Honolulu—That laugh.

If you know Pickleballer in the 808 Stacie Rivera, you know what I mean. Her laugh is so infectious, it makes it really hard not to smile.

I met Stacie at the Courts one day, a while back. She invited me to play with her group. I was waaaay outmatched, but she was kind and encouraging and didn’t make me feel bad about being several levels below their group.

Flash forward many months later—I ran into Stacie and her daughter, Starr, at a pickleball event, and I knew I had to get them both featured in the newsletter.

We were also lucky to have this mother-daughter duo on our O’ahu roster for the Maui-O’ahu Social Mixer a few weeks ago, so without further ado, please meet Stacie and Starr Rivera!

Currently residing in: Honolulu

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

Stacie: I grew up in Manoa Valley. I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1981. My mom and Starr also graduated from Roosevelt High School.

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

Stacie: During covid times we were going crazy with no outdoor activities. In June of 2022, I told Starr let's try this game of Pickleball. It looks pretty easy. It was NOT!

We were super bad at it. But, we were determined to be better at it cause it was so fun to play.

We went to Kaimuki everyday to practice. Whenever we went to play, we would ask whoever was there to play a game. We ended up having a group of about 12 - 20 people come out about 4+ times a week.

Starr and I still play together with friends we've made about 4 - 5 times a week.

Starr: About a year and a half ago Mom convinced me to play pickleball one day and was hooked ever since. We were so addicted we played literally everyday when we first started.

Now we play together 3-4 times a week and we also play women's doubles together in Diamond Head league!

What do you do outside of pickleball?

Stacie: I retired since the start of covid in 2020. I love throwing parties. Especially game nights! I try to take as many trips as I can. YOLO!

(YOLO for sure…when we met Stacie and Starr at the HNL Airport for our Maui-O’ahu PB Mixer, she’d just gotten back from a trip to Las Vegas the day before! )

Starr: Mom and I are very competitive on and off the pickleball court, so we love a good game night which includes our now favorite, Rummikub. I also referee high school and collegiate basketball.

What do you love most about pickleball?

Stacie: I love how many pickleball people we have met and are now good friends with! Pickleball is more of a social gathering.

No other sport do you have all ages playing together and having fun!

Starr: I love the pickleball community here. We have met some awesome people that have become like family to us and I am very grateful to have them in my life.

What paddle are you currently playing with?

Stacie: I play with the Oneshot Aero Infinityshot. I totally love this paddle.

Starr: I'm currently playing with the Six Zero Single Black Diamond.

How often do you play?

Stacie: I play or drill about 4 - 7 days a week. Some times day and night. I can't get enough of pickleball!

Starr: I play 4-5 times a week.