APPL Pickleball Teams of Quail Creek
At Quail Creek, a premier 55+ active adult community in Green Valley, Arizona, Pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s a social experience. Whether residents are playing purely for fun, chasing a competitive win, or enjoying a mix of both, the Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL) provides a perfect platform for all types of players.
What is APPL?
The Arizona Pickleball Players League organizes team play across multiple levels and age groups. This makes it easy for players to find a team that fits their skill and competitive spirit. APPL is divided into regions across the state. Teams are classified by skill level (2.5 to 5.0), gender (women’s, men’s, mixed), and age categories (18+, 50+, 65+). Home teams in Quail Creek compete in the Southern Region, facing opponents from Tubac, Green Valley, Tucson, SaddleBrooke, SaddleBrooke Ranch, Oro Valley, Casa Grande, Marana, and Vail.
Weekly Matches and Community Engagement
APPL matches are held nearly every week, either at home or on the road. Home matches allow visiting teams to experience Quail Creek’s top-notch Pickleball facilities. Conversely, away matches offer Quail Creek players new challenges and opportunities to see other community courts. The combination of friendly competition and travel strengthens camaraderie among players.
Meet the Quail Creek APPL Teams
Quail Creek currently hosts three spirited teams enjoying APPL competition, including:
The Quail Crushers (Women’s 65+ 3.0)
Captains: Judi Lynn Sorsen and Joan Wickstrom
Players include Linda Alsaigel, Mary Beth Bradfield, Donna Davis, Sandy Einfeldt, Deb Fagan, Mary Ann Garman, Christel Gibbons, Christy Hubbard, Vicki Johnston, Johanna Keyworth, Diane Kirkendall, Marsha Lichtenhan, Ardean Nickerson, and Joan Wickstrom
The Red Hots (Women’s 65+ 3.5)
Captains: Bobbi Jo Blythe and Madelyn Witt
Players include Margie Collins, Paula Davis, Coleen Ebert, Sharon Frank, Cheryl Hauser, Jane Kasberg, Freda Kuntu, Karen Morse, America Oujevolk, Ardean Nickerson, Deb Robinson, Barb Ware, and Liz Yuengling
The Scorpions (Men’s 50+ 3.5)
Captains: Fred Baum and Al Wascher
Players include Fred Baum, Brian Beers, Jerome Klein, Rod Malloy, Peter Miene, Michael Myers, Gary Quantz, Dave Rave, Al Wascher, Craig Witt, and Chris Yates
The Social Side of Competition
Practice sessions do more than improve skills—they foster friendships. For example, Cheryl Hauser, a Red Hots team member, shared, “APPL team play is a way for me to connect and compete with others on the courts who share a common goal of doing our best to win some games. The social aspect builds friendships in a fun and supportive environment. The excitement of competition is extremely motivating for me. It’s a great way to experience partnership play along with achieving team success.”
Contributions by Shireen Kolarik
Looking for more stories about life at Quail Creek? Check out Quail Creek Crossing online to see what residents are creating, celebrating, and enjoying in this thriving 55+ community.