By Jodi Salerno

A Love for Pickleball and a New Active Chapter in Orange County

In 2017, sisters Charlotte Saydah and Kathy Ursini embarked on a journey that would add a new passion to their lives: pickleball. The two were looking for a way to stay active and engaged, having tried everything from walking the scenic bluffs and beaches of Corona del Mar to yoga, spin classes and various gym workouts. Nothing, however, really stuck until they signed up for a pickleball class with Coach Mel Wheatley through the city of Newport Beach. Six years later, they’re still going strong—competing in tournaments, enjoying social games, and continuing weekly lessons with Coach Mel. Pickleball has become a cornerstone of their lives, bringing joy, community and family togetherness.

Kathy Ursini: Family, Friendship and the Joy of Pickleball

Kathy Ursini finds so much to love about Orange County. Although she appreciates the beautiful weather, vibrant shops, and top-notch restaurants, her favorite part is having family nearby. The close proximity to loved ones makes the area feel like home.

Kathy’s love for pickleball goes beyond just the activity. She values how easy it is to learn yet challenging to master. After six years, she’s still learning new skills and refining her game. She also treasures the friendships she’s built within the pickleball community. Tournament days often feel like reunions, giving her a chance to catch up with players she hasn’t seen in a while. It’s truly a family affair—her sister Charlotte and her husband John join her on the court several times a week, and her kids often come to watch and cheer during tournaments.

A lesser-known fact about Kathy? While her home might look perfectly organized, her garage and attic tell a different story—spots where a bit of chaos reigns!

Charlotte Saydah: Finding Fun, Community and Business in Pickleball

Charlotte, on the other hand, has a unique love-hate relationship with exercise. She admits that she’s never been a fan of traditional workouts, which makes pickleball all the more special. The game keeps her active without feeling like a chore, blending physical movement with social interaction. As a first-generation American, with a father from Germany and a mother from Italy, she brings a blend of cultures and a bit of that classic Bavarian charm to everything she does—sometimes jokingly referred to by friends as her “Orange County princess” side.

For Charlotte, moving to Orange County in 2015 was one of the best decisions she’s ever made. After raising her children in La Cañada, relocating to Newport Beach felt like a dream come true, especially with her sister Kathy nearby. This new chapter in her life has been enriched by the daily joy of sharing experiences with family.

Her love for pickleball has also opened up new professional opportunities. Initially, Charlotte just enjoyed organizing events with her pickleball friends. Eventually, this led to business ventures in the pickleball world. She now collaborates with the Pickleball Superstore, a top online retailer, and is also involved with Power Play Pickleball, a new club set to open soon in Carson. Both businesses are owned by friends she met on the pickleball court. Even though she is at an age where most people retire, Charlotte is thrilled to stay active and continue making professional contributions in the sport she loves.

A Bond that Grows Stronger Through Pickleball

For Charlotte and Kathy, pickleball is more than just a sport. It’s a shared passion that strengthens their bond as sisters, brings them closer to family and keeps them active and engaged in the community. Their journey from curious beginners to competitive players highlights the joy of discovering something that fits perfectly into one’s life—physically, socially, and even professionally. As they look to the future, both Charlotte and Kathy seem certain that pickleball will remain a beloved part of their lives, keeping them moving, laughing, and thriving in Orange County.