2023 Pickleball Hall Of Fame Ceremony

 

An Evening of Pickleball Royalty: Legends Honored at 2023 Hall of Fame Induction

Five pickleball luminaries cemented their places in history at a glitzy ceremony in Dallas

Amidst another record-shattering year for pickleball’s participation eruption came one of its most significant nights to date – recognition of five transcendent figures comprising the 2023 Hall of Fame class. What an unforgettable showcase it was inside Dallas’ College Park Center on  Thursday, November 9, 2024 for over 200 enraptured attendees, there to witness legends cemented on the sport’s Mt. Rushmore. MC Seymour Rifkind guided the affair masterfully per usual, himself among the honorees being immortalized.

One inductee after another stepped under spotlight met with resounding ovations, embarking on trips down memory lane spanning competition breakthroughs, personal growth and unbreakable bonds formed through shared pickleball passion. Jovial spirits filled the room as current standouts mixed seamlessly with greying dignitaries from bygone eras, representing the sport’s enduring multi-generational appeal.

Presenters glowed relaying their heroes’ accomplishments before handing off microphones. Recipients then addressed guests with palpable emotion, many shedding tears either from podium or in touched audiences. No shortage of levity balanced heartfelt messages underscoring cherished friendships transcending any trophy or accolade. Jests drawing collective laughter provided reminders that every luminary once stood as eager newcomers themselves, embracing today’s bustling pickleball community they helped foster.

All great films contain compelling backstories revealing how protagonists navigated early tribulations before ultimately triumphing. The 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony vividly encapsulated pickleball’s equivalent narrative, chronicling indispensable contributors like Bill Booth and Seymour Rifkind laying groundwork for Mona Burnett, Jennifer Dawson and Scott Moore to later shine as generational superstars. Their collective journey now adds a momentous chapter into pickleball history, paying homage to this game’s legends and cultural stronghold continuing to capture imaginations nationwide.

2:32, Bill Booth, Contributor - The event kicked off with Fran Myer's lively introduction of contributor Bill Booth. She recalled serving with him on the USA Pickleball Association board, where his brilliance and dedication left an indelible impact. Booth helped spearhead groundbreaking initiatives like the first National Tournament in 2009, which seemed improbable at the time but set pickleball on a trajectory toward mainstream popularity. He logged upwards of 60 volunteer hours per week developing paddles, testing equipment, and finding ways to elevate the sport. Myer closed by crediting Booth's vision to take pickleball seriously during its infancy as instrumental in fueling today's success.

6:21, Bill Booth - A humble Booth accepted the honors, sharing credit with his wife Jan for her integral partnership along the way. He expressed awe at joining several former USA Pickleball Association board members already in the Hall of Fame, including fellow inductee Fran Myer. Booth was among visionaries convinced of pickleball's potential when few others took notice, let alone imagined ramifications of their efforts decades later. He recounted pickleball's lean early days, when operations like membership and tournament registration were run from his house on miniscule budgets. In closing, he forecasted playing well into his 90s as the sport provides lifetime activity for all ages.

11:43, Mona Burnett, Competitor - Mona Burnett's illustrious career was showcased through an affectionate introduction by friends Jim and Yvonne Hackenberg. They characterized the diminutive Burnett as a towering figure from 2009-2019, striking fear with tornado-like shots and a determination to match her formidable skillset. The trio shared laughs over fond memories, with Burnett noting hallmarks like winning the USAPA National Mixed Doubles title in 2010 alongside a much younger partner. She expressed pride in entering the tournament's inaugural event the prior year. Burnett evolving from pioneer participant to champion reflected pickleball's rapid development. She twice has the unique distinction of claiming gold as the sport lands major international events like the National Tournament of Champions and U.S. Open.

16:07, Mona Burnett - In her own words, Burnett described her 2009 entry into tournaments as playing for $250 medals against familiar faces at local competitions. She valued early friendships above all, emphasizing renowned player Larry Moon's warmth and humor while relishing matchups alongside other future Hall of Famers. Burnett articulated the thrill of becoming Canada's first Hall inductee still residing there, punctuated by capturing five gold medals at 2015 Nationals. She movingly credited partners, including posthumous honoree Luba Zaraska, for unlocking her most dominant stretch en route to induction.

27:46, Jennifer Dawson, Competitor - Jennifer Dawson fittingly took the stage introduced by husband Steve. He detailed her legendary competitiveness, where highest intensity embodies Jennifer's quest for continuous improvement. Steve fondly described her laser focus blocking all else when playing, making pickleball an all-consuming passionate pursuit in those moments. Notably, he contrasted on-court fire with off-court composure - win or lose, Jennifer flips a switch to being fully present with loved ones afterwards. Steve praised Jennifer and frequent partner Cammy McGregor for displaying how pickleball can empower lasting female friendships. Their journey showcases world-class play coexisting with an atmosphere of togetherness core to pickleball’s DNA and astronomical rise.

32:04, Jennifer Dawson - Jennifer embraced her husband’s presence enthusiastically, proclaiming feeling surrounded by family and her pickleball community. She expressed humility at induction after playing only nine years, made possible by her sons Callan and Tyler Dawson convincing her to try pickleball. Jennifer valued long-tenured partner Cammy McGregor’s stalwart support through outstanding achievements, while thanking nominating committee member Don Loachman. In Jennifer’s view, pickleball accelerates and deepens relatability between all who embrace its platform. She emblematizes those who discover rewards of health, activity and friendship leading mass appeal.

36:38, Scott Moore, Competitor – In an emotionally resonant speech, Stephanie Lane set the scene for Scott Moore’s induction by recalling their gold medal showdown. Her thorough overview included Moore seizing 21 National gold medals, winning 12 U.S. Opens, and snagging 7 unprecedented Triple Crown sweeps. Beyond domination between the lines, Lane emphasized Moore’s full life as a beloved friend, faith leader, entrepreneur and ambassador spreading pickleball internationally. Both his son Daniel and close friend Bill Muno underscored authentic care for people superseding on-court accolades. Despite towering athletic achievements, Moore prides using pickleball to form meaningful connections above all.

42:33, Scott Moore – A visibly touched Moore accepted the honor by thanking John Foss for convincing him to initially play, thereby changing his life indelibly. He described pickleball becoming a shared passion with son Daniel, leading them on a five-year journey culminating in simultaneously winning three national titles across age brackets. Moore reminisced about parted grandfather Poppie claiming gold at age 85, underscoring multi-generational engagement leading Moore to eye competing into his 90s. He recognized pickleball’s blessings of renewed health, social bonds and purpose during a past crossroads. In closing, Moore pivoted from celebrating personal victory to visualizing collective triumph through unification. His soaring aspirations cast pickleball as a global phenomenon and Olympic medal event.

59:45, Seymour Rifkind, Contributor - Seymour Rifkind's lifelong friend Steve Paranto conveyed the extraordinary drive fueling Rifkind'sgoal to secure Olympic inclusion for pickleball over objections it was unrealistic. Paranto compared them beginning as competitors, only for him to develop enormous respect for Rifkind's dedication and sacrifice despite limited playing time while working tirelessly to elevate the sport. Among many undertakings, Rifkind conceived the Hall of Fame itself and directed funds raised during a 3,000 mile bike ride toward its construction. Paranto emphasized Rifkind persevering through immense obstacles, reflecting inner perseverance to grow pickleball into a worldwide flagship.

1:05:51, Seymour Rifkind – Rifkind opened by offering immense credit to fellow inductees, emphasizing each class member’s worthiness. He transitioned into tracing his pickleball journey from co-founding the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association through launching the Hall of Fame as pickleball’s next frontier. Rifkind persistent targeted Olympic inclusion even amidst widespread skepticism, a fight intensifying his current efforts to unify competing pickleball governance bodies.

He detailed recent breakthrough exhibitions of his World Pickleball Federation at high-profile multisport events. Having official platforms to demonstrate pickleball before influential global audiences represented monumental progress toward potential Olympic programming. In closing his gracious speech, Rifkind pledged wholehearted commitment to keep driving growth regardless of personal acclaim already achieved. His steadfast resolve resounded with guests, who responded in kind by rising for an enthusiastic standing ovation.

Summary:

The 2023 pickleball Hall of Fame class showcased five standard-bearers emblematic of pickleball’s ascent into mainstream prominence. Booth and Rifkind were seminal non-playing influencers who laid groundwork for those following. Monster competitors Burnett, Dawson and Moore carved indelible legends across recent eras, both through otherworldly play and ambassadorship to expand pickleball's reach. Spirits ran high throughout the celebration, punctuated by plentiful humor and nostalgia.

Inductee celebration illuminated pickleball’s cultural stronghold backed by a passionate community, set to proliferate on pace with the sport’s meteoric participation explosion. With saints entering its most hallowed sanctuary destined to motivate greatness in others, this pastime turned phenomenon appears poised for even loftier stratospheres befitting its budding status as a national pastime. The fairy tale stretching from basement obscurity toward potential Olympic glory added another vivid chapter in Dallas, etched prominently into pickleball’s still unraveling mythology.

Time Code List

2:32 Fran Myer Introduces Bill Booth - Contributor 6:21 Bill Booth 11:43 Jim and Yvonne Hackenberg Introduces Mona Burnett - Competitor 16:07 Mona Burnett 27:46 Steve Dawson Introduces Jennifer Dawson - Competitor 32:04 Jennifer Dawson 36:38 Stephanie Lane Introduces Scott Moore - Competitor 42:33 Scott Moore 59:45 Steve Paranto Introduces Seymour Rifkind - Contributor 1:05:51 Seymour Rifkind