Desert Health News September-October 2024

www.pdpool.com America’s fasting growing sport is getting serious. The latest organization to form around this backyard to big leagues phenomenon is the National Pickleball League (NPL), featuring professional teamcompetition exclusively for the Champions Division, ages 50+. The league will conclude their second season with their championship tournament in October. Proudly joining the league of 12 national teams drafting top players from across the country is the newly formed Coachella Valley Scorpions. Established by local pro Kim Jagd, a former pro volleyball player who turned to pickleball ten years ago at 49, and local real estate exec Rob Zwemmer, the Scorpions are the first and only Champion Pro team in California. “In a record nine months, the Coachella Valley Scorpions have gone from a passion Rob and I had to a full blown company, “ exclaims Jagd who led the Indianapolis Indy Drivers to the NPL’s first title last season. “We’ve drafted an incredible group of 14 professional players, landed Vince Vaughn [actor] as a famous majority stakeholder, proudly secured Agua Caliente Casinos as our new Presenting Sponsor and are in position to vie for the league championship in October!” NPL teams consist of up to eight men and eight women players. The Scorpions roster includes: top-ranked player and bestselling Pickleball Mindset co-author Dayne Gingrich (Santa Barbara), Piet Aldrich (Solana Beach), Joe Frasca (Colorado Springs, CO), Keith Jain (Carlsbad), Julene James (Bluffdale, UT), Lily Kordic-Mueller (Carlsbad), Maggie Murch (North Vancouver, BC), John Riedy (Carlsbad), David Smith (Spirit Lake, IA), Chrishawn Spackman (Gulfport, FL), Johan Svensson (Lakeland, TN), Brenda Tilford (Highland, CA) and Stacy Zelenski (Morro Bay, CA). Similar to our valley’s other professional franchise, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Scorpions are keeping community enthusiasm and outreach top of mind. The team plans to host camps, clinics and special events for community members and youth and will host an NPL competition during the 2025 season. “We are excited to elevate passion for the sport across generations in the Coachella Valley,” add Jagd. “Pickleball is a spirited game that unites youth, families and seniors and reminds us all that competitive sports can be enjoyed at any - and every - age. We couldn’t be more excited about the future.” To learn more, visit www.scorpionspickleball.com or follow the team on Instagram: @ScorpionsPickleball and Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScorpionsPickleball. September/October 2024 www.DesertHealthNews.com www.sportsandmskmedicine.com Treatment for Active Lifestyle Conditions: Sprains | Strains | Dislocations | Tears Contusions | Fractures | Arthritis Bones • Muscles • Tendons Ligaments • Nerves Non-Operative Orthopedics Musculoskeletal Medicine In-Of ce Ultrasound Sports Medicine Regenerative Medicine Medicine to help you heal naturally 760.636.1067 41990 Cook Street • Building F, Ste. 1006 Palm Desert, CA 92211 w S ortsandMSKmedi ine.com @SportsandMSKmedicine @SportsandMSK_Medicine ERIC SICKINGER, DO Board-certi ed Sports Medicine Physician KEEPING YOU ON THE GO WITH NON-SURGICAL OPTIONS COMING SOON Fitness The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 14 The Coachella Valley Scorpions, our valley’s 50+ pro pickleball team Make a Splash at one of the Coachella Valley’s Coolest Attractions! Dive into a world of aquatic adventure right in the heart of our community at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. This state of the art Aquatic Center o ers a refreshing escape for all ages, with plenty of free parking and so much to see and do! Lap Swim l Aquatic Fitness Classes l Swim Lessons for All Ages LOTS OF AMENITIES Water Slides l Splash Zone l Diving Boards l Rope Swing Climbing Wall - Ring the Bell for prizes l Inflatable Fitness Course Shaded Areas & Lounge Chairs l Hot Spot Cafe l And more! There is something for everyone. Join us at PDAC, where the water is always the perfect temperature and the memories are endless! See website for dates and times. Bring this coupon to our front desk and receive $1 o our non-resident rate for up to 6 people. Valid for one visit, no cash value. Expires December 31, 2024. $ 1 OFF for up to 6 people! 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive in Palm Desert (in the Civic Center Park) PDPool.c m • (760) 565-7467 Local 50+ Pickleball Turns Pro CV Scorpions join national league By Lauren Del Sarto