Pickleballers in the 808: Gary and Michelle Chun

Pickleball Couple Gary and Michelle Chun

Honolulu—Since February is the month of love, we kick off the month by featuring pickleball super couple, Gary and Michelle Chun.

I met Michelle in person at the Courts one day (side note, she is totally the ray of sunshine that she looks like in photos). I’m pretty sure I asked an offhand question about playing with her other half and knew that I’d ask to feature them in the newsletter one day.

Well, that one day is today and here we are, at the perfect moment to introduce the kawaii pickleball couple, Gary and Michelle Chun!

Currently resides in: Honolulu, in Hawai’i Kai

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

Michelle: Edmonton, Alberta and Sacramento, California. Hiram Johnson High School.

Gary: I grew up in Hawai’i Kai and Niu Valley and attended Kalani High School.

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

Michelle: Gary bought an Amazon special with 4 wooden paddles and a net. We started playing in February 2022.

Gary: I saw people playing pickleball at the park and asked to try it.

Did you both play together from the beginning?

Michelle: Yes. We started in a Newbie class together and we’re still playing together.

What’s it like playing with each other?

Michelle: It's totally fun and easy. We’re complete opposite players of each other and it seems to work. I always have fun and any time we can play pickleball together it's a good day!

Gary: I’m really competitive and don't like to lose and my wife just wants to get exercise, have fun, and be social. I have to remind myself that it’s just a game.

What do you do outside of pickleball?

Michelle: I enjoy cooking and eating. I play Mahjong weekly with my Joy Luck Club. We also like to host game nights and play Rummikub. We like to travel and spend time with family and friends and our two golden retrievers. 

Gary: I work in accounting. I like to travel and my hobbies outside of pickleball include running and playing games like Mahjong and Rummikub. I follow sports and my favorite pro teams are the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams and my college team is the University of Colorado Buffaloes.

Gary and Michelle with Ben Johns at his pickleball camp in Cancun (celebrating their wedding anniversary)

What do you love most about pickleball?

Michelle: Having fun with my friends, making new friends, laughing, dancing, eating snacks and burning calories.

Gary: It’s a great activity for my wife and I to play together and get exercise. I like meeting people, playing competitive matches, and trying to learn skills from other players.

What paddle are you currently playing with?

Michelle: I’ve always used Engage paddles and currently I’m playing with Engage Pursuit EX 6.0 Ultra.

Gary: I’m currently playing with an Engage Pursuit MX 6.0—my last paddle was a Legacy.

How often do you play?

Michelle: 5-6 days a week.

Gary: I play between 3 to 5 times a week on average.

Aaaand…how long have you been married?

Michelle: We just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in January!

Congratulations on so many levels—for playing together from the beginning and for 25 years together! Mahalo Gary and Michelle for sharing a bit about you!