When Tom Overson moved to Tanoan, he had every intention of settling into a familiar routine: rounds of golf, fine-tuning his swing, and enjoying life on the greens. For a while, that vision was perfectly on course. But then came a different kind of swing, one that didn’t involve sand traps or putters. 

Enter: pickleball. 

What began as an occasional activity during family visits to Arizona, playing a few times a year with his in-laws (both talented players themselves), soon turned into a full-fledged passion. “My mother-in-law, Mary Lou Furaus, introduced us to it years ago. She's won Senior Olympic medals, and at 82, she and my father-in-law Jim still play at a high level,” he shares. 

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 “But it wasn't until we heard the pop of the ball near Zia 9 after moving into Tanoan that it all clicked. We ran over, met some players, and the rest is history.”

And so, the early-morning tee times slowly gave way to court drills and competitive matches. “Let’s just say my golf swing has paid the price. The smooth tempo golf requires doesn’t pair well with pickleball’s lightning-quick footwork,” he jokes. “But I wouldn’t trade it. Not for a second.”

What’s kept him hooked isn’t just the game, it’s the people. The friendships formed on the courts have become some of the most meaningful in his life. He and his wife Jodi now play multiple times a week, constantly improving, especially after working with Nick from PRO Sports. “His coaching transformed our whole approach. It's no longer about just getting the ball over the net, it’s strategy, shot selection, court positioning. It’s become a whole new challenge, and we love it.”

Their journey has included tournament wins, including a recent bronze medal finish with fellow Tanoan resident Dave McClain. “Winning is great,” he says, “but the best part is sharing those moments with the people here. We even pass our medals to a local teacher who uses them to reward students. It’s a small gesture, but it means a lot.”

One particularly unforgettable moment? Chatting with pickleball legends Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns during a break at a tournament in Palm Springs, over a debate about breakfast burritos. “Jodi just jumped right in. That’s how we realized who they were! They were so down-to-earth and even posed for pictures.”

These days, the couple is thrilled about the arrival of PRO Sports at Tanoan, led by top-ranked professionals Jeremy Dyche and Kamryn Blackwood. “Their leadership is already elevating our whole community,” he notes. “The programs, coaching, and energy they bring are next-level.”

Despite the inevitable soreness and the humbling moments (“Hint: if someone compliments your shot a little too loudly, you probably hit your partner”), he says the lessons, both literal and figurative, keep coming. “Always stretch. Always pace yourself if brunch cocktails are involved. And always make sure your hot tub is ready for recovery.”

And if you’re wondering whether it’s too late to try pickleball? “It’s never too late,” he insists. “We’ve got amazing ambassadors here to welcome you. Gear, open play, lessons, it’s all ready for you. You’ll be part of the family in no time.”

For Tom, life at Tanoan has truly come full circle. He met Jodi here, 33 years ago, on a practice tee after (allegedly) claiming to be a golf instructor, a bold move powered by $1 Coors Lights. They later married, left New Mexico, and eventually returned decades later, making a spontaneous offer on a house with a balcony overlooking the Sandia 7 fairway.

“Sometimes, the best parts of life happen when you're not planning them,” he reflects. “Pickleball wasn’t in the plan. But it brought us friends, laughter, competition, and memories we never saw coming. And that, to me, is what makes it all worth it.”