Our Story

It All Started With a Question

It’s funny how a simple question can change everything. For me, that question was: "Where are we going to play when the Seattle rain starts this winter?"

My name is Susan Tai, and my pickleball journey began just last year. Like so many others, it was love at first hit. From the moment I stepped onto the court, I was hooked. It wasn't just the game itself—the satisfying pop of the ball, the thrill of a perfectly placed shot—it was the laughter, the connection, and the pure, uncomplicated joy that came with it. The court became my happy place, a space where stress melted away and community flourished.

As summer days came to an end, a sense of worry began to slip in my mind . Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know what’s coming: the months of grey skies and relentless drizzle. The thought of hanging up my paddle for the winter, of losing that source of happiness, was unacceptable.

I voiced my concern to fellow players between games, and I saw the same look on their faces. They felt it too. That simple question—"Where will we play?"—was on everyone's mind.

That’s when the idea for the Bellevue Pickleball Club was born. It wasn't just about finding a place to play; it was about building a home. A sanctuary from the rain, yes, but more than that, a year-round haven for the joy and community we had all come to cherish. We create a place where the vibrant energy of pickleball could thrive no matter the weather, where friendships could blossom, and where the laughter would never have to stop because of the rain.

We wanted to create more than just courts. We wanted to build a community. A place where new players would feel instantly welcome, where seasoned pros could sharpen their skills, and where everyone, regardless of age or ability, could share in the simple happiness of the game.

The Bellevue Pickleball Club is the answer to that question asked on a fading summer day. It’s a testament to the idea that with enough passion, even the longest winter can’t keep us from doing what we love.

This is our beginning. We’re so glad you’re here to be a part of it.

Welcome to the club.

— Susan Tai

Founder of Bellevue Pickleball Club