Introducing Jo Hancock: The First Member of USA Pickleball

Alice “Jo” Hancock, now 86, was introduced to pickleball in her retirement community in Arizona. After one practice session, she changed her allegiance from tennis to pickleball and has since netted over 150 medals, including national titles. Hancock made a big decision in 2005 that launched a movement: she applied to be a member of a new association called USA Pickleball, becoming member No. 001. At the start of the sport’s growth, there were only a few places that had courts, and the community had not yet found its traditions. Hancock said the social aspects of the game meant a lot. She’s also been active in teaching teens how to play pickleball, emphasizing how the game can be a bridge to physical fitness and happiness.

Hancock also refereed matches, organized tournaments, and recruited members, and she remains open to doing anything to help the sport grow and thrive. She is convinced that pickleball claims all comers, once they give the sport a try. Hancock grew up playing every sport growing up, trying to keep up and beat her four older brothers. She said her past athletic experiences, especially coming with a strong tennis background, made her quickly click with pickleball. Hancock has battled bone cancer in recent years, but she is now healthy and working her way back to hopefully playing again soon. She is focused on regaining her strength and movement to play to her standards.

Hancock has spent thousands of hours playing pickleball and misses the action and kinship. Her husband of 65 years, Bill, is her biggest fan, although he can't watch her play as it makes her stressed and nervous.

Hancock sees pickleball continuing to grow and expand, and she is thrilled to see younger generations discovering the sport. She admits she was shocked when she saw the sport on TV for the first time. Her pickleball is more personal and a passion of her heart: it’s a wealth of lovely memories, the satisfaction of winning, and the joy of being part of a connected community. Hancock says the root of pickleball is fun, and she’s never met anybody bad who plays pickleball. It’s about the community and the people you meet, and it keeps you coming back for more because it is so much fun.

https://usapickleball.org/news/meet-jo-hancock-usa-pickleball-member-no-001/