Pickleball Alberta

Introducing the Women's Masters Division of the 2026 Team Alberta!
Nicole Walisser has been playing pickleball since 2019 and has enjoyed competing across Alberta, Québec, Arizona, and soon, Toronto. While there have been medals and hard-fought victories along the way, her favorite achievements are the friendships and community connections forged through the sport—whether at Friday night MLP events, women’s-only clashes, pickleball birthday celebrations, weekends spent at tournaments, or time shared with her Mighty Peace Pickleball Club family. After a 32-year career in education, Nicole retired as principal of École Héritage in June 2025. A lifelong athlete, coach, and occasional pickleball referee, she considers the family she and her husband, Richard, have built to be her greatest achievement.

Introducing the Women's Masters Division of the 2026 Team Alberta!
MaryAnn Streukens grew up with four older brothers and a sister, often playing goalie while pucks flew at her. Sports became her passion, especially basketball and badminton, and she played point guard throughout her college years in Lethbridge.
She spent over 20 years supporting families in foster care and later working in addiction services; primarily treating women.
In 2022, an 82-year-old neighbour in Mexico introduced her to pickleball, reigniting her love of competition, team play and skill development. Pickleball has brought joy, friendship, mental challenge, personal growth, and physical well-being to her life. "What an unexpected and remarkable gift. Grateful to be a part of Team Alberta!" states MaryAnn.

Introducing the Women's Masters Division of the 2026 Team Alberta!
Femke Pennings picked up a paddle in the Fall of 2019 and was hooked almost immediately. Since then, pickleball has been a big part of Pemke's life… though working full-time does its best to keep her court time (and pickleball addiction) in check! Femke says, "I am excited to represent Team Alberta and can’t wait to compete in the team event at Nationals. The best part of the sport? The friendships, the laughs, and the genuinely supportive community that keeps me coming back – usually for “just one more game.”

Introducing the Women's Masters Division of the 2026 Team Alberta!
Suzanne started playing pickleball during covid and has been hooked ever since. She grew up playing all sports and had a passion for golf, volleyball and badminton. She credits her competitive spirit to her parents who were equally fierce when playing games. Suzanne has been a flight attendant for 28 years, which has given her the perfect opportunity to seek out pickleball games on her layovers. When not on the court you'll find Suzanne attempting to garden, kayaking and spending time hiking in the mountains.

Introducing the Women's Masters Division of the 2026 Team Alberta!
Ilsa Wong grew up playing soccer. She has been playing pickleball since 2014. Accomplishments within pickleball are, NCCP Course Facilitator and L3 Coach, L2 Official. Ilsa has served on the following Pickleball Boards: Lethbridge Pickleball Club, Coaldale Pickleball Club, Pickleball Alberta, Okotoks Pickleball and Tennis Centre.

Introducing the Men's Masters Division of the 2026 Team Alberta!
Rich Pal has been playing pickleball since 2020 and has competed in numerous provincial, western, and national championships. He feels very fortunate to have had success at all levels and continues to enjoy the competition and camaraderie the sport offers. Rich is a Level 2 Pickleball Coach and enjoys helping players improve their game and build confidence on the court. "Outside of pickleball, I own and operate a water cooler rental company. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, especially with my son Spencer. I'm also a proud grandfather to a granddaughter (Hailey) and a grandson. (Max)." says Rich.

Introducing the Men's Masters Division of the 2026 Team Alberta!
Guy Wight has been been playing Pickleball for 5 years. He also is an avid golfer as well as a club volleyball coach. He is an NCCP Level 1 Pickleball coach. Guy helps run skills and drills for his home Pickleball Club the Parkland Pickleheads on Saturday mornings during the summer.