Pickleballer in the 808: Carol Furuya

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May 14

*Pickleballer in the 808 Carol Furuya, center, with pickleball friends Ed and Carin (with furry friend Frankie)*

Honolulu—One of the beautiful things about pickleball is that it can be played by practically anyone. You see the gamut out at the Courts—from Gen Z to retired Baby Boomers (often times playing together!) and everyone in between. Add to the mix people who have been active their entire lives but found themselves sidelined with an injury…they found pickleball and have been hooked ever since.

Meet Carol Furuya, a former soccer player who dabbled in pickleball for the first time about five years ago, but picked it back up again in 2020, after an injury.

And the rest, as they say, is history!

She now volunteers her time managing the open play at Palama Settlement, and is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Without further ado, please meet Pickleballer in the 808 Carol Furuya!

*Carol, far right, celebrating Easter 2023 at Palama*

Currently residing in: I currently live in Kaimuki but grew up in Kaneohe. I’m a proud graduate of James B Castle High School.

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

I was introduced to pickleball about 2018 through my soccer sister Pilahi Gregg. She had learned PB from another soccer sister Maris VanderLee who lives on Maui.

Pilahi taught many of my teammates and always had such funny stories about this crazy game. That sparked my curiosity to see what all the laughter was about.

The first time I tried it out was so hilarious! They would yell “no, you can’t step in the kitchen unless the ball bounces”, “come up, come up”, or “2 bounces before you can volley”!!

I had never played tennis or any other racket sport so it was a challenge! Because I was still working I couldn’t commit to taking lessons from her and soccer was all I could really fit into my schedule.

In 2020 my husband retired from his periodontal practice which meant I could retire too and try pickleball again!

Before Covid changed our world I would go out and try to play with my soccer sisters but they had by then mastered the game.

Then Covid hit and we had to stop. When the government allowed the first reopens there was a lady giving free lessons at Diamond Head tennis courts. I joined the group at the advice from one of my soccer sisters.

Then the second shut down happened so lessons stopped. Once we could resume activities I signed up for lessons with Oahu Tennis Association and took lessons there mainly with Lori Tokutomi.

I also reconnected with one of my fellow students from the free lessons and would play with her friends out in Moanalua. That group lead me to meeting Lori Fujikawa who also taught me a lot of basic skills. Lori was asked to help teach PB at Palama Settlement with Kea Gills and Margie Katras.

Lori encouraged us beginners to sign up for the class which we did and the rest is history!

*Carol, far right in neon, with her pickleball friends*

What do you do outside of pickleball?

Now along with Jeanette Wong and Darlene Kamae, I volunteer to manage the open play at Palama Settlement on Mondays and Thursdays. I retired my soccer boots in 2022 due to some injuries but mostly because my asthma had gotten really bad. Soccer is still my number one love and if I was in better health I think I would still play.

I am very thankful there is pickleball!

Outside of pickleball I do a lot of craft work, volunteer once a week at my kids elementary school, watch Netflix movies and UH men’s volleyball with my husband, play with my dogs Uni and Mochi, fool around with my plants, and go to Japan to visit my son, daughter in law, and my two grand dogs.

What do you love most about pickleball?

The one thing I really enjoy about pickleball is the many wonderful folks I’ve gotten to meet and of course whacking that ball!

What paddle are you currently playing with?

I currently play with a Paddletek Tempest Reign pro v3.

How often do you play?

I play about four times a week but my level of play does not match it! Lol!

Anything else on your mind that you’d like to share?

I want to thank all those that have helped and continue to help me learn to play this very fun sport, as well as all those that I have gotten to meet just by playing this funny game. I am so very appreciative for all these wonderful hearts. Hope I will continue to meet many many more!