Pickleballer in the 808: NATASHA QUINN

Pickleballer in the 808 Natasha Quinn

Honolulu—About a month ago, I was at the Family Programs HI pop-up PB event, and I happened to meet the Director of the Miss Hawaii Volunteer Pageant. Turns out, two of the contestants were volunteering at the event, and one of them played pickleball.

I marched over to talk to her, and was immediately struck by her positivity and laser-focused conviction to make a difference. She decided to attend UH because of it’s emphasis on indigenous politics; her goals are to impact communities locally, as well as to reach larger communities, nationally, and even globally.

What a pleasure it was to meet the next generation of leadership!

Without further ado, please meet Pickleballer in the 808 Natasha Quinn!

Currently residing in: Honolulu, on campus at UH Manoa.

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

I grew up in Lake Forest, California, and I went to El Toro High School.

What brought you here to the islands?

I have always felt a deep admiration for Hawaii’s unique culture and the sense of community here. The University of Hawaii Manoa also has an excellent political science program with specific subcategories that interest me such as indigenous politics and Hawaiian Politics.

What is your major at UH?

Political Science with a certificate in law and society.

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

My sisters at Alpha Gamma Delta sorority introduced me to pickleball when I rushed back in fall of 2023.

To help new members meet our sisters and promote sisterhood, pickleball has become a frequent tradition within our chapter.

Natasha’s sorority pickleball paddle

What do you love most about pickleball?

What I love most about pickleball is the energy and inclusivity of the game!

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, pickleball has a way of bringing people together—young, old, and everyone in between. I love how it’s quick-paced, easy to pick up, and incredibly social. There’s something about stepping onto the court, hearing the unique sound of the ball, and knowing that every game is a chance to connect and have fun.

What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, etc)?

Outside of pickleball, I also enjoy playing volleyball and I am on an intramural team here at UH.

I’m currently in the process of interviewing to work at the state capital, where I’ll become a legislative researcher for the senators that represent our communities.

You’re currently competing in the Miss Hawaii Volunteer pageant. What drew you to this competition, and why is it important to you to vie for the crown?

My decision to enter the Miss Hawaii Volunteer Pageant stems from my belief in the universal values of compassion and service.

Although I’m from California, I want to be a bridge between our worlds, sharing my experiences while learning from the incredible stories of resilience and beauty that Hawaii embodies. This pageant represents a chance to not only grow personally but also to contribute to the community in meaningful ways, demonstrating that passion and commitment to service are what truly matter, regardless of where one was born.

Tell us about the criteria for judging the event and crowning the winner.

Miss Hawaii Volunteer contestants will compete in the following phases of competition: private interview, fitness and wellness, evening gown, talent, and on-stage question.

Judges are looking for one intelligent, talented, and health-conscious young woman to take the title. The runner-up will be crowned “Miss Hawaii Sweetheart” to go on to compete in their own national pageant. Pickleball is one of the many ways I like to embody the MHV standards by staying healthy and fit!

Natasha, at the Family Programs HI Pop-Up PB Event

What is your platform?

My platform, or S.E.R.V.E Initiative (Scholarship, Education, Responsibility, Volunteer, Empower) is Enhancing Student Success: The Do Good Projects.

I founded my nonprofit “The Feel Good Project” when I was twelve years old, after facing financial burdens that prevented me from attaining the mental health support I needed to succeed.

When I arrived at college, I saw similar problems arising on Oahu, and saw how a lack of access to opportunity limited college students' success as well.

The Do Good projects is an umbrella organization that is home to several youth-led projects, each dedicated to creating meaningful change in their own unique way, and I’ll be highlighting two of them.

The Feel Good Project offers free mental health support through trained student volunteers, promoting mental well-being and access to resources for vulnerable youth, as well as enhancing the experience of UH students who wish to pursue a career in education or counseling.

Furthermore, the Dreamers Project supports youth from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue ambitious goals with guidance from University of Hawaii mentors, fostering educational equity and social mobility.

My goal is to call attention to socio-economic disparities through meaningful community engagement. Collectively, the Do Good Projects provide a holistic, student-driven platform for advancing the University of Hawaii's commitment to equity and representation.

Natasha, next to her “The Do Good Projects” road sign

What paddle are you playing with?

Sprypals

How often do you play?

On most Sundays at Manoa Valley District Park.

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

I’m very lucky to have been sponsored by UHM to apply for the Truman Scholarship.

The Truman Scholarship is awarded to very few U.S. undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to public service. The scholarship is administered by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, an independent federal agency based in Washington, D.C.

Anything else on your mind?

If you or your readers would be interested, my professional objective is to become the youngest president in United States history.

How can we follow, get more information, and/or get tickets to the pageant?

Each contestant is required to promote the pageant and sell her own tickets, so if you would like to support me and the Miss Hawai’i volunteer pageant, please visit the Miss Hawaii Volunteer site or email me for tickets.