Finding the Competitive Edge Again: Nicholas Manago’s Pickleball Journey
Pickleball Spotlight: Nick Manago
A Moanalua alum rediscovers competition, community, and connection on the pickleball court
I actually met Nicholas Manago’s mom first—Daphne Manago was a generous donor to our anniversary celebration last year and one of those kind, thoughtful readers who always takes the time to share encouraging words (which means more than people know).
So I jumped at the chance to connect with Nicholas. A Moanalua alum, he brings that competitive spirit from his baseball days into pickleball—but with the added bonus of playing alongside family and friends.
And with that, let’s dive into Nick’s story!
Currently residing in: Honolulu, HI.
Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?
I grew up in Salt Lake and spent a lot of time in Aiea playing baseball and hanging out with my cousins. I’m a proud Class of 2014 Moanalua alum! #BleedBlue.
How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?
I went away to college at Concordia University Irvine, and my cousins, with whom I grew up, were also living in California. One weekend in 2019, they invited me out to try pickleball. Then I got into playing in 2020 during COVID, when it became a great way to spend time with family and friends while staying active.
What do you love most about pickleball?
I love the social aspect and hanging out with friends, but honestly, the competition is my favorite part of it. I played competitive baseball most of my life, so after college, I really missed competing. Pickleball brought that feeling back.
How often do you play?
Right now, I play about once a week with a group of friends from my church, but I’m hoping to increase that, especially with the PPA San Clemente tournament coming up in May. I also spend time drilling with my mom and helping her work on her game.
What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?
My mom is probably the biggest Dallas Flash fan I know, and honestly, the only one I know. She entered an Instagram giveaway for an Augie Ge signed Vatic paddle and actually won. She was generous enough to gift it to me. My favorite part about the paddle? It was signed… and free!
Nick with his mom, Daphne Manago
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
Win a medal at a PPA tournament. Hopefully starting with my tournament in May!
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?
I work as a financial advisor at WestPac Wealth Partners, which keeps me busy. I’ve also hosted a few pickleball outings for an association I support, and each event brought out 30+ people, from first timers to 4.5+ regulars. Outside of work, I serve at Moanalua Gardens Missionary Church (MGMC) as a youth leader and help on the media team.
Anything else on your mind?
My partner for the May tournament is actually someone I met through the “Find a Partner” at a PPA event in 2024. He’s from Colorado and, coincidentally, was moving to Hawaii for six months with his girlfriend right after that tournament. Since then, we’ve played in two more tournaments together, he’s met my pickleball friends, and he even became a regular at my church while he was on island!
