Pickleballers in the 808 Redux: Mel and Jennifer Ona
Pickleballers in the 808: Jennifer and Mel Ona, July 2024
Hawai’i Kai—One year ago, this super couple, Mel and Jennifer Ona, helped launch the PIckleball 808 newsletter.
Think about it. Some random player (me) who took lessons with them, and who wasn’t very good, tells them she has this bright idea to publish a Hawai’i pickleball newsletter and would like to feature them.
Jennifer, gracious as always, agreed.
At that time, they’d already begun building the culture of inclusivity over at HK, and their generosity spilled over into everything they did (and still do) for the pickleballers out in East O’ahu.
To bring back a quote from their initial feature, “they’ve done so much for the pickleball community and have asked for nothing in return. They’re so generous with everything.”
For our one-year anniversary, we thought it’d be cool to catch up with Mel and Jennifer to see what they were up to! Oh, and by the way, they were the inaugural “Pickleballers in the 808” on 8/8, which also happens to be their anniversary!
The paddle rack (and stacks) at HK, on a Sunday
You’re on your third season of the Ladder League at HK. How’s that going? What challenges did you face?
Pineapple Pickleballahs is going well. We’ve expanded participation each season and I obtained permits for all 6 dedicated courts at Kamilo’iki Community Park for the Summer 2024 season.
There have been modifications and improvements along the way. I updated the participant standings calculation after the first season to minimize large week-to-week fluctuations. The first half of the season is now focused on gender and mixed doubles, while the latter half is focused on individual standings.
Initially, one of the main drivers for creating the ladder league was flexibility. Consequently, more players participated but that puts considerable work on my shoulders when lining up the weekly matches. Mostly I enjoy seeing what I can cook up, but when the line up is done and someone can’t make it last minute, it can be challenging even with subs.
What’s one memory that comes to mind about hosting Open Play at HK?
There’s too many memories to choose from! It’s truly become a Pickleball Ohana. We love celebrating our communities’ achievements whether it’s a graduation or a new shiny pickleball medal.
We love seeing families play together, especially near the holidays or college breaks.
We also love seeing how everyone’s game has progressed over time.
A year ago when we met, Open Play at HK was just getting off the ground. What’s it like now?
We regularly have 5-6 courts up and running with some paddles in the rack. Thankfully even with the growth, we’ve been able to continue to foster a fun and welcoming atmosphere that keeps the regulars coming back and doesn’t scare off any newcomers.
We heard about a pickleball wedding with two of your regulars. Fill us in!
Yes! Congratulations Victoria and Keola!
While they invited many PB friends to their wedding, they couldn’t invite everyone so they generously extended the celebration to Open Play the following day.
It’s actually Victoria’s family that introduced us to pickleball so we got to play with them while they were here and let them experience what they inspired.
Mel and Jennifer, beside the bride and groom, Victoria and Keola
How often do you play now?
I’m jealous of the people that can play everyday. Our bodies were getting a little too beat up.
We probably play 3-4 times per week and have added back regular gym workout sessions for more balance and longevity.
What paddles are you playing with?
We both have the Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0. It has helped my pickleball elbow immensely. Mel, however, is always buying and trying the newest popular paddle. After returning a delisted Joola, he’s currently looking at one of the J2Ks and the Chorus Shapeshifter.
Any other news to report? Anything else on your mind?
Work has been exceptionally crazy, but when I get a chance to breathe again, I’m going to figure out how we can get permanent nets for Kamilo’iki’s dedicated courts. Lugging around 5 nets plus weights is a bit much some days, so it’s time.
To read Pickleball 808’s very first feature with Mel and Jen, go HERE.
