THE UNEXPECTED

JOY OF PICKLEBALL

Inspirational Stories & Life Lessons from the Court

Get ready to dive into a world where a game is more than just a game – it’s a community, an obsession, and an incredible journey!

About Us

Dr. Karen Saliba, PsyD, MFT, is a psychoanalyst who enjoys the blend of athletics and psychology on the pickleball court, and loves the game more than she ever expected.

Ken Kikkawa is a business executive, a certified pickleball coach and a lifelong competitive and recreational athlete. His discovery of pickleball in 2022 has reignited joy, passion, camaraderie, and competitiveness that only sports can provide.

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What Others Are Saying

"This book offers a great mix of touching stories, lighthearted humor, and relatable life lessons. With each story, the reader is provided with big and small lessons, some of which you might expect to learn from playing a team sport, and some you wouldn't! I loved learning about the authors through their experiences in the increasingly popular world of pickleball. This book is a great read for pickleball players and non-pickleball players alike!"

Ella Rushing

"I kept waiting for lessons on techniques of playing pickleball. Instead, this book is more about the JOY & lessons learned from playing pickleball as a partner, community member & how to be respectful to this wonderful game. The rules of pickleball & skills can be learned, over time, but the important lessons on patience, respect, partnerships, and life are really what this book reveals. An unexpected joy and a very worthwhile read for pickleball players at any level !"

Sam Williams

"This is a "must read" for any pickleball player and anyone curious about the rising swell of pickleball as a sport sweeping the world. Karen and Ken write in an easy-to-read storytelling narrative that grabs your heart, humor, and soul. You will laugh, you might shed a tear, and you will not only learn about the sport, you will learn about what it's like to be part of a vibrant community. Because playing pickleball is the microcosm of who you are in life, these tales are about life itself; you will find yourself in this book whether you play or not."

Dr. Connie Lillas