Warm Hearth Village resident Kevin Stieper recently showcased his talent at the U.S. National Pickleball Championships, held in San Diego, California. This prestigious tournament, recognized as the largest and most competitive pickleball event in the country, draws thousands of athletes from across the nation each year to compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles brackets. It’s considered the pinnacle of the sport in the United States, featuring top-ranked pros and passionate amateurs alike. With matches spanning multiple days and divisions, the event highlights the rapid growth of pickleball as one of the fastest-growing sports nationwide.
Stieper competed in three events this year:
- Men’s Singles 50+, placing 4th out of 18.
- Men’s Doubles 40+, placing 5th out of 27
- Mixed Doubles 50+, placing 6th out of 48.
While he did not medal this year, his performance reflected determination and growth in each category.
Stieper also competed in the 2024 U.S. National Pickleball Championships in Mesa, Arizona, where he earned a bronze medal in Mixed Double 50+ and was fourth in Men’s Singles 50+, marking him as a strong contender on the national stage.
Reflecting on his experience, Stieper shared: “Competing at Nationals is an incredible opportunity. The level of play pushes me to improve, and I’m proud to represent Warm Hearth Village among so many talented athletes.” He went on to say, “I started playing in 2022 thanks to fellow resident Roland Byrd who helped fundraising efforts to build a court in the Village which has been incredibly popular with residents. It is great to see the sport expand. Pickleball is for everybody.”
When he is not on the court, Stieper works as a CPA and passionately follows Virginia Tech athletics.
Char Bell, Director of Marketing said, “At Warm Hearth Village, we encourage our residents to thrive in every season of life by pursuing their passions and embracing new challenges. Seeing one of our residents place in multiple brackets at one of the nation’s largest and most competitive pickleball championships—an event that draws thousands of athletes from across the country—embodies that spirit.” She added, “Their success reflects the determination, vitality, and commitment to personal growth that we proudly foster within our community. We celebrate achievements like this because they remind us that our residents continue to grow, strive, and inspire at every age.”
