Pickleballer in the 808: Maureen Petersen

Hawai'i Pickleball NewsO'ahu Pickleball Players

Jul 1

*Pickleballer in the 808: Maureen (Mo) Petersen*

Honolulu—We have a feature in our newsletter called “Nominate a Pickleballer in the 808”, and Maureen (Mo) Petersen was nominated!

Although she’s one half of a pickleball super couple previously featured a few months ago, she’s deserving of recognition on her own.

Mo started playing pickleball in September of 2022, after hearing her son talk about it. Since then, she’s quickly built a community of pickleballers who are like-minded, love to play together, and love her!

As the nomination form stated, “she is the epitome of "aloha" in the 808. She's always warm & welcoming to everyone on the courts. And she's full of passion & energy for the sport!”

Please meet Pickleballer in the 808 Maureen (Mo) Petersen!

*Mo (center) in the orange visor and skirt, with pickleball friends*

Currently resides in: Honolulu

Congratulations on being nominated as a player who is the “epitome of aloha in the 808”. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you strive to embody the spirit of aloha in pickleball?

I’m flattered to be thought of as someone that exemplifies aloha!

I’m a people person and will always make sure to say “hello” and introduce myself when I see people playing or learning to play pickleball on the courts. Pickleball makes it easy to connect with new people - having that shared interest that allows anyone to have a fun game with anyone is magical!

I also enjoy coordinating activities beyond pickleball for folks in my weekly pickleball group.

We’ve had quarterly dinners, yoga for pickleball workshops, and get together for holidays.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first started playing pickleball, and how did you overcome them?

I never played any racket sports, or really any sports, growing up, so hand and eye coordination was so difficult. Keeping the score also was confusing at first. Getting better all comes down to practice!

I’ve been taking a lot of lessons. Even now, I still take lessons often and enjoy meeting new people at those sessions.

You’re always unfailingly positive. How do you keep smiling when it’s not a good pickleball day?

As I said, I’m a people person and pickleball is a social activity. Some days I’ll play well and other days I'll play terrible - what matters most is spending time with the community.

I often think about how many folks are carving out the time to be at the courts to play and socialize and that always brings a smile to my face.

What are your personal goals in pickleball for the coming year?

Be able to serve a fast low ball and return serves deep to make it more challenging for opponents to return.

How have you seen the pickleball community in Honolulu grow since you started playing?

Pickleball is not only for seniors!

I’ve seen so many youth and college students come out to the courts and play with us. Pickleball is such an amazing and inclusive sport - everyone should give it a try!

The group you captain, “Mo Beta Pickleball”, has grown a lot, and it’s grown organically. What advice would you give to other players who want to promote the aloha spirit in their own groups and local communities?

Always be welcoming when you see newcomers to the game - invite them to play!

Think back to when you were just a beginner and the anxiousness you had going to a new court. You can be that welcoming spirit that brings the joy of pickleball to others.

*“Mo Beta Pickleballers” at a Chinese New Year get-together*

Can you share a memorable pickleball moment or experience?

One of our frequent Mo Beta Pickleball members is a young boy, Oliver, who is only 8 years old.

Oliver and his dad show up most Sundays to play and learn from the group. I’ve loved seeing how welcoming and nurturing the Mo Beta Pickleball group members have been. Oliver could be our next pro from the islands - who knows!

Are you still playing with the Joola Hyperion?

I just switched paddles to the Joola Perseus 3!

And, are you still playing 2-3x a week?

I play about 2x a week. As with many things in life, balance is key. On my off pickleball days I’ll do pilates, yoga, and weight strength training.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Stay safe when you’re playing pickleball. I’ve heard of some folks getting injured recently. It can be easy to overdo things, so make sure to take good rest in between play!

For Mo’s first feature with her husband Craig, go HERE.