2023 Seattle Open Showcases Washington's State Sport and Local Pickleball Pros

 

Lindsey Newman and Vivian Glozman

Seattle Open Showcases Washington's State Sport and Local Pickleball Pros

Seattle, WA - The city of Seattle is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the first annual Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Seattle Open from July 26-30. This prestigious event will take place at the Green Lake Lower Woodland Tennis Courts and will feature over 1000 players, including some of the top professionals in the sport. The tournament not only marks a significant milestone for the pickleball community but also highlights Washington's official state sport. Among the local favorites participating are Vivian Glozman and Lindsey Newman, both accomplished pickleball players hailing from the state.

Washington's Love for Pickleball:

Pickleball's popularity has been soaring in Washington since it was officially declared the state's sport last year. Both casual players and professionals alike have been captivated by this dynamic paddle sport that blends elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The Seattle Open serves as a grand celebration of this beloved sport's recognition and provides a platform for showcasing the talent that Washington has to offer.

Vivian Glozman: A Rising Star:

Vivian Glozman, a 23-year-old Pro Pickleball player from Bellevue, Washington, is set to make her mark at the Seattle Open. Glozman's journey began in tennis at the tender age of five, and she quickly developed into a remarkable player. Having thrived in high school and earning recognition as Washington's premier tennis prospect, Glozman went on to enjoy a highly successful collegiate journey at renowned institutions including the University of California Berkeley, the University of Virginia, and the United States Air Force Academy. In November, she transitioned to pickleball and has since become a full-time professional player. 

Lindsey Newman: A Local Favorite:

Another hometown favorite competing in the Seattle Open is Lindsey Newman, a 32-year-old pickleball player from Whidbey Island. Newman, known for her exceptional skills in Women's Doubles, will partner with Glozman for the first time in this tournament. Newman's brother, Riley, a top-ranked player in Men's and Mixed Doubles, will join her as her partner in Mixed Doubles. The “sibling duo” has already achieved success together, winning a gold medal at the 2021 USA Pickleball National Championships in Indian Wells, CA.

Anticipation and Excitement:

Lindsey Newman expresses her enthusiasm for the Seattle Open, stating that it will be the highlight of her summer. “Playing in front of family, friends, and local fans is going to be such a blast,” states Lindsey. 

While Newman and Glozman have never played together before, Lindsey admires Vivian's aggressive playing style and fiery spirit on the court. They are also set to team up for the August Takeya Showcase tournament in California, further strengthening their partnership.

Celebrating Washington's State Sport:

The Seattle Open is not just a significant event for the pickleball community but also a celebration of Washington's official state sport. As the tournament unfolds, the Green Lake Lower Woodland Tennis Courts will become a hub of excitement, showcasing the athleticism, skill, and passion that make pickleball so captivating. Fans, players, and enthusiasts can follow the Washington State Pickleball Facebook Group for the latest news and information about the sport and its local community.

Seattle is set to witness an exhilarating display of talent and athleticism at the first annual Carvana Professional Pickleball Association Tour Seattle Open. With over 1000 players and top professionals from around the world, the tournament serves as a testament to the growing popularity of pickleball in Washington. Local favorites Vivian Glozman (Instagram, Facebook) and Lindsey Newman (Instagram, Facebook) will undoubtedly captivate the crowd with their skills, marking a milestone in their careers. As the state's official sport, pickleball continues to bring camaraderie to the community, and the Seattle Open is an event not to be missed for sports enthusiasts and fans alike.

2023 Beer City Open Championship Sunday

18:39 Andrei Daescu/Robert Nunnery vs Pablo TellezFederico Staksrud 1:13:59 Jorja Johnson/Lauren Stratman vs Ewa Radzikowska/Judit Castillo 2:22:32 Dylan Frazier/JW Johnson vs Rafa Hewitt/Connor Garnett 3:08:54 Jade Kawamoto/Jackie Kawamoto vs Lacy Schneemann/Tyra Black 5:55:23 JW Johnson/Jorja Johnson vs Dylan Frazier/Lauren Stratman

Family Bonds and Inspiring Journeys: The Uniting Power of Pickleball

 

Photo: JR, 6, Megan Fudge DeHeart, Angie Cosma, Ella Cosma, 14, Ryler DeHeart, Lily, 8

Family Bonds and Inspiring Journeys 

The Uniting Power of Pickleball 

In the world of sports, few activities can rival the sense of camaraderie and unity that comes from playing as a family. The recent Mixed Doubles Open Gold Medal match at the Seattle Metro Classic brought to light a heartwarming encounter between two remarkable families— the DeHearts and TeamCosma. Megan Fudge DeHeart and Ryler DeHeart, along with their two young kids JR and Lily, met up with the mother-daughter duo, Ella and Angie Cosma, after their awe-inspiring victory. The DeHeart Family, traveling the professional pickleball tour in their trusty RV, crossed paths with TeamCosma, who call Redmond, WA, their home.

For Megan Fudge DeHeart, the meeting was a delightful surprise, as she had spotted the mother-daughter pair cheering courtside during the intense gold medal match. Impressed by their support, Megan took the opportunity to express her admiration for their story. The encounter revealed just how powerful the sport of pickleball can be in bringing people together from all walks of life.

During the pandemic, the DeHeart Family, like many others, sought ways to stay active and bonded during challenging times. As fate would have it, they discovered pickleball, a sport that perfectly encapsulates the essence of togetherness. Megan and Ryler saw in pickleball an opportunity to not only stay fit but also to create lasting memories as a family. Little did they know that this decision would lead them to professional success and encounters with kindred spirits like TeamCosma.

For Ella and Angie Cosma, their pickleball journey began on a seemingly ordinary summer day in June of 2022. As they strolled along the picturesque Sammamish River Trail in Redmond, they noticed two pickleball courts and decided to give the sport a try. Armed with nothing more than basic wooden paddles, they ventured onto the court and instantly fell in love with the game. From that moment on, they dedicated countless hours to honing their skills and nurturing their newfound passion.

Driven by their shared love for pickleball, Ella and Angie soon found themselves entering local tournaments and competing against skilled opponents. Their hard work, determination, and unbreakable bond as a mother and daughter propelled them forward in the sport, earning them the respect and admiration of fellow pickleball enthusiasts.

When the paths of these two incredible families crossed, the connection was instant. The DeHearts recognized the spark of passion and commitment in TeamCosma, while Ella and Angie were in awe of the dedication and support within the DeHeart Family. The shared love for pickleball became a foundation for friendship and mutual inspiration.

Pickleball has undoubtedly grown in popularity over the years, and stories like that of the DeHearts and TeamCosma showcase its unique ability to bring people together and bridge gaps. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, pickleball welcomes all with open arms, fostering an environment of friendship, support, and community.

The encounter at the Seattle Metro Classic reminds us that the essence of sports extends beyond competition and trophies. It lies in the connections we make and the stories we share. Megan Fudge DeHeart and Ryler DeHeart, along with their little ones JR and Lily, and the indomitable mother-daughter duo, Ella and Angie Cosma, have become symbols of unity within the pickleball community.

As these families continue their journeys in the world of pickleball, they will carry with them the memories of this special meeting. Their paths may cross again on the court, or they may inspire others to form lasting connections within the sport. One thing is certain: the spirit of family, passion, and camaraderie will forever resonate within the sport of pickleball, touching the lives of countless individuals along the way.

2023 Beer City Open Doubles

14:13 Lacy Schneemann/Tyra Black vs Irina Tereschenko/Rianna Valdes 1:36:40 Pablo TellezFederico Staksrud vs Altaf Merchant/James Ignatowich 2:31:29 Dylan Frazier/JW Johnson vs Andrei Daescu/Robert Nunnery 3:26:49 Lacy Schneemann/Tyra Black vs Lee Whitwell/Allison Harris 4:10:15 Pablo TellezFederico Staksrud vs Rafa Hewitt/Connor Garnett 4:58:00 Jorja Johnson/Lauren Stratman vs Jade Kawamoto/Jackie Kawamoto

2023 Beer City Open Mixed Doubles

3:49 Lacy Schneemann/Brendon Long vs Sydney Sonday/Brian Brooks 1:10:42 Jorja Johnson/JW Johnson vs Rachel Rohrabacher/Altaf Merchant 1:55:24 Jade Kawamoto/DJ Young vs Tyra Black/Rob Nunnery 2:36:14 Irina Tereschenko/Federico Staksrud vs Andrea Koop/Andrei Daescu 3:49:20 Lauren Stratman/Dylan Frazier vs Ewa Radzikowska/Pablo Tellez 4:35:18 Ava Ignatowich/James Ignatowich vs Jackie Kawamoto/Rafa Hewett 4:58:49 Jorja Johnson/JW Johnson vs Andrea Koop/Andrei Daescu 5:31:50 Jessie Irvine/Zane Navratil vs Lauren Stratman/Dylan Frazier (Jessie Gets Hit In Face) 6:22:33 Jade Kawamoto/DJ Young vs Andrea Koop/Andrei Daescu 7:21:40 Andrea Koop/Andrei Daescu vs Jackie Kawamoto/Rafa Hewett

2:18 Ava Ignatowich/James Ignatowich vs Becky Bucolo/David Selvaggi 1:45:53 Jessie Irvine/Zane Navratil vs Judit Castillo/Jaume Martinez Vich 2:36:20 JW Johnson/Jorja Johnson vs Ava Ignatowich/James Ignatowich

2023 Beer City Open Singles

 

2:57:34 Dylan Frazier vs Frank Davis 4:25:39 Tyra Black vs Jessie Irvine 5:16:54 Jaume Martinez Vich vs Jay Devilliers 7:07:34 Anna Leigh Waters Paddletek Ad 7:13:41 Dylan Frazier vs Connor Garnett 8:14:13 Jorja Johnson vs Tyra Black 9:25:09 Connor Garnett vs Jaume Martinez Vich

2023 Seattle Open: A Mother/Daughter Journey from Setbacks to Pickleball Triumphs

Photo Credit: TeamCosma

From Hospital Beds to Pickleball Nets

A Mother/Daughter Journey from Setbacks to Pickleball Triumphs

By Jack Olmsted 

Redmond residents Ella, 14, and Angie Cosma’s journey through life has been filled with challenges and setbacks, but their bond and resilience have only grown stronger. They have faced medical conditions and illnesses that have tested their spirits, but found a renewed sense of purpose in pickleball.

Ella was born with multiple medical conditions affecting her intestines and digestive system resulting in extended hospital stays until the age of 12. She endured a lot of teasing and discomfort of a distended belly, leading her to wear oversized shirts to hide her appearance and limiting her participation in sports. After undergoing several successful surgeries, she received an ileostomy bag that eventually cured her condition. Ella's unwavering optimism and resilience earned her recognition as Hero of the Month at Swedish Hospital. She is thriving academically and served as ASB president through her middle school years. 

Angie, a former college tennis player and marathon runner, found herself battling an autoimmune disease for over seven years, experiencing extreme fatigue and limitations in her daily activities. With patience and a focus on a healthy lifestyle, both Ella and Angie supported each other to health and are now enjoying life to the fullest.

It all started one summer day in June of 2022. They spotted two pickleball courts off the Sammamish River Trail in Redmond and decided to give it a try. With cheap wooden paddles in hand, they stepped onto the court and quickly fell in love with the sport. From that day on, they played endlessly, dedicating hours every day to their new found passion. Eventually, they found themselves competing in tournaments. Their dedication and consistent practice paid off, and TeamCosma's skill level quickly rose from beginner to intermediate.

On the court, they are not just mother and daughter but equal partners and best friends. Their special bond and genuine love for playing together are evident as they showcase their unique skills, Ella with her beautiful two-handed backhand and Angie’s powerful shots. They never imagined they would find themselves competing in sports, let alone doing it together. Every ball they hit is a testament to their journey and a moment filled with gratitude. 

Ella's creativity and passion led them to start an Instagram page, "Ella.Angie.Pickle," where they document their pickleball journey and connect with players from around the world. The support they receive from their followers is overwhelming and deeply meaningful to them.

There are two professional pickleball families that serve as tremendous inspiration for their close knit relationship, relentless work ethic and humble nature: The Waters and Johnsons. The mother/daughter duo look forward to meeting them next week at the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Seattle Open. Ella and Angie will be playing Women’s Doubles on Friday July 28. They look forward to seeing you there.