Who is the SPC?
Board of leaders
A Founding Board has been established but once public membership opens, club members will elect board members each year.
Elected leaders serve a volunteer term according to the club's by-laws and work in positions they collectively agree to be best suited for.
Members & Volunteers
The club's purpose is to unite the voice and power of the player community in Spokane. Annual dues paid by members make it possible for the SPC to exist. In addition to voting for leadership, members get access to a variety of internal and external benefits and perks. As a non-profit, community organization, volunteerism is what makes us tick! We believe in empowering members to make Spokane a place we're all proud to play.
Community partners
This work isn't possible without a strong network of partners. We wanted to share a special thank you to the organizations and businesses who have been with us since the beginning.
- (CdA)
- (Kennewick)
The Founders of SPC
The SPC was established in 2023 by a volunteer group of Spokane pickleball enthusiasts. In 2024, club members will officially vote on a board of leadership at our Inaugural Member Meeting according to the club's by-laws (coming soon). We hope you'll join us and become a founding member today!
Mike Johansen
Founder, Club President
Like millions of others, Mike found the joy of pickleball during the pandemic and it remains his 'happy place' today. Mike founded the Spokane Pickleball Club in 2023 to help grow the sport and ensure access for all. Having recently left his job as a UX Designer, Mike is now the Director of Member Experience at Power Pickleball Club in Spokane Valley!
Sue Matthews
Founding board member, Secretary
I started playing pickleball with a group of friends and joined the Comstock group in the summer of 2022. I love the social aspect of the game and the friends that I’ve made. I also love the mental & physical aspects of the game and that pickleball is for everyone. My hope is our group can raise money & build dedicated pickleball courts that will be available for many years. The outdoor courts in parks that exist now were built by people dreaming of outdoor sports opportunities — now we need to keep that dream alive.
Lisa VanMansum
Founding board member, Treasurer
Lisa started playing pickleball in 2022. "I play casually for fun, fitness, and social interaction. I hope to be the voice of those who want to create affordable ways to enjoy this sport year-round, and make it accessible for all."
Dave Sanderson
Founding board member
When I started playing pickleball last summer, I played at Comstock in the morning and then at the Central YMCA till early afternoon (about 12 hours a week!). Now retired, I spent over 30 years teaching Elementary Physical Education — back when I taught pickleball to 4th, 5th, and 6th graders the paddles were not so good! As a Maple Valley Parks Commissioner for 7 years, saw firsthand how valuable parks and public activities are for communities. I am excited about the quest to develop pickleball courts in Spokane and to see the game grow in all age levels.
Sherran Croy
Founding board member
Four years ago I had a YMCA fitness instructor offer beginning pickleball lessons. That was the beginning of my journey into this amazing game. Not only is it lots of fun, but it has given me a way to stay active and meet so many nice people. I would like others who are interested, young or old, beginners to advanced players, to be able to join in the fun. To support this vision we will need more courts. I would like to help work on getting more courts plus improve the ones we have here in Spokane, The Spokane Pickleball Club can help make this happen.
Susan Humphreys
Founding board member
Having recently moved back to my hometown of Spokane, I looked for ways to connect back into the community and discovered the great sport of pickleball being played at a local park. Since I "retired" from tennis many years ago, I decided to give it a try and got hooked. Due to the rate this sport is growing in popularity, there is an ever-increasing need to provide dedicated outdoor courts in our community, in conjunction with existing public park tennis courts. With the help of SPC and Spokane Parks Dpt., our goal is to also organize tournaments, leagues and offer other fun ways for people of all ages in Spokane to participate in America's fastest-growing sport.
Craig Numata
Founding board member
I grew up with a court in my parent’s backyard and played pickleball occasionally as well as in P.E. in junior high in the 1980’s. I re-started in December 2022, attending a drop-in session at a private indoor facility. It was quite a bit different from when I was a kid, but the people I played with were welcoming and helpful and I have been hooked ever since. In spring 2023, I started playing in open sessions at Comstock and Mission Parks, and began organizing round robin sessions, giving lessons, buying/selling paddles, and pickleballs, and advocating with the city for additional nets and taped/striped courts.
This December, I finally got a chance to play with my Mom and my kids — three generations on the same court. I’ve met so many great people, including many from out of town dropping in for a session while “visiting family.” As I was so graciously welcomed and helped, I want to do the same for others. I’ve played with 9-year-olds, 77-year-olds, and everywhere in between. I hope we all get to keep playing for a long time as well as sharing the joy with many more players for a lifetime.
