Pickleball
Want to be a part of the fastest growing sport in the country? Come play pickleball!
Visit DCTC pickleball on social media:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dctc_pickleball?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/720772799540482/?ref=share&mibextid=zoDNOU
- Reserve a Court at: https://www.CourtReserve.com
DCTC Pickler Facts:
With the popularity of pickleball increasing dramatically here at DCTC, we are excited to be able to have Mike Walter at 425-765-8590 (PickleballDCTC@gmail.com) and Debbie Walter at 206-930-8699 (Debbie@DebbieWalter.com) as our Pickleball Directors. Mike and Debbie facilitate daily court flow, manage Round Robin play, provide private and group lessons, coordinate In-House and Desert League play, provide demo paddles/balls, manage pro shop, facilitate social/holiday events and more.
Mike held a ranking in the top 20 Senior Pro division and currently holds a 5.2 DUPR. Debbie holds a 4.5 DUPR and is a past gold/silver medal tournament winner.
DCTC has six beautiful, dedicated courts right here in south Palm Desert offering daily social and organized play throughout the week. Since Pickleball combines elements of tennis, ping pong and volleyball the learning curve is extremely fast, with fun being a must!
DCTC caters to all levels starting from the non-athlete who has never picked up a paddle to the player prepping for Nationals. Players here at DCTC have the option of playing in an in-house league and/or competing in the local Desert Pickleball League. DCTC fielded a Men’s Elite team, a Men’s Premier team and a Women’s Premier team. The Men’s Elite and the Women’s Premier teams have medaled in multiple seasons!
With pickleball being so social, DCTC sponsors many fun events throughout the season. It starts with the DCTC opening party partnering with the tennis and social committees, continues with social play, round robins, drill clinics and men's/women's in-house league to name a few. You will find the pickleball seating area decorated for fun play on Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, various fun fashion theme days like Crazy Shirt Day, Pickle & Pinot, Pickle & Pints, Neon 80s Day and even musical fundraiser events here at DCTC.
Fun Pickler Facts:
Pickleball has experienced a 385% growth since 2010 with more than 36 million players in the United States alone. Approximately 111 pickleball courts are added each month in the U.S. and many in Canada too.
The Pickleball National Championships are held in early November with over 5000 participants broadcast on ESPN. Several of our own DCTC players have competed in this event, including our own directors.
Because pickleball is easy to learn and play, you will find families and groups grabbing a court and playing most afternoons too.
Committee Members 2025-2026:
Jim Woeppel - Chairman
Jane Newcombe - Treasurer
Kjell Karlsen - Secretary
Val Brown - At-Large Core Member
Sue Lundquist - At-Large Core Member
Lil Reiger - At-Large Core Member
Rebecca Schneider - At-Large Core Member
Andy McGregor - At-Large Core Member
Rebecca Schneider - At-Large Core Member
Jim Sterken - Board Liaison
Mike Walter - PB Director
Debbie Walter - PB Director
Pickler Volunteers
John Lockwood - Chairman Emeritus
Bonnie Blanton - DCTC Picklers Email Subgroup
Lil Reiger - Desert League
Bruce Webb - DCTC PB Website
Fred Zapf - Trumpet Player
Jack Tilford - Court Reserve Tech Support
Sarah Ness - PB Court Decor
Pickleball pros
DCTC Professionals
DCTC is lucky to have Mike Walter (PickleballDCTC@gmail.com) as the Pickleball Co-Director. Mike Walter is a Top 20 nationally ranked pickler in the Senior Pro Singles (50+). Mike has won several medals in Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles & Singles. He has qualified and competed at Nationals in Indian Wells on multiple occasions. Mike’s sports background & first love is tennis as he played for Division I at WSU (Washington State University – Go Cougs!). He is also a Certified Professional Tennis Coach as he was a vital Board Member for 12+ years at Eastside Tennis Center, a non-profit public facility in Kirkland, WA. Mike truly believes his transition over to pickleball has increased his 5.0-level tennis skills too. When not on the pickleball or tennis courts, you will likely find Mike burning extra calories on a hike, bike or soccer field.
Debbie Walter (Debbie@DebbieWalter.com) is also the Pickleball Co-Director. Debbie Walter is also a nationally ranked pickler in the 4.5 Skill Category. Debbie has won several medals in both Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles as she leaves the singles to her hubby. Debbie has also qualified and competed at Nationals in Indian Wells on multiple occasions. Debbie’s sports background also includes earning a full-ride tennis scholarship to Division II / Cal State University of Bakersfield. Debbie is a Certified Pickleball Instructor who loves working with Beginners/Improvers and Intermediate Players. When not on the pickleball courts, you will likely find Debbie on a hike, dog park or helping her Real Estate clients buy &/or sell homes.
Lessons
Mike and Debbie teach private, semi-private, 3 & me's, and custom group lessons. In addition, they offer fun and informative group drills, clinics and camps.