Meet Matt Zane: The Mililani Coach Bringing Heart to the Game
Pickleball spotlight: Matt Zane
From one clinic to six days a week on the court, this player-coach found more than a sport—he found connection, purpose, and a return to youth.
Mililani—When a friend from church mentioned he was learning pickleball at the district park, it sounded like fun. A few Amazon clicks later, Matt Zane and his wife showed up to a beginner clinic in Ewa and left with something bigger than a new hobby.
For Matt, pickleball became more than a game. It became a way for him to connect with his wife, and later, a way to build community.
Today, he plays or coaches six days a week, preaches dynamic stretching and safety glasses, and will often show up to the courts with something tasty to share.
Without further ado, please meet Matt Zane!
Matt, wearing maroon and a Silver Medal (from the ESPN Honolulu Tourney), with doubles partner Robin Transfiguracion
Currently residing in: Mililani
Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?
I grew up in Aina Haina and graduated from Kamehameha Schools.
How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?
We discovered pickleball in 2022 when our pastor, Thomas Cheong shared he was taking a class to learn how to play pickleball at the district park in Mililani and how much fun it was. My wife was intrigued and ordered a pickleball set from Amazon and a couple of weeks later we showed up at a two hour introductory pickleball clinic in Ewa that I saw on Facebook. Thomas invited us to join a group of friends from his class that played in Manana.
What do you love most about pickleball?
I love that this is a game I can play with my wife and it’s like listening to a favorite song. We’re in complete harmony, always smiling, always laughing and always remembering to be kind to each other. It brings me back to the days of my youth, when I said ‘I do’.
How often do you play?
I coach and play six days a week.
What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?
I’m using a Joola Perseus 14mm. This paddle has good control, power and it’s autographed by Ben Johns.
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
I’ve been trying to get the seniors that I coach to incorporate a warmup that includes dynamic stretching before they play pickleball and to wear eye protection when playing to prevent injuries. Personally my goal is to get from being over weight to being not so overweight, haha, fat chance of that happening. To be a better husband, father, brother, friend, coach.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?
I love to cook and watch youtube videos. Youtube makes me think I can do anything and the pickleball community will eat anything you bring to the courts even if they don’t know you.
Anything else on your mind?
I have met so many amazing people because of pickleball. When I think back to twenty years ago, McDonalds in the morning was packed with seniors hanging out drinking coffee. They would stay there for hours and McDonalds had to put up signs limiting the amount of time they could stay there. McDonalds is empty in the mornings now because they are all hanging out at the pickleball courts. I think it’s awesome to see our seniors staying physically active, socially engaged, mentally sharp and the bonus is they bring the best snacks.
