About Me
How I got here
For years, I sat at the park watching my kids' softball practices, and seeing the pickleball courts next door. People noticeably older than me were out there being active and clearly having a blast. I remember thinking, that looks fun. Then immediately, there's no way I can do that.
Fast forward to my kids hitting their pre-teen years (they're 13 and 15 now), and suddenly I had something I hadn't had in over a decade: a little time back for myself. Two years ago, I finally got brave and signed up for the local club with my husband.
It took six months before I worked up the nerve to actually get on a court in a beginner league. I'm still learning. I'm still sitting near the bottom of most of the ladders I play in. But I'm having a lot of fun. I'm doing something new, staying active, and making new friends. Turns out the thing that intimidated me for years is now a hobby I plan to keep for the rest of my life.
What "The Midlife Volley" means to me
I'm still in corporate marketing. 20 years in and counting, and I'm not walking away from a steady paycheck just yet. But "volley" felt right for more than the pickleball pun (though yes, the pun is doing a lot of work here).
A volley is what happens when the ball's in play and you don't get to just stand there. You react, you move, you keep it going. That's midlife, isn't it? You're volleying a career you've worked hard for, kids who may need less of your time than they used to but still need you, a body that's starting to send some new and confusing signals, and for many of us, aging parents entering the mix too. Nobody hands you a manual. You return what you can, let the rest go long, and try to enjoy the rally.
Let's do this together
I'm not a pro, and I'm still working my way up the ladder, so if you're new too, you're in the right place. If any of this sounds familiar, sign up below and I'll send you the good stuff: new gear finds, posts, and the occasional midlife realization, straight to your inbox. Or just head to the blog and start scrolling.
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The Court
Midlife pickleball, minus the pretense. Gear reviews, beginner tips, and honest opinions from someone still near the bottom of the ladder.
The Pack
A chocolate lab named Junie, a rescue puppy named Penny, and two teen daughters. Life off the court, with a tail wag or two.
The Shift
My own experience with perimenopause and everything else midlife throws my way. Personal stories, not medical advice. My hormones are not a peer-reviewed study.