By Amanda Vona
A good game of pickleball is one that is fun, challenging, and competitive, with players showcasing their skills and athleticism while having a good time on the court. It’s fun for all ages,” says John Rashilla. A proud Marine Corps veteran, Rashilla, sixty-five years old, was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts—known as the “City of Homes.” A cherished family friend, John grew up in a largely Italian neighborhood, a tight-knit community that was rich in culture, traditions, and strong family values.
Growing up in the city, John was always an active and energetic child. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially at the local parks, where he and his friends would spend hours playing handball. When he graduated high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Throughout his years of service in the Marine Corps, John was stationed at many different bases around the world. With each new location, he had to adapt to new environments and challenges, but one constant remained in his life: his love for racquetball. No matter where he was stationed, he always made time to hit the court. He found that the fast-paced, intense nature of the sport provided an outlet for him to release stress and stay in shape, even amidst the demands of military life.
After almost two decades of service, his career abruptly changed due to a devastating injury during a deployment in Afghanistan. His humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device, leading him to severe wounds and injuries that required extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. During his long road to recovery, John knew that he needed to find a way to stay active and rebuild his physical strength. He had always been an active person, but his injuries made it difficult to continue with his usual routines.
In 2018, John and his wife made the decision to move from his hometown of Springfield, MA, to South Padre Island, Texas, to receive better-specialized care. The move was a significant change for him, as he left behind the familiar sights and sounds of his hometown and had to adjust to life in a new place. However, John found that South Padre Island had a lot to offer, including a vibrant pickleball community. He quickly became involved in the local pickleball scene.
Pickleball is known for being a fast-paced and exciting game, requiring quick reflexes, agility, and strategy. It is a low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, making it a popular choice for seniors. With its easy-to-learn rules and fast-paced action, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, says John. Pickleball distinguishes itself from tennis with its smaller court size, heightened pace, increased physical exertion, and demand for strategic thinking. “While tennis may not have appealed to me, I immediately fell in love with pickleball the second I picked up a paddle,” John said. “As pickleball fanatics often proclaim, pickleball is making tennis courts great again.”
Today, John is an esteemed member of the pickleball community in the Rio Grande Valley, and he maintains an active involvement in the sport, competing in tournaments all around the world. He holds the position of district ambassador, is a certified instructor, and is one of only 24 coaches in the country certified to teach at the strategy level. When asked how his teammates would describe him, John said probably as “a loud, aggressive marine on the court but a gentle teddy bear when off the court.”
John found that pickleball not only helped him physically but also mentally and emotionally. “Despite undergoing numerous surgeries and being older, I never imagined myself playing a sport. But I will continue to show up to play pickleball until I can no longer hold a paddle,” John said. This sport provided him with a sense of purpose and accomplishment and allowed him to connect with other players and form new friendships. John was able to rebuild his strength and regain his confidence, even in the face of the most difficult challenges. For him, pickleball is more than just a game; it is a symbol of resilience and determination.
