From Cheering Sections to Daily Dinks: Meet Kelsey Daguio
Pickleball Spotlight on Kelsey Daguio
From front desk aloha to on-court antics, she’s a player everyone knows and loves
Honolulu—The first time we spotted Kelsey, she had her own cheering section at one of Hawaii’s biggest tournaments—friends rocking stickers with her face on them (they even offered us one!). Right then we knew: this girl’s got fans. We later saw that same energy when she was holding it down at the front desk during our Anniversary Celebration, greeting everyone with aloha and making sure things ran smooth.
Off the court, she’s just as unforgettable. Her Instagram (@hidogyo) is full of fun, creative clips that crack us up, and if you catch her at Pickles at Forté (where she plays every day), don’t be surprised if she sneaks in a cheeky lob just to keep things interesting.
Without further ado, please meet Kelsey Daguio!
Currently residing in:
Waipahu
Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?
Waipahu and Sacred Hearts Academy. Go Lancers!
How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?
Technically February 2022, but me and my high school friend actually first tried pickleball back in 2018 with my friend’s wooden paddles lol, and I honestly wasn’t a fan of pickleball at first, but fast forward to early 2022, when I saw my friend Ikona Freitas’ instagram story playing pickleball at Mahiko Park, I messaged him and said if I can play with him. After playing open play with Ikona and meeting a lot of people at Mahiko Park, I finally got hooked and kept on playing and playing until this day.
What do you love most about pickleball?
I love the social aspect of this sport, the camaraderie, and the many people I get to meet through pickleball…OH, and lobbing my opponents all the time hehe (my pb friends know 😉)
How often do you play?
Everyday…at Pickles at Forté
What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?
I’m currently using Honolulu Pickleball Company’s J2xk 16mm paddle! I love how much power I can drive my forehand, as well as controlling my resets and dinks with that paddle!! Amazing paddle by Honolulu Pickleball Company!
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
I don’t want to say it on here now, but I am currently training for something that I can’t believe I signed up for lol. But stay tuned and check out my instagram (@hidogyo) in the next month or two.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?
I love hanging out with my friends, going on food and matcha adventures, hiking, going beach, working out, and making pickleball content videos to entertain people! Check out some of my videos on my instagram page!
Anything else on your mind?
If you visit Pickles at Forté, the newest, hottest, and only indoor pickleball facility on Oahu, then come say hi to me at the front desk!
(L) Some of Kelsey’s sticker-wearing cheering section, and (R) a close-up of her fan club’s sticker
