How One Family Turned Pickleball Into a Weekly Tradition: Meet Will and Donna Soong
Will, back (L), and Donna, front (R)
Introduced to the game by their son at the start of COVID, this couple found connection, community, and a whole new way to hang out with friends—and each other.
Honolulu—When their youngest son Nick introduced them to pickleball at the start of COVID, it was just something fun to try as a family. A few lessons at Ala Moana turned into regular games, high school friends joined in, and pretty soon they were all hooked.
From neighborhood matches in the carport to tournaments at Manoa, the game has become a full-on lifestyle. These days, they play three times a week, hit the courts with both of their adult sons, and say pickleball has brought them closer to old friends, new ones, and each other.
Without further ado, please meet Will and Donna Soong!
Will, center (back), with his League friends
Currently residing in:
Honolulu
Where did you go to high school?
Will: Punahou
How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?
My wife and I were introduced to pickleball by my youngest son Nick at the very beginning of Covid. He brought us to the Ala Moana courts and introduced us to Mr. Kevin Ching. Kevin taught us the rules and how to score, that was Wednesday nights. Introduced the game to several of my high school friends and we were hooked.
We played a lot at the Manoa courts and got to know so many friendly people. At some point the Manoa players thought we should have a tournament. We called it the MVP tournament, Manoa Valley Pickleball. So much fun and donated prizes. That is when I met the ambassador for Honolulu pickleball paddles Norman Kawakami. Norman is a great player and continues to inspire me.
What do you love most about pickleball?
Several reasons that got me hooked on pickleball:
•Got to reunite with my friends from high school
• Game is easy to play
• Most pickleball players are just so nice, social aspect, I can just hang out and socialize.
Funny story, several years ago, coming home from work I see my son's pickleball net in front of my mail box blocking the street. Neighbors playing and congregating in our carport, lawn chairs and water bottles. My wife got them all hooked into pickleball, they all play together weekly.
Another aspect of playing pickleball is that Donna and I get to play with both of our sons. As parents of adult children, it's such a treat to see them and they are will to participate in a game or two with us. What a great family activity.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, school, work, etc)?
My buddy and I used to go fishing, but now we just play pickleball.
How often do you play?
3x/week.
What paddle are you playing with?
Honolulu Pickleball Company J2TI+