A Perfect Match

Brookes & Maebry Jones

Brookes (30) and Maebry (28) Jones are well known around town as a pickleball powerhouse couple. Since beginning their pickleball pursuits in 2022, the couple has proven they’re a force to be reckoned with on the court. In just a few years, they’ve won countless 5.0-plus-level competitions and competed in pro qualifiers tournaments. Additionally, Maebry has qualified and played in the Women’s PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Tour, competing against the top-ranked women’s pickleball team in the world.

As prior college athletes, their pickleball endeavors began as a means to fill a competitive void. “When we played the first time and realized there was an accessible way to get exercise, scratch the competitive itch, and play a sport that involved a journey of constantly challenging ourselves to see what we can accomplish or improve, we were both hooked,” Brookes shares.

While their athletic backgrounds helped jumpstart their success, learning to compete together required an extra level of patience and strategy. “When something isn’t working in a game as short as pickleball, it’s important to make adjustments quickly and to confront issues head on,” Brookes explains. “It has also taught us that sometimes we need to call timeout, let the wave of our strong reaction pass, and then try again.” According to Maebry, playing with your spouse doubles as a crash course in conflict resolution. “Some might get a good trial-by-fire marriage counseling session out
of it,” she laughs.

Still, both see their shared journey on the court as one that’s deeply rewarding –personally and competitively. “It has taught me a lot about resiliency and belief in myself,” says Maebry. “When you are competing at a high level in this sport, your athleticism goes out the window and it really becomes a mental battle with yourself.” Brookes echoes the sentiment and encourages others to simply get started. “Maebry and I both started playing at the 3.5 level and didn’t have initial success. The more you just take the leap and risk playing it, the quicker you can have your weaknesses exposed and get those high-pressure reps that will really push your game to the next level.”

Mandy & Ryan McCaulley

When Ryan McCaulley’s (39) wife, Mandy McCaulley (42), kept frequently disappearing to play pickleball, he figured he should see what all the hype was about. “After being mocked for months, he decided to come with me and had so much fun,” Mandy says. “Before we knew it, pickleball clothes and shoes took over our wardrobe. New paddles and equipment were arriving in the mail. And we were poring over TikTok and Instagram posts for ways to improve our games.”

Two years later, Ryan and Mandy practice almost daily and even created a makeshift court on the road near their home. In addition to playing with other couples and groups and “dinking” around with their kids, the couple’s ambition quickly extended to tournaments, demanding an additional level of skill and well-thought-out plays. “I love the strategy,” Mandy explains. “As you improve and gain new skills, pickleball becomes a game of chess, not just trying to outhit but to outwit your opponents. It’s super satisfying to see a great point come together.”

Ryan recalls the time his hard work paid off when he successfully executed the ERNE, an advanced shot where the player hits the ball mid-air over the non-volley zone. “It’s a special shot that can really surprise the other team, but you have to practice and anticipate it,” he shares.“I spent an entire practice session just doing the jump for it over and over again. Our neighbors probably think I’m crazy!”

While Mandy and Ryan are working toward their first tournament win together, the experience they have gained in their pickleball journeys thus far has helped improve their game and brought them closer as a couple. “It has made us more resilient for sure,” Ryan says, “and any game is more fun when you share it with someone you love.”

“I would say it has helped us be more supportive and gain confidence,” Mandy adds. “But most importantly, it’s great to be active and passionate about something that I enjoy with my absolute best friend.”

Tammy & Manny Muniz

For Tammy (56) and Manny (62) Muniz, the pickleball fixation didn’t strike simultaneously. Upon discovering her love for the game in 2023, Tammy spent the next year convincing Manny to participate. “After playing for a while, I knew it was something my husband would enjoy,” Tammy says. “We’re both pretty competitive. I persuaded him to come out more until he caught the bug.” Manny remembers the day well. “I reluctantly caved in when she asked me to attend the opening of Batters Place Pickleball Courts,” he recalls. “Once I hit the ball with the paddle, I was hooked. We have been playing together since. We play and practice on weekends and any other time during the week when we have availability.”

Both have been competing in tournaments for a year and have fond memories of their first victories at a recent Senior Olympics tournament where Manny took home a bronze medal and Tammy won silver and bronze in her respective categories. “For me, winning that first medal was such an accomplishment and a fantastic memory,” Tammy shares. “You work so hard on practicing and practicing. For it to finally pay off means the world!” Having both tackled local tournaments with other partners, they now feel ready to take on the game together. “We are actually working on playing better together and eventually winning medals together, and if not, it’s quality time with the one you love the most,” Tammy says.

While winning gold is a future goal for the couple, they emphasize that pickleball means so much more to their relationship than a medal. “The game itself highlights our relationship’s motto – ‘couples who play together, stay together’ – and allows us to spend quality time together that benefits us both mentally and physically,” Manny says. Tammy shares her husband’s appreciation for the sport’s role in their lives. “Pickleball is such an addiction and I’m so thankful that my lifestyle and career allow me the time and flexibility to play as much as I do,” she explains. “I’m also so thankful that I get to play at least three days a week with my favorite person, my husband!”

Ed & Donna Lawrence

Like many other pickleball players, Ed (67) and Donna (67) Lawrence were immediately engrossed from the moment they picked up their first paddles. It all started in Hilton Head, South Carolina. “We saw people of all ages playing pickleball and decided we would try it,” Donna explains. “After one game, we were hooked! We came home and started playing every opportunity we were given.” Whether playing at their favorite court – Revolve Pickleball Court in Cleveland – or attending out-of-state pickleball camps, they made it their mission to play as much as possible. “Even our vacations now are planned around being able to play pickleball while we’re at the beach!” Ed says.

Their passion quickly evolved from casual games to competitive play. The duo played their first tournament together in November 2021 and won silver in the mixed doubles category. Since then, they’ve medaled in a total of eight tournaments together. “One of the most memorable pickleball experiences we have had together was when we decided to spontaneously play in an out-of-town tournament,” Donna recalls. “We didn’t tell anyone. We packed our bags and headed to Alabama. We didn’t know anyone there and played 10 games straight. We made lots of new friends and were able to bring home the gold for the first time together as a couple.”

For anyone considering getting involved in Chattanooga’s pickleball scene, Ed and Donna would tell you not to hesitate. “It’s a very close-knit community,” Donna says, “more like a family.”

“Our network of friends has increased probably tenfold because the pickleball community is so inclusive,” Ed shares. “If somebody were to fall, everybody would stop the play to make sure they’re okay. It’s a very fun environment. We come and play hard and want to win, but we laugh whether we win or lose.”

Melinda & Randy Ludke

After losing his wife of 43 years, Randy Ludke (72) took up pickleball as a way to stay active and social. “I had a good marriage and wanted to do it again,” Randy explains. “I dated a couple of players from my YMCA pickleball group, but for all my dates, being active was a must, and a willingness to learn and play pickleball was important.” He eventually met his wife of five years, Melinda Ludke (69), through a mutual friend. “We started emailing and he said he loved playing pickleball,” Melinda recalls. “I had no idea what that was so I asked a friend … I thought it was something we could do together, so I took up the sport.”

The couple now plays together almost daily, proving that pickleball has no age limitations. What began as a shared pastime quickly sparked a competitive curiosity. Since their first tournament last year, Randy and Melinda now have three under their belts, getting better with each try. Their hard work paid off when they recently took second place in their division at the Senior Olympics. However, even with years of experience navigating a pickleball court, they emphasize that competing together is both fun and challenging. “We play better now. Not perfect, but we have more fun,” Melinda says. “I told him if he wanted to play with me in the Senior Olympics, he had to be nicer.”

“For some reason, she doesn’t always seem to enjoy my coaching,” Randy jokes, adding, “I’d say I would rather lose with her than play with someone else.”

Regardless of ranking, Randy and Melinda both agree that pickleball has been an invaluable addition to their lives. “It’s a fun sport and you meet a lot of people you probably would never meet from all walks of life,” Melinda explains. “They become your pickleball family. You care about them.”

With their sights set on winning gold one day, the couple’s biggest priority is just having fun together for as long as possible.