When Jill Vavala picked up a paddle for the first time in the fall of 2022, she had no idea just how quickly Pickleball would become a defining part of her life—or that two years later, she’d be leading the charge to save and expand one of the region’s fastest-growing leagues.
“I started playing Pickleball and was instantly hooked,” she recalls. By the fall of 2024, she was competing in the Florida Team Pickleball League as part of a women’s 3.0 team. “The league introduced me to so many amazing women and provided such fun, competitive play—I was all in.”
But just as her Pickleball journey was gaining momentum, the league’s future in the Panhandle was thrown into question. An unexpected email notified players that the Region Manager had abruptly resigned, and without someone to step up, the league couldn’t continue.
That’s when a group of concerned players—including Vavala—decided to take action. They reached out to the League President, offering to volunteer and help keep things going. Before she knew it, Vavala was named the new Region Manager. “Next thing I knew, I was the Region Manager… with no idea what I had volunteered for.” She laughs
With the support of a passionate team, Vavala helped steer the league through a successful season. Since the State Championship, she and her league coordinators and volunteers have dedicated countless hours to recruiting new players and expanding the league’s offerings—all while focusing on fun, competition and affordability.
“My experience playing in the Florida Pickleball League has been more than just a sport—it’s a community,” said Ray Ross, captain of a men’s 4.0 team out of Margaritaville. “The camaraderie, the friendly rivalries, and the energy on the courts keep me coming back week after week.”
A League Built for Players
Established in the winter of 2024, the Florida Team Pickleball League has brought the joy of team-based Pickleball to communities across the Panhandle. Unlike traditional tournaments that often come with steep entry fees and time commitments, this nonprofit, volunteer-run league emphasizes maximized playtime, community-building, and cost-effective competition.
“We introduced a transformative team concept that enhances the Pickleball experience,” she explains. “It increases court time, involves more players, and keeps things affordable—while still delivering the excitement and spirit of competition.”
That formula is clearly working. What started with 172 players across 17 teams and 4 divisions has grown to over 500 players, 45+ teams, and 13 divisions—and interest continues to surge.
However, with growth comes challenges. One of the most pressing issues is access to courts, particularly in Walton County, where available court space hasn’t kept pace with the rapid rise in interest and participation. A significant hurdle has been the limited access to taxpayer-funded public courts, such as those at Dune Lakes Elementary, which have imposed restrictions on league use. Despite being funded by the community, these courts remain largely unavailable for organized play, creating frustration among players eager to participate and grow the sport.
Still, community support is strong. The league thanks its host sites including Camp Creek, SanDestin, Margaritaville, Hidden Dunes, Papa Joe’s, and its newest partner, Bayside Pickleball, for helping meet the demand.
More Than a Game: League Play Builds Lasting Friendships and Community
Beyond the matches and medals, players across the Florida Team Pickleball League say the most valuable thing they’ve gained isn’t a trophy—it’s connection.
“As a player in the Florida Team Pickleball League, I’ve seen firsthand the impact it’s had on our community,” says Tracy Figueredo, captain of a women’s 3.0 team. “From beginners to seasoned players, our league welcomes everyone and creates a supportive environment where people can grow and improve. After our team’s appearance at the State Championship, I’m more excited than ever to spread the word—come play pickleball with us!”
That sense of camaraderie is echoed across the Panhandle.
“The league has allowed our team to grow incredibly close,” says Dee Blair, captain of a women’s 3.0 team from Sandestin. “We’ve built friendships while fine-tuning our game and raising our level of play. My team thrives in the safe, supportive, and competitive environment.” Dee’s husband Rocke, captain of 3 men’s teams, adds, “The league has been an important part of Pickleball’s growth in the Panhandle. With each season, we’ve seen more teams form and the level of competition steadily increase. What’s been especially rewarding is the opportunity to build relationships with players across the region—people we wouldn’t normally meet or compete against on a regular basis. Overall, our players are developing their skills, improving their ratings, and growing with each season. It’s exciting to see that progress, both for individual players and for the sport as a whole.”
Mary Beth, the Women’s League Coordinator, agrees wholeheartedly. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of this league as both a player and a coordinator. I’ve met amazing women who I now call friends,” she shares. “It’s motivated me to take lessons and improve my game. In a nutshell, I’ve become obsessed with pickleball! We’re lucky to have this league in the Panhandle.”
With multiple matches each season and the chance to qualify for the State Championship each April, the league offers meaningful, goal-driven play for athletes at every level. Dynamic ratings and structured divisions ensure fair and exciting matchups—and players say the rewards go far beyond competition.
“Playing in the league has been so rewarding,” says Colleen, owner of Fit Pickleball. “I love showing up each week with my team—we’ve become such great friends and had an absolute blast! It even reignited my competitive spark. As a coach, I always encourage my students to join. It’s a fun, supportive way to build skill, confidence, and community.”
How to Get Involved
If you’re ready to experience the joy, energy, and connection of team-based Pickleball, now is the time to get involved
Team registration for the Fall/Winter Season opens in early August, with practice play kicking off September 7 and official season matches beginning the week of September 28.
To join, email Jill at jill.ftpli@gmail.com or download the Team Reach app and use code PHnew2025. Whether you have a full team or are a solo player looking to join one, the league will help get you on the court.
For more information, updates and upcoming events, follow Panhandle Pickleball League on Facebook and Instagram!
