- March 17, 2026
Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast
Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast
Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast
Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast
Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast
Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast
PALM COAST — The courts at the Southern Recreation Center were packed with energy and competition over the weekend as dozens of players took part in the “Luck of the Pickle” Pickleball Tournament.
Held March 13 through March 15 at the Southern Recreation Center on Belle Terre Parkway, the tournament brought together 77 registered players ranging in age from teenagers to seniors in their 80s.
The tournament featured a double elimination format and was open to all skill levels, with divisions organized by both age and ability. Competitors paid a $50 registration fee for a chance to earn medals, with the top three finishers in each category taking home gold, silver and bronze honors.
Saturday’s competition included men’s and women’s doubles matches, while Sunday highlighted mixed doubles teams. Across all divisions, players from Palm Coast, Flagler County and surrounding areas including Jacksonville and Orlando competed in what organizers described as a highly competitive yet welcoming environment.
Joseph Trinkle, an athletic specialist with the city of Palm Coast, said pickleball’s appeal comes from its accessibility and social nature.
“It’s more of a social game,” Trinkle said. “Pretty much anyone, any age… doesn’t matter where you’re from or your athletic background. Anyone can play the sport, pick up a paddle and play. It’s like a community.”
That sense of community was on full display throughout the weekend, with players cheering each other on between matches and spectators lining the courts.
In mixed doubles competition on Sunday, Harry Dresner and Ana Dresner took home gold in Group A, while Erik Viera and Mirilys Viera claimed the top spot in Group B. Jim Pan and Alice Edington secured gold in Group C.
Saturday’s men’s doubles saw Mike Derbaum and John MacCorkle win gold in the 60 and older division, while Rusty Hoce and Eric Ellis topped the 50 to 59 bracket. Daniel Johnson and Eric Mirilys earned first place in the 25 to 49 division.
In women’s doubles, Amy Zhang and Tracy Zhou captured gold in the 55 to 69 advanced division, while Lisa Mills and Sall Kaplan led the 55 to 69 intermediate group. Tracy Lavino and Jeanne Ray finished first in the 25 to 49 division.
The level of play throughout the tournament drew participants from across the region.
“Fantastic,” Trinkle said. “We have people from Jacksonville, Orlando… of course our home, Flagler County… so it’s a good mix of people.”
Beyond the competition, organizers emphasized the accessibility of pickleball and encouraged new players to get involved. The Southern Recreation Center offers open play throughout the week, making it easy for residents to try the sport.
“It’s very welcoming,” Trinkle said. “You can play within your skill level… so you’re not trying to play someone way better than you.”
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Palm Coast, events like the “Luck of the Pickle” tournament highlight not only the competitive side of the sport but also its role in building community connections.
“Just come out, support the pickleball community and support Palm Coast Parks and Rec,” Trinkle said.
With strong turnout and enthusiastic participation, the weekend tournament proved that pickleball is more than just a game. It is a rapidly growing pastime bringing people of all ages together across the city.
