Pickleball is the fastest growing sports in the USA and we are excited to be part of this incredible community. We offer FREE courses to beginners and those looking to hone their knowledge of the game and their skills within it as well as open play on our wooden courts every week.
Intro/Beginner Course
In this 4 week course, participants will learn the rules and strategies of the game, work on their skill, and compete in every session. Just like our basketball trainings, we place an emphasis on relationship, excellence, and have discussion around the sport, the Gospel, and how the two go together.
To reserve your spot in the 4 week course which meets every Wednesday (September 11- October 2) from 6:30-8 PM, click the button below. Go to September 11 on the calendar and click on Intro to Pickleball. Follow the prompts from there.
Open Play
3-4 times per month, October-March, our courts are open for the public to use for fun or competitive play. The schedule is available on our portal page. You are welcome to walk-in, but priority will be given to individuals that have reserved a spot on a court in the portal.
Open play will be a round-robin format of doubles with courts and partners switching throughout the segment.
Click the Open Play button below and find the dates on our calendar to reserve a spot.
Meet our Instructors
We are excited to have a great team of high-caliber, and even higher character instructors lead our pickleball program. Below is an introduction to each of them.
We hope than you will join us in the gym and get to meet them in person very soon. Once you do, you’ll know what we do…the sport of pickleball is a blast, but its the people and relationships that keep us coming back. Our trainers love to compete. They love to make new friends and to spend time with old friends. Most inportantly, they love the Lord and are excited to share those loves with you through the sport of pickleball.
Carl Vargas
Pickleball Instructor
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On Court: Carl was invited by a friend to play pickleball over 5 years ago. He has been playing ever since. He passed that passion along to another of our instructors…Mark Davis.
Off the Court: Carl is a real estate broker for F.C.Tucker on the West Side of Indy and has been married to his wife, Kay, for 43 years. They enjoy vacationing with their family and spending time with their 7 grandchildren.
Other Sports: Carl has been a P.E. teacher and has experience coaching softball, baseball, and volleyball.
Carl, what keeps you playing Pickleball? “I love the friendships I have made over the years and I get great exercise while playing.”
Mark Davis
Pickleball Instructor
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On Court: Mark started playing pickleball in 2019 at the request of his best friend Carl. It took more than one asks as Mark was convinced that “pickleball is for old people!” Mark finally relented to appease Carl and was instantly hooked! Pickleball has since become a love of their entire family. Not only do Mark and Missy play regularly, but their twin boys do also. They have even got a makeshift court in their basement!
Off the Court: Mark has been in the mortgage business since graduating from Purdue University 31 years ago. He and his wife (of 29 years) Missy have twin boys in college at Purdue and IU. Mark also likes to golf in his free time and he and Missy are enjoying the empty nester life by splitting time in Avon and in their second home in Siesta Key, FL.
Other Sports: Mark was a multi-sport athlete through high school. He competed in Basketball, golf, and volleyball. During college, he played many intramural sports and as an adult enjoyed coaching his boys in basketball and football during their grade school years.
Mark, what keeps you playing Pickleball? “I love all the people we meet and the fact we can play it with all ages. I enjoy the competitiveness of it as well. I can also play with my wife Missy. However, both of us being incredibly competitive, it can be dangerous!”
What led you to start a class with Fire? “My wife and I have been friends with Jeff and Amy Niemeyer for years and have supported Fire’s ministry since they started it. When Jeff approached me about pickleball, I loved the idea of combining pickleball with a ministry!”
Missy Davis
Pickleball Instructor
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On Court: Missy started playing pickleball in 2020 after her husband tried it and enjoyed it. They decided it would be fun to play a sport together and pickleball has not disappointed.
Off the Court: Missy is “semi-retired”, managing their rental properties part time. She and her husband Mark have twin boys that are in college at Purdue and IU. Missy is a children’s leader with BSF during the school year and enjoys working out with friends, dog sitting, watching high school and college sports and anything social.
Other Sports: It only takes a moment on the court with Missy to know she is a seasoned competitor. She’s an accomplished athlete with experience in basketball, softball, volleyball, and track.
Missy, what keeps you playing Pickleball? “I realized how fun it was, and it has opened a whole new network of friendships and activity. Pickleball is a very social sport.”
What led you to start a class with Fire? “We have a love for pickleball and love for the Lord. If it gives us an outlet to share God’s love and have fun and fellowship- I’m ALL IN!”
Steve Hoy
Pickleball Instructor
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On Court: Steve is a Level 1 certified pickleball coach. Since picking up the game just one just one year ago (August 2023), Steve has increased his level of play to 4.0. It is apparent in his rapid rise through the ranks, Steve works hard at and deeply enjoys seeing progress in himself and in those he coaches and plays with. He and his wife Bonnie enjoy competing in high-level tournaments together too. They have made podium in several events in 2024.
Off the Court: Steve retired from FedEx after 30 years of service in 2017. He and his wife Bonnie have two adult children. When he is not playing or coaching pickleball, Steve enjoys motocross and flying large scale R/C airplanes and jets. He also restores vintage motorcycles and leads worship at church on Sundays.
Other Sports: Although he is relatively new to pickleball, Steve is an experienced athlete having competed in basketball and martial arts for many years.
Steve, what keeps you playing Pickleball? “I enjoy the challenge of moving up in skill levels and meeting new friends.”