History of SAPA

San Antonio Pickleball Association began as a Nonprofit in 2022. The NonProfit was established initially with 3  Board of Director’s. Cindy Waddell, President, Mark Fischer as Secretary and Spike Borawski as Treasurer. Over the next two years with this BOD leading the way, SAPA members vocalized the need for more courts in San Antonio. 

In 2024, SAPA expanded its BOD’s to 5 members: Cindy Waddell, President,, Mark Fischer, Treasurer, Dee Smith, Secretary, Nancy Muldoon, VP and Cindy Jupe, At Large Member.

In 2025, SAPA BOD’s consisted of 5 members: Cindy Waddell, President, Mark Fischer, Treasurer, Dee Smith, Secretary, Louie De La Cruz, VP and Cindy Jupe, At Large Member.

In 2026, after serving the two term limits set by SAPA’s Bylaws, Cindy Waddell and Mark Fischer completed their service. The new BOD’s consist of Dee Smith, President, Secretary, Marty Ahumada, Nate Sigers, Treasurer and Cindy Jupe, Member At Large.  

The nonprofit’s focus began when approximately ten of Fairchild Pickleball players realized that they needed a stronger voice with the City as well as Parks and Recreation. At Fairchild in 2021, we started by playing on 1 tennis court that was lined for 1 pickleball court. SAPA met with Parks and Recreation to ask for more courts. They converted 2 tennis courts and provided 8 lined pickleball courts with temporary nets. 

As these 8 courts became extremely busy, SAPA’s voice was heard, again in 2024 as it does take a village, and the eventual result was having 18 dedicated courts today at Fairchild Park. And through these continual efforts at numerous city budget talks and discussions with Parks & Recreation, the city budgeted allocations for several courts around the city as in Monterrey Park, Heritage Park as well as Fairchild Park.

Our SAPA Nonprofit mission includes our defining our main focus “to develop opportunities for the community to learn and play pickleball, and to develop a scholarship program “to assist local high school seniors through the awarding of scholarships to pursue post-secondary education and to introduce local youth to the developmental benefits of participating in amateur sports.”

When San Antonio Pickleball Association was
formed as a nonprofit, SAPA’s fundraising efforts provided the following yearly scholarships:

• 1st year, 6 graduating seniors (2022)
• 2nd year, 21 graduating seniors (2023)

• 3rd year, 23 graduating seniors (2024)

• 4th year, 30 graduating seniors (2025)

• 5th year,  (number of scholarships TBD as of April 2026)

As of April 2026, with CommuniCare Classic Pickleball Tournament net proceeds, general donations and memberships, SAPA has donated a total of $100,500 to local high school scholarships. This is an amazing accomplishment in a short four years for everyone involved with SAPA. Thank you!

Other than providing local scholarships, a second part of our mission is providing opportunities for the community to learn the game. Numerous Fitness in the Park/Pickleball 101 instructors have continued the growth of pickleball by teaching newbies weekly for FREE. Over the years (as of December 2025) at Fairchild Park and Morgan’s Wonderland, our amazing Fitness in the Park Instructors taught 4,250 individuals the fun game of pickleball.

From 2022 to 2025, the San Antonio Pickleball Association (SAPA) has been privileged to witness the dedication and generosity of our incredible volunteers. Over these years, these remarkable individuals below have generously donated their time and energy, welcoming over 4,250 newcomers to the game of pickleball. Your passion for teaching, your patience, and your unwavering support have made a lasting impact on our community.

We are especially grateful to our dedicated volunteers below who over the years taught newbies at various locations including Fairchild Park, Morgan’s Wonderland, Seguin Park, Chicken N Pickle, BAMC’s “The Intrepid”, Alamodome, SA Convention Center and Walker Ranch to name a few.

Alan Waterman, Judy Hewitt, Louie De La Cruz, Donna Davis, Rene Zuehl, Jose Arredondo, Dennis Zapanta, Cindy Jupe, Rob Zamora, Mark Flynn, and Betty Cruz, Angelica Ramos, Mitchell Fischer, Mark Fischer, Kim Fischer, Diana Reyes, Ramon Flores, AJ Flores, Todd Haney, Karen Mazziotta, Gilda Garcia, Michelle Zimmerman, Sally Garza, Cindy Zoeller, Gladys Rabe, Snoopy Trevino, Danna Halff, Mia Spigel, Chad Spigel, Suzanna Borawski, Spike Borawski, Erma De Jesus Curtis, Germaine Craig, Jenna Casino, Robert Westhoefer, Don Denning, Mario Wright, Thad Bartlett, Nancy Muldoon, Sylvia Tapia, Peggy Rhymer, Michael Van Winkle and Carly Dodd. Your passion for teaching and your unwavering support have made a lasting impact on our Pickleball community.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of our SAPA mission to continue the growth of Pickleball in San Antonio including the Fitness in the Park program and other Pickleball 101 opportunities and for making such a positive difference.

We are deeply grateful for your efforts and for helping to spread the joy of pickleball far and wide.