Armando Leigh

Tell us something about yourself.

Growing up in San Francisco, I participated in many organized sports, but only recreationally in racquet sports. We discovered pickleball in 2016 and have been playing it excessively ever since. My wife, Helen, and I participate in pickleball tournaments inside and outside of California.

I am also the USA Pickleball Ambassador for South San Francisco. My goal is to help pickleball grow in "the industrial city."

How did you start playing pickleball?

My wife, Helen, and I have been playing pickleball since the end of 2016. We were introduced to the sport by friends who asked us to join them to play the game with the wacky name. Once we started, we were hooked. It provides a great workout while having a lot of fun at the same time.

What do you like most about pickleball?

Pickleball has the same characteristics as many other sports; competitiveness, strategy, physical stamina and mental focus. But what I enjoy most about pickleball is the social aspect of the sport. We have met so many good people that we now call dear friends. And there is always laughter on the court, even when an unplanned shot is made. What other sport can boast that? Pickleball is fun, plain and simple.

Why do you serve as Vice-President of FCPC?

Since the courts at Foster City were opened in April, 2017, I have always considered it to be my home court. I wanted to see pickleball grow in Foster City, and I felt that one of the best ways to help it grow was to assist in creating a club that would become a collective voice for the advancement of pickleball in Foster City. I believe we are off to a very good start and are positioned for even greater things down the road.