When passion and action meet, magic is often the outcome. Luckily for the community of La Porte, that magic is evident at the Kesling Park pickleball courts that are constantly filled with the sounds of infectious laughter and the pop of the balls blasting off paddles. This all is in large part due to the work of Christel Bublitz.
Bublitz has been a catalyst for the local explosion of pickleball--the fastest growing sport in the country. Years of being a passionate voice and of advocating for dedicated courts have paid off and created a place where exercise and joy intertwine for community members.
“We wanted to make it easier for a family to get some paddles and just go run on the courts and knock the ball back and forth. That's just where we are now. It’s fantastic to see,” Bublitz said.
While the courts are always open for the public, Bublitz has been the torchbearer in bringing new and experienced players together by setting up dedicated dates and times to meet, helping to ensure that those wanting to play have plenty of people to fill the courts. From morning groups to ones pickling in the evening, La Porte’s family continues to grow in size and friendship, which has been Bublitz’s dream from the get-go.
“It just keeps getting better and better. It’s really cool to see it become its own thing. The diversity of people it brings together--all different backgrounds, personalities, ability levels--we can come together, and we can get along and play together well. It’s a place where everyone can belong and be ok. No matter your level of play, just show up.” Bublitz said.
The love, guidance, and passion Bublitz has poured into growing pickleball in La Porte has not gone unnoticed. From those who are 70+, to a pack of high school students, the group is deeply indebted to Bublitz. At any given time, she can be found bopping from court to court giving pointers and encouragement.
“Christel has brought people together from diverse backgrounds, who may have never met, to create a community of pride. She reminds us not to take our failures, and successes, too seriously and to play with competitive kindness. La Porte is a better community with Christel in it.” Elena Mrozinske, community member and new pickleball player, said.
The realization and manifestation of this dream have been years in the making.
Bublitz found her way to pickleball seven years ago when she and a friend saw it offered at the Valparaiso YMCA. Unfamiliar but intrigued by the name, the friends decided to show up and see what it was all about. She walked into the gym and quickly found a passion for the game and even more for the camaraderie it provided.
“It was something we were charmed by. The obsession grew and grew and grew,” Bublitz said.
That initial trip to Valpo eventually led to Bublitz playing at the Northwest Athletic Center where there was already a newly formed group who loved the game and each other. Shortly after, Dan and Janet Rosenbaum invited a few people, including Bublitz, to play at Kesling Park. Back then, there were no designated courts. Portable equipment had to be lugged around, and the facility was in poor condition after years of use. Early on, this team of Slicers knew it was time to push for pickleball to be a permanent and respected fixture in La Porte.
It was a long journey to the bustling and growing program seen today. Without a dedicated place to play, the game struggled to gain footing in town. Pickleball continued to grow in neighboring communities, so a few years ago when the HealthCare Foundation asked the Parks Department to make its five-year plan, Bublitz and 12 others jumped at the chance to encourage the parks committee that pickleball needed to be not only on the radar but a priority in the quest for a healthier La Porte.
All of the hard work paid off when Bublitz and the others were informed that the Parks Department had secured a grant from the HealthCare Foundation that included funds to create four designated courts.
“It was absolute joy. It was like Christmas Day,” Bublitz said.
The dream had been realized, and now it was time to grow local interest. That started during the dedication of the courts, where Bublitz and team, along with the Parks Department, organized an event where the community could come learn how to play from experienced players and purchase needed equipment from vendors. She thought 10 people showing up would be a success, but the event drew over 40 people out to Kesling Park to play.
“There is the ‘build it and they will come’ belief, and we all knew that,” Bublitz said.
With the game quickly picking up steam in La Porte, Bublitz has started offering lessons for those looking to learn the basics and move their skills further along. As a Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) certified coach, Bublitz has a passion for helping people learn.
“My focus is our community. My dream would be to help everyone get in, get better, and play at the level they want to play. That makes it fun for everyone. It’s the tide that raises all the ships together,” Bublitz said.
Hour-long customized lessons can be set up by contacting her through her Facebook page--Christel Bublitz - PPR Certified Pickleball Coach--or emailing her at christelb@comcast.net. Her caring, patient, and easy-to-understand approach makes learning enjoyable and stress-free.
Off the courts, Bublitz’s joy runs within her family. She, her husband Mark, and two sons Sam and Caleb are a tight-knit crew who loves living an active lifestyle. Bublitz and her husband are members of State Street Church and love to get involved with all the positive missions Pastor Nate Loucks and his team dream up. Between time with her family and time on the courts, Bublitz is constantly on the go, but her mission to keep pickleball growing in the community remains. Those looking to join in on the fun can “Like” and join the LaPorte Pickleball page on Facebook or download the free app TeamReach. To join, use the group name: La Porte Pickleball and group code: LPPB. Both avenues can keep interested players in the loop of where and when to play. Beginners are encouraged to come on Sunday from 2-4 to learn how to play.
When passion and action meet, magic is often the outcome. Bublitz, because of her endless love for the game and more so of the people who play, has fostered the most joyful, inclusive, and exciting place to be in town. Her magic has given an irreplaceable gift to the community and has touched the lives of those who call the courts home.