Written By Pickleball Coordinator Gina Ford

Dana's journey through the world of racquet sports is a testament to the enduring power of passion and community. Growing up in Rochester, New York, she developed a love for tennis at an early age, spending summers at a tennis camp in Vermont, first as a camper and later as an instructor/counselor. This foundation instilled in her not just racquet skills but also a sense of belonging and connection to others who shared her enthusiasm for the sport. Her upbringing laid the groundwork for a lifelong love of sports that would evolve over the years.

After moving back and forth between the East and West Coasts, Dana and her husband, Joel Richnak, settled in Nevada City twenty-one years ago. The couple, both avid outdoor enthusiasts with a shared love for skiing and cycling, raised their three children here and introduced them to their love for the mountains. Dana is also a twenty-one year member of the South Yuba Club, taking full advantage of their offerings over the years between their strength classes, spin classes, and now pickleball program…an important part of her world and community.

When motherhood took center stage, Dana stepped away from career and tennis. But, as time passed, a yearning for the sport re-emerged. The simple joy of making contact between racquet and ball became a vivid memory, prompting her to explore pickleball. Initially playing casually, it wasn’t long before Dana recognized the depth of this sport, it’s fun, and its ability to connect people.

About a year and a half ago, she decided to take pickleball more seriously, participating in the Lake Wildwood vs. South Yuba Club event. The tournament experience reignited her competitive spirit and allowed her to tap into the vast and welcoming community of players. The frequency and level of play all began to increase and she now considers herself a full-on pickleball addict. Through this, she discovered four significant insights that transformed her approach to the game and her life.

First, Dana embraced her racquet sport foundation. The skills she honed over the years in tennis seamlessly transitioned into her pickleball game, allowing her to rediscover a sense of identity and confidence on the court. Second, she found immense value in the social aspect of the sport. Unlike many solitary workouts, pickleball fosters connection and interaction, making it easy to bond with others while playing. This camaraderie has enriched her life, creating lasting friendships and a support system within the community.

Additionally, Dana relished the challenge of setting goals and striving for improvement. Each session on the court became an opportunity for growth, whether mastering a new shot or refining her strategy. Most importantly, Dana experienced the therapeutic aspect of the game. When she steps onto the court, her focus is just the little yellow ball. Nothing else matters for a couple of hours, but focus and fun.

Dana’s athleticism shines not just in her competitive spirit but also in her keen court awareness and powerful backhand, making her a formidable and joyful player to engage with. Her commitment to the pickleball community is both relatable and inspiring, reminding others of the reasons we pursue sports: connection, growth, and joy. It is this shared understanding and celebration of victories—both big and small—that creates a unique bond among players.

In essence, Dana’s story encapsulates the beauty of sport as a means of personal and communal growth. Her journey reflects a deeper truth: that we are all here for a reason, driven by an intrinsic desire to challenge ourselves and uplift one another.