zone Director! Doug has been a decorated and enthusiastic ambassador for USSP for the past year and a half, and will now take on a more prominent role within the organization.
Doug Stavig is an amazing example of someone who found pickleball in his retirement and credits it for truly changing his life. Doug has both Pickleball and his wife to thank for giving new direction to his life. He retired in 2021 and was introduced to pickleball by his wife, Roxanne, who wanted to see him become more active. She signed him up for intro lessons at their local Rec Center in NW Arkansas. As was the case for many of us, he was hooked after his first lesson!
Doug now plays 4-5 times per week and tries to enter at least one tournament each month. After shadowing USSP founder Ford Roberson at several tournaments, he then began directing his own. Doug has successfully held many senior tournaments and has also run tournaments for several other organizations and non-profits. He is currently a PPR Certified pickleball instructor, and coaches and consults through his Arkansas-based business; thepickleballdrs.com.
"I owe my life to Pickleball and two people, my wife, Roxanne, for forcing me to play, and Mr. Jeff Hedges for giving me the tools to make my skills better. I love promoting the healthy lifestyle and social behavior that I've found by playing the most beautiful sport on the planet"– Doug Stavig
As the most decorated ambassador in US Senior Pickleball history, Doug has brought more than 600 new members to USSP in 2024 alone! With his enthusiasm and can-do attitude, he joyfully introduces countless seniors to the sport that he has become so passionate about.
“Doug truly personifies everything USSP stands for. He loves helping seniors discover the sport of pickleball and he's a master at creating great experiences for them on the courts. His enthusiasm is contagious and we're incredibly excited that he'll have a larger role in the organization.” – Tara Morrissey, USSP Brand Ambassador Director.
In his new role as Central Zone Director, Stavig will help USSP approve, plan, and run tournaments, continue to assist the Senior Brand Ambassador program, as well as continue to spread the USSP mission of fun, fitness, and friendship to all.
Congratulations Doug! We are so lucky to have you on our team!