At Selkirk, we believe pickleball is more than just a game—it’s a powerful force for connection, growth, and healing. Few stories reflect that truth more clearly than Nancy Mansfield’s.
Nancy, now an instructor at The Dink Tank Pickleball Club in Phoenix, didn’t just find a new hobby in pickleball—she found a path to joy and purpose in the wake of unimaginable loss.
From heartbreak to healing
In 2016, Nancy’s world was shaken by profound grief. Her daughter passed away, followed closely by the unexpected loss of her father and the family’s beloved golden retriever. The weight of sorrow was crushing, and she found herself isolating and overwhelmed. But then a friend stepped in with a simple, life-changing invitation: “Come play pickleball.”
That invitation brought Nancy out to the court—and slowly, it brought her back to herself.
“For those several hours a day,” she says, “I was able to balance my joy with my grief.” Pickleball gave her space to breathe, to smile, and eventually, to thrive.
Pickle like a boss
Nancy didn’t just play—she poured her heart into the sport and began sharing it with others. What started as casual games turned into something more meaningful. She realized how powerful it was to help someone learn to play, especially those who had never held a paddle before.
“By the end of the hour, they’re pickling like a boss,” she says. “It makes my heart soar!”
The joy on a beginner’s face after landing a clean shot or finally keeping score correctly is something Nancy never gets tired of seeing. It’s what inspired her to go even further.
A PCI-certified coach
With encouragement from her community, Nancy chose to become certified through PCI (Professional Pickleball Registry’s Coaching Initiative)—a program developed in partnership with Selkirk to ensure new players get the very best introduction to the game.
“Not only did the certification process improve my game,” Nancy says, “it gave me an excellent model for teaching.”
Now at The Dink Tank, Nancy specializes in welcoming newcomers and guiding players toward that elusive 3.5 skill level. Her students don’t just learn how to dink, drop, or drive—they gain confidence, community, and maybe even a bit of healing themselves.
A community of gratitude
Nancy’s story is a testament to the transformative power of pickleball and the impact a caring instructor can have. As she puts it, there’s “so much gratitude in my heart for this fun game with a silly name.”
Whether she’s helping someone find the courage to swing a paddle for the first time or cheering them on as they level up their game, Nancy embodies the spirit of PCI-certified coaches across the country: passionate, skilled, and full of heart.
Want to follow Nancy’s journey or connect with her for lessons? Check out her website: www.picklelikeaboss.fun.
And if you’re inspired to turn your own love for the game into something more, learn how you can become PCI-certified and help others discover their joy on the court at https://www.pickleballcoachinginternational.com/.
