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July 16, 2025

Happiness Doesn’t Have to be a Heavy Lift

Meet the Team

Photo Credit: Matt Chase / The New York Times

Celebrating the Tiny Joys of Pickleball

We’re inspired by this New York Times article explaining how micro-moments of positivity (our new favorite phrase) can “act as nutrients for physiological health and growth, helping you become a better version of yourself, little by little.” Yes to more low-lift pleasures in our life! And of course, we can't help but think of pickleball. So, we turned to the people who make CityPickle what it is, our team. We asked them a single question: What’s your pickleball Tiny Little Joy? From quick sparks of delight to small, satisfying habits, here’s what they shared.

Mike Mulvagh,  Coach Extraordinaire

"When I play pickleball in the summer heat, my favorite little pickleball joy is a bottle of frozen water. It refreshes and cools you down immediately so you can get back on the courts."


Avery Hootstein, Assistant Manager, Wollman Rink

“Seeing the sunset reflected in the buildings surrounding our courts at Wollman Rink.”

Alexis Karetzky, Director of Retail

“My pickleball joy is hitting the perfect drop with my new JOOLA Collin Johns Pro IV paddle, also while wearing my favorite Imperial CP hat, that’s been washed and dried to mold perfectly for my head.”

Brett Jackson, General Manager LIC

“Hitting the perfect 3rd shot dropshot, because I have put hours of practice into it.”


Jeremy Cohen, General Manager, Wollman Rink

“Whenever an opponent lobs, 9 times out of 10 I choose to hit a tweener because it's flashy and I like to have fun.”

Katharine “Skipper” Dunn, Senior Sales Manager

“I really like watching an extra long game point play out, especially if it ends in a crazy shot or a great save.”

Russell Abbott, Coach Extraordinaire

“I love the look exchanged between two partners when communication has resulted in hard-earned winning of a point.”


Karen Baicker, Director of Programming

“For me, one great pickleball point can contain a multitude! You've got the ups-and-downs of a great drama combined with the mental challenge of a chess match. But with more whooping, laughing, and friendly jabs.”

Cat Lukas, Vice President of Sales

"I love pickleball because it is the best way to meet your neighbors!”

Ali Tascione, Senior Sales Manager

“I love getting in some exercise while still having fun"

Your Tiny Little Joy might not come with fanfare, but it’s often the moment that brightens your day, grounds your thoughts, or makes the experience more meaningful. And if you ask us, that’s what it’s all about.

What’s your pickleball Tiny Little Joy?

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