SPC Board Members
Tom Everitt - President
I was introduced to pickleball over 10 years ago when many would ask “what’s pickleball”? Now it is a sport recognized throughout the world. I became involved with the Sarasota Pickleball Club right from its inception in 2017 and have worked with other past and present Board members to create the dedicated pickleball courts now in place throughout the County and, hopefully, will continue to grow.
I obtained my teaching certification in 2020 and work with Club members, those new to the sport and those looking to improve their game. The Club has obtained its 501c (3) status and host clinics, open play and some of its certified instructors provide lessons to members and non-members alike. The membership of the Club grows continuously as it does throughout the country. We are constantly challenged to meet the demands of the ever-growing playing population and continue to work with both private and municipal facilities to meet these demands. I think this will be a continuing challenge for the Club and it will take the commitment of not only the Board but member volunteers.
Kathy Meloche - Treasurer
I worked in an accounting office of a management company for almost 15 years prior to retirement. In 2023, I retired and there is nothing better!
Playing pickleball has been a great chance to get a little exercise and meet some really nice people. I look forward to being part of the future growth, camaraderie and fun the Sarasota Pickleball Club brings to the pickleball community.
Karen Bell - Secretary
I moved to Sarasota a little less than two years ago (Feb 2023). I moved here from Albuquerque, New Mexico where my husband and I lived for twelve years. My husband and I are originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. My husband was in the Army so we have lived in many states over his 24 years of service.
I retired from teaching elementary school in 2025. Due to moving around, I have taught many grade levels. I would have to say that 3rd grade was my favorite grade to teach. I still tutor one on one, which helps me to not miss teaching. We have one son who is also serving in the military and is currently stationed in North Carolina.
I started playing pickleball a few months before moving to Sarasota. I wanted a sport that would give me some Vit. D and would help me to meet people. Pickleball has certainly provided me with some great friendships! I am so thankful that I found SPC. I have enjoyed all the events that SPC has to offer and the many ladies I have met through this club.
I look forward to serving on this board to help others find the joy that this club brings.
Cathy Denault - Vice-President/Director - Communications
After many years in retail human resources management, it is so refreshing to be involved in the fantastic sport of pickleball. I have always been active in physical activity and for 20+ years, taught aerobic fitness and dance as my avenue for release from a very hectic career.
When I was introduced to this pickleball game, I was quickly addicted, not only to the game itself, but to the community of people that I have met and associated with from all parts of the world just from playing pickleball! From day one of introduction, I have been an avid player, participant and volunteer in many pickleball activities, tournaments, Seniors Games and served as a Board Director on three major pickleball associations.
As a certified International Pickleball Teaching Pickleball Association (IPTPA) instructor, and a court dealer for several major pickleball companies, I am honored to have had the opportunity to teach so many people this great sport.
A formal organized pickleball club in Sarasota has always been a passion of mine. Now, after the Sarasota Pickleball Club (SPC) lobbied since 2017 to have dedicated outdoor pickleball courts in Sarasota, I am proud to say, as a SPC Board member, this goal was achieved.
The SPC is now even more committed to further promoting and growing pickleball in the Sarasota area through planned events and activities. I look forward to working on the SPC Board to do just that and seeing all of you do the same! See you on the courts!
Heather Killingbeck – Director – Membership
Upon retiring from a long career at Disney in its Parks & Resorts segment, I moved from Los Angeles to Sarasota to be closer to my family and friends in Vermont. From my very first pickleball class, I immediately was smitten with the game as well as with the spirit of its community. I was introduced to SPC by a friend in my Mah Jong group and quickly started enjoying the many pickleball opportunities offered by the club. I’m loving every minute of being retired mostly due to the flexibility it allows me. When not on the pickleball court, I enjoy traveling, playing Mah Jong, zumba classes, and my volunteer role at Resilient Retreat as a horse handler for its Equine Assisted Learning programs.
I played tennis in high school and college and I’m finding pickleball so much more fun and social. SPC’s open play sessions, skills and drills, as well as the tournaments have been great ways to meet other fun folks in the area.
Louis Frignito – Director – Activities
After spending 40 years self-employed in the automobile industry, my wife and I moved from Kenneth Square, PA to Sarasota in 2018. Since I enjoyed playing team sports, I ended up, pitching modified softball in several leagues for 30 years.
When I came to Sarasota, I was introduced to Pickleball. And, from that first time, I was hooked! I went online immediately to find where to take lessons. I found out about RLT and lessons given by Cathy. Joined her class and the rest is history. I have enjoyed helping out at the tournaments. Now, I am looking forward to being more active with SPC. To me, the best part of Pickleball, is the comaradery and the friendships you develop.
Lori Gentile- Director
After a long career in cyber security and a shorter one in nonprofit, I finally decided to retire to make time for pickleball. While I still do consulting work, I’m excited to have more time to do other things I enjoy. I fully support the club’s goal of promoting and expanding pickleball in our area, and I’m eager to lend a hand in achieving it. I’m excited to collaborate with the board and our terrific SPC members.