Meet Robin Transfiguracion: Where Service Meets the Court

Pickleball Spotlight: Robin Transfiguracion with his daughter, Fran

A story about service, family, and making room for everyone

I kept hearing the same thing from different corners of the pickleball community: “You have to meet Robin.” When someone earns that kind of quiet reputation, you pay attention. It didn’t take long to understand why—Robin Transfiguracion shows up with a heart for service and a way of making everyone feel like they belong.

His journey to pickleball began years ago, after a background in racquetball, but what stands out most isn’t how long he’s been playing—it’s how he plays the role of connector. His entire family is part of the pickleball orbit (yes, all of them), and whether he’s teaching at Mililani District Park or welcoming a first-timer onto the court, Robin embodies the idea that pickleball is less about competition and more about community. As he says, whether you’re 8 or 80, there’s room for you.

Without further ado, please meet Robin Transfiguracion!

Currently residing in: Waipahu.

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

Born in Honolulu, went to Royal School at age 13. My family moved to Kahaluu, Oahu went to Waiahole Intermediate, then Castle High.

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

I come from a Racquetball background, playing racquetball in the 80s at the time when racquetball was a booming sport…played with some of Hawaii's great players, Egan Inoue, Joe Deckert, Lloyd Waialae, Kyle Paredes, and Dan Ho, even today with Hawaii racquetball pro Robert Collins. In 1998, racquetball was becoming a dying sport in Hawaii. I was getting older, moving more slowly, and I needed to try something different. One day, a friend of mine told me I should try pickleball, easy to learn, low-impact, and good for seniors. I went to Mililani Neighborhood Park, took a lesson from Jason Fujinaka, and the rest is history.

What do you love most about pickleball?

I like pickleball because it brings people together to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. For me, it really brings the family together. That's why everyone in my family plays or supports if they don't play.

How often do you play?

When I have Pickleball classes at Mililani District Park, I do 4 days a week, between playing and teaching. No classes, I try to go 3 days a week.

What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?

Gearbox GX2 power, but I love Holbrook Arma T. I really like the Arma because it's a loud-sounding paddle coming from racquetball. I like that loud hitting sound and have very good control too.

What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?

Seeing how much longer I can go on teaching and playing.

What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?

I like to watch the LA RAMS, listen to music by Music Travel Love, and my family calls me the baker in the family.

Anything else on your mind?

To me, pickleball has evolved from a backyard pastime to becoming a cultural movement. Its low impact makes it ideal for older adults, easy for beginners to learn, yet strategic for competitive players. So whether you are 8 or 80, come on and try it out, there's a place for you on the court.