Growing Pickleball in
New Mexico and Arizona
Providing financial support to the pickleball community including youth programs, schools, first responders, and charities.
Who We Are
New Mexico and Arizona Pickleball Association (NMAPA) is a 501(c)3 organization formed to support pickleball in New Mexico and Arizona. Our mission is to promote the development and growth of pickleball.
Grants
We have a Pickleball Equipment Grants Program to help introduce pickleball to a variety of groups, such as schools, after school programs, boys and girls clubs, Y’s, first responders, and other organizations.
Sponsorship
We provide support to charitable organizations through sponsorships. A charitable organization can apply to NMAPA to sponsor their pickleball event or activity. Questions on sponsorships, contact us.
Helping the Pickleball Community
Where We Provide Funds
NMAPA is primarily focused on providing pickleball equipment grants in New Mexico and Arizona. Schools, First Responders, Youth Programs, and other organizations who wish to promote pickleball are eligible to apply. NMAPA can also award sponsorships to charities who are raising funds through pickleball events.
Schools & Youth
Schools can apply for a pickleball equipment grant such as; balls, nets, and paddles, to assist them in the development of their pickleball program. Over 50 schools have been provided equipment grants through 8.31.2024
Pickleball Community
If your community is interested in starting pickleball and you need assistance with obtaining equipment, NMAPA can help. Please contact us
First Responders
Many police and fire departments are using pickleball as an adjunct to their fitness programs. Pickleball among First Responders, not only keeps them fit, it builds trust and camaraderie.
Charities
If you are hosting a pickleball event to raise funds for a charitable organization, NMAPA has a sponsorship program. Contact us with questions or submit a Sponsor Request form.
NMAPA Board of Directors
Larry Lite
President
President
Larry started playing pickleball in Albuquerque NM, 2009. He became a USA Pickleball ambassador in 2015, a District Ambassador in 2016, and the Southwest Regional Director from 2018 through May of 2023. Larry was a Certified Referee from 2017 – 2020 and was the Southwest Regional Tournament Director from 2018 – 2023. Larry has been a member of several pickleball advisory committees including: The City of Albuquerque Permanent Pickleball Building Committee. In 2022 and 2023, over 20 pickleball equipment grants have been awarded to youth organizations, schools and first responders in AZ and NM.
Peg Travers
Vice President
Vice President
Peg founded and developed Prescott pickleball courts (12) at Pioneer park. Also founded the Prescott Pickleball Association. Peg also served as Northern District Ambassador and Assistant Regional Director for Southwest USA Pickleball. She is currently an Ambassador for the Southern Sector USA Pickleball. Peg was on the development team for Espire Sports – an indoor sports facility with 19 pickleball courts. Peg has also been a Tournament Director for local USA Pickleball sanctioned tournaments. She is currently serving as Board Chairman for Prescott Recreation Services.
Philip (Pic) Pickard
Treasurer
Treasurer
Philip is a former board member of USA Pickleball’s Southwest Region. He is a certified PPR Pro and a brand ambassador for Selkirk Sports. Philip ranked first in the US on the SSIPA tour in the 60+ division in 2018 and 2019. He has medaled 3 times at nationals and in over 70 other tournaments. He has traveled internationally to promote the sport and published articles in Pickleball Magazine. Recently, he was inducted into the Pasadena, California Sports Hall of Fame.
Rhonda Stanford
Director
Director
Rhonda is a USA Pickleball Ambassador as well as a PPR Certified Coach. Rhonda is currently teaching pickleball for the City of Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation Department as well as for ProSports NM. One of the things she loves about this game is that almost anyone can hit the courts and play. It is very inclusive, social and a great place to make friends!
Tom Starrs
Director
Director
Tom has been playing pickleball since 2008. He has been networking with pickleball players in the greater Tucson area and now maintains connections with over 1,500 local players. Tom is a district ambassador for USA Pickleball responsible for two dozen ambassadors who also promote pickleball in Southern Arizona.
Diane Baumgartner
Director
Director
Diane is a USA Pickleball Ambassador in Arizona and Oregon and an IPTPA Certified Instructor. Diane currently teaches pickleball during the winter in Arizona and summers in Oregon. As a former PE teacher I love to teach Pickleball and seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they play.
Joe Moreno
Director
Director
Joe is a native Arizonan. He spent 35 years teaching Junior High English and Social Studies. He started playing pickleball in October of 2021 and immediately fell in love with the game. He enjoys teaching beginning pickleball players. He looks forward to introducing pickleball to many different communities through New Mexico and Arizona.