Age Is Just a Number—Meet Ethel Tagawa, 93 and Still Going Strong

Honolulu—You’d never guess Esther Tagawa is 93 years old. Still driving and with a paddle in hand, she’s living proof that it’s never too late to try something new. A former teacher whose career took her from the Big Island to the mainland and back, she’s now found her groove—and her community—on the pickleball court.

What started with a demo session at Lanakila turned into a new chapter of movement, connection, and joy. These days, when she’s not playing pickleball, she’s either curled up with a good book (or two!) or baking fresh loaves of bread.

Without further ado, please meet Ethel Tagawa!

Ethel, second row, far right, with her pickleball friends

Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?

I was born on the Big Island and attended Honokaa High School. I attended Teachers College at the University of Hawaii. My first teaching assignment was at Kaimuki High School. I also taught at Kailua High School, David Griffith Middle School in East Los Angeles and East Rutherford High School in New Jersey.

How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?

After moving back to Hawaii, I lived in Hawaii Kai where my exercise was playing tennis several days a week. I continued playing with some of the Hawaii Kai group after I moved to Salt Lake until I decided that driving through morning traffic and running around on a hot court was too much for this old woman!

Feeling the need to exercise, I started my walking regime with a couple of friends. We would start in the early morning darkness and cover a couple of miles. We continued for a number of years until my friends were held up at gun point! I had started earlier that morning and was lucky to have missed this incident.

So, my exercise routine after that was just to jog in place at home until I attended a pickleball demo session at Lanakila. After that introduction, I felt that the game was one that I could do without stumbling over my two feet…..and that’s where I am today!

What do you love most about pickleball?

I feel I am getting the exercise I need and I enjoy the game. Most of all, though, there are so few friends of my age still around. Playing pickleball has allowed me to meet and widen my circle of acquaintances.

When I play pickleball, I don’t realize how old I am until my pickleball friends tell me I am their inspiration and that they hope to be playing when they reach my age. It’s then I am reminded that I am 20-30 years older than they are and am happy they allow me to play with them! My wonderful pickleball friends!

What do you do outside of pickleball?

During my spare time (and there is a lot of spare time!) I am an avid reader…..I read a book or two a week. I also enjoy baking and right now I am on a bread baking kick.

What’s your secret to staying so active and youthful at 93? Do things like diet or daily habits play a role?

I don’t have any special diet…. I like and eat practically everything.