For the women of Illahe’s pickleball team, competing at Nationals in Surprise, Arizona, was about more than results. It was about partnership, adaptability, and showing up for one another through long days, close matches, and unfamiliar conditions.

At the 3.5-level adult division, five teams from five states competed over three days of outdoor play—heat, wind, and endurance testing every pairing. For many of the women, it was their first experience at a national-level event.

Jill Walker & Kristin Dodd

For Jill Walker, Nationals marked her first time competing at this level in pickleball. She described the experience as a mix of excitement and anxiety, balanced by the joy of traveling with teammates, playing strong competition, and enjoying the Arizona sunshine.

A turning point came late in the tournament. After losing two matches in a row, Jill and Kristin found themselves in a slump. Rather than letting fatigue or frustration take over, they regrouped.

They rallied to win their final two games—both against the top pairing of the final opposing team.

“We didn’t give up,” they shared. “Even though we were hot, tired, and not used to playing outdoors, we stuck it out for each other.”

Their shared encouragement phrase—“REDRUM”—became a lighthearted but grounding reminder to stay focused. Finishing the tournament with a win gave them a sense of closure and pride, regardless of overall placement.

Tiffera Tarbox & Tirzah Tarbox

For mother-daughter duo Tiffera and Tirzah Tarbox, Nationals was both intense and meaningful. Held November 7–9, the tournament required a major adjustment after an indoor season, with heat and wind adding a new layer of difficulty.

Only six of the team’s ten players were able to attend Nationals, which meant no breaks and full match loads for every player. Despite that, the competition proved rewarding.

Tiffera and Tirzah played 24 matches, winning 20, losing two, and tying two—many decided by narrow margins. Throughout the weekend, they leaned on a simple phrase to keep spirits high: “Vamos!”

“It was great competition,” they shared. “We met a lot of great women and were proud to represent Oregon.”

Beyond match results, some of their favorite moments came after play—spending time together as a team and reflecting on a season that pushed them physically and mentally.

Connie Peters & Kim Boman

For Connie Peters and Kim Boman, Nationals was a chance to draw on years of shared experience. Longtime tennis partners, the two brought an intuitive understanding to the court—knowing when to encourage and when to give space.

Their approach focused less on outcomes and more on presence.

“We kept saying, ‘Let’s get to six,’” they explained. “Then once we got there, it became, ‘Let’s get another one.’”

That steady, positive mindset carried them through close matches and long days under the Arizona sun. Off the court, the experience also offered something rare: the opportunity to cheer on family.

Kim especially enjoyed watching her husband and son compete with the men’s team, the Illahe Hot Shots, making Nationals a shared milestone for the entire club.

A Shared Experience

While the Illahe Day Dinkers placed fourth overall, the women emphasized that Nationals wasn’t defined by standings alone. It was defined by teamwork, resilience, and the chance to compete together at a level many hadn’t imagined reaching in their first year.

As pickleball continues to grow, their experience reflects what team play can offer—connection across generations, shared challenge, and moments that stay long after the final point.

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