Pickleballer in the 808: CARLEEN YOKOTAKE

Hawai'i Pickleball NewsO'ahu Pickleball Players

Jan 13

Pickleballer in the 808: Carleen Yokotake

Kaneohe—IYKYK (If you know you know)…and Windward Oahu pickleballers definitely know Carleen and the seemingly boundless positive energy she brings to the courts.

A proud Kaneohe native and Castle High School alum, Carleen found her way to pickleball in the wake of the pandemic and never looked back. After 11 years as a cycle instructor at 24 Hour Fitness, the pandemic brought an unexpected pause to her fitness routine and her gym ohana.

It was then that her best friend introduced her to pickleball. Through the sport, she discovered a game she loves and a welcoming community that reignited her passion for fitness and connection.

Whether she’s playing, performing, or teaching, Carleen exudes faith, joy, and enthusiasm both on and off the courts.

Without further ado, please meet Pickleballer in the 808, Carleen Yokotake!

Carleen, front row, left, kneeling, with her “Dairy Dinkers” crew

Currently residing in: Kaneohe

Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?

I grew up in Kaneohe and went to Castle—go Knights!

How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?

I discovered pickleball right after the pandemic.

I was a cycle instructor at 24 Hour Fitness for 11 years. When the pandemic hit, I stopped teaching cycling and going to the gym because everything shut down, and I lost my gym family. Once things opened up again, I never went back.

At that time however, my best friend started playing pickleball with some friends from church. She invited me to come play, and they welcomed me with open arms and taught me the game. They were so patient and kind and made it so much fun, I got hooked and the rest is history! (Big mahalo to Jim and April McConnell and Cheryl Higa! Without your kindness and friendship, I wouldn't love the game as much as I do!)

What do you love most about pickleball?

What I love most about pickleball is that it's not only super fun, but a great workout, and I get to meet and play with so many amazing people!

What do you do outside of pickleball?

For my full time job, I'm a Professor of Speech and Communication at Leeward Community College.

I love music and play in a Hawaiian music trio called Kamele…we've been gigging together for over 30 years now!

I also love spending time with family and friends in my free time.

Carleen, performing with her band Kamele, at Kahala Mall

I’m told that you’re the #3 ambassador representing the Six Zero brand. Tell us how this all came about.

Like most people, I started off with the cheap Amazon paddles until someone let me try a "top tier" paddle.

I couldn't believe the difference it made, and began to dive into paddle research in search of the best paddle for my game. I spent A LOT of money on different top tier paddle brands, and then I got my hands on a SixZero Double Black Diamond paddle.

It blew me away!

After playing with it for a few months, I noticed a huge improvement in my game, and believe me, I need all the help I can get! People would randomly ask to try my paddle and had the same reaction I did!

I became so impressed with the company and their amazing engineering and paddle construction, that I applied to become one of their ambassadors and was accepted. I’ve been with the company for over a year now, and God has truly blessed my paddle sales :-)

The paddle actually sells itself!

While I may not be the greatest pickleball player, I love helping people find the right paddle for their game and/or customize their paddles. I'll typically bring 12-13 demo paddles wherever I go to play. If anyone is interested in demoing a SixZero paddle or want more information, please reach out to me, I'd love to help you!

Carleen with (L) Yoshi Elderts and (R) her doubles partner, Glenn Isidro, at the Aloha PB Games & Festival in November 2024

Normally, we ask what paddle you’re playing with. I’m guessing you play with Six Zero. What specific Six Zero paddle do you play with, and what made you choose that paddle?

My go to SixZero paddles are the Double Black Diamond Control 16mm and the Infinity Edgeless Double Black Diamond.

Both amazing all paddles!

How often do you play?

I play 3-5 times a week if my old body lets me!

What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?

My ultimate goal in life is to love and honor God and serve those He brings into my life. I'm super grateful for all He has done for me and for the amazing family and friends He's blessed me with.

Anything else on your mind?

I would really like to acknowledge the amazing people in various pickleball groups that have enthusiastically welcomed me in—there's no place I'd rather be than playing with you all.

Shout out to my church ohana, (Play 4Fun), the Dairy Dinkers (you guys rock!), and most of all the Kano Ohana and crew (Nikki, Reed, Dad, Yoshi and extended ohana, I love you all so much!).

A special thank you to Dale, Val, and Jenny at Six Zero Pickleball for always kindly supporting my success as an ambassador and for making insanely good paddles and gear! Let's GO NEXT LEVEL!!!