Love and Pickleball: Singles Looking for a Partner
Valentine's Day Edition #1: The mastermind behind the Pickleball Singles Mingle
You know the dill, but seriously, the best part of pickleball? The people! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Karen Butera, the pickleball-playing cupid, who connects singles by the thousands in her Facebook group, the Pickleball Singles Mingle. It's like a dating app with a side of dink🥒💘
Karen kindly agreed to talk with me about all things Love and Pickleball. An energetic former competitive raquetball player who now sings the benefits of hip and knee replacements to ace your pickleball game, Karen is a grandmother, community organizer, USA Pickleball Ambassador, has a zest for life and is looking for a partner to enhance her already active & interesting lifestyle.
We bonded over our midwestern roots, our love of travel (I have high hopes to meet Karen at a future pickleball adventure in Costa Rica- read about my trip here), and obviously pickleball!
What motivated you to start Pickleball Singles Mingle?
Karen: I was talking with a friend the challenges of dating as an active person.
“So many people prefer to sit around and cuddle, not get out on the courts and move and be active. That doesn’t work for me... While I’ve dated, I have yet to find anything sustainable, but I remain hopeful! ”
The group has ballooned in to festivals and trips, and even a couple weddings.
What sort of partner are you looking for on and off the court?:
Karen: Down to earth, has integrity, lighthearted, active. I’m based in Orlando but free to travel.
Favorite place/s to play pickleball?:
Karen: I’ve taken incredible group trips (planned with the Singles Mingle) to the Grand Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos - and cried when that trip was over. I’m hoping to make it to Iceland to play.
Would you rather:
Rally score or original “0-0-2” style?: 0 - 0 - 2
Play indoors or outside?: Outdoors, but where it’s not raining or snowing
Only be able to wear pink every time you play pickleball or “meow” every time you serve?: Pink
Play as a team with a past fling or compete against your ex?: Compete against my ex
Interested in connecting with Karen? DM her on Facebook. Join the Pickleball Singles Mingle group here.
Karen, thanks for speaking with me, and I hope you find the partner on and off the court that you’re seeking!