Wanda Siedlecki
Jeff Dunn
In every great club there is someone whose energy, dedication, and joy leave an indelible mark. For the Cottonwood Pickleball Club, that heartbeat is Wanda Siedlecki.
Over the past three years, with the assistance of Paul Nichol, Wanda headed up the club’s training program by pouring countless hours into a variety of classes for the sport she loves.
It all began with impromptu meetups on the courts on any given Thursday night. Wanda would help newcomers learn the basics of the game, and she had a natural ability to explain things in a way that clicked. Word quickly spread around the club, and more and more people would show up to learn from Wanda.
In August of 2023, Wanda decided to take it to the next level and devoted hours into becoming a Certified Trainer through the Professional Pickleball Registry. “Their training program is very thorough,” said Wanda. “We begin with hours of online education, including rules of play, stroke technique, in-game strategy, and proper shot selection, followed by a series of exams. We conclude with six hours of in-person play and observation and the final exam where we teach a lesson to others in our class.”
Hundreds of players have been greeted by Wanda’s infectious smile and warm hello as they walked onto the courts for one of her classes. She always set the tone for a day filled with patience, encouragement, and fun. This should come as no surprise, given her 13-year career as a hospice nurse in New York where she excelled at providing comfort and care for so many families.
As one club member put it so eloquently, “I came into the club with trepidation, and to be honest, I was pretty nervous. I had never picked up a pickleball paddle, didn’t know the rules, and was afraid I’d be the laughing stock of Sun Lakes,” she continued. “Wanda’s Orientation class totally changed my perspective. She didn’t just teach me skills. She nurtured confidence and made me feel like I belonged from day one. She made my first day so comfortable, and that was the reason I stayed in the club. I can’t thank her enough for the many new friends I’ve met as a result.”
After four remarkable years of guiding, encouraging, and uplifting our club, Wanda is stepping down from her role as a trainer. Her presence will be deeply missed, especially the early-morning greetings (did we say freezing cold?) and the steady support she offered every player who crossed her path.
Brace yourselves, club members! Wanda has traded in her coaching clipboard for some serious court time of her own. “Even though I’ll no longer be training full time, you will still see me out on the courts, because this isn’t just where I played, it’s where I found friends who became family,” she said.
As she passes the torch, we offer our deepest gratitude for the legacy she leaves on our courts and in our hearts. Thank you, Wanda, for a job well done!