In the dynamic world of pickleball—and through so many other adventures—I’ve come to see that a team is so much more than a group of people working toward a goal. A team is a living, breathing connection of passions, personalities, and purpose. It’s about trust, joy, challenge, and connection. And I’ve been lucky to experience the power of teams in just about every corner of my life.

My athletic journey has been an odyssey—from gymnastics and softball, volleyball, tennis, marathon running, ice hockey, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, rowing and eventually to pickleball, each sport taught me something different about teamwork: the trust required in a baton handoff, the harmony of a rowing stroke, the energy that flows through a volleyball court when everyone’s in sync. These moments helped me realize that no great achievement happens alone.

Running a wilderness adventure camp with my husband in Lake of the Woods, MN, took that understanding to a deeper level. For two years, we led teenagers through high-stakes, high-reward challenges in the great outdoors. Those were some of the most transformational team moments I’ve witnessed—teens discovering their inner leadership skills, friendships forged around campfires, and growth born from shared struggle and joy. That experience showed me that teams are built not just by structure, but by story and shared experience.

Coaching has been another lifelong passion—from youth swim teams and rowing crews to corporate high-adventure team building. As a coach, I’ve seen the magic that happens when people feel supported and empowered. I love helping others uncover their strengths, push beyond their limits, and realize they’re capable of more than they ever thought. To me, being part of a team means lifting each other up, celebrating wins together, and growing through the losses.

And then came pickleball—my most recent and perhaps most joyful team adventure in large part because of the one and only Ali aka Allison Rieder!

Pickleball has been a beacon of fun, fitness, and friendship in my life for the past four years. As a certified instructor and co-founder of Ali & Ike Adventures, I get to combine all the things I love—coaching, connection, movement, and laughter. On the court, we help build teams in the moment: players encouraging each other, learning together, celebrating small victories, and building confidence with every swing of the paddle.

My time in improv comedy in Cincinnati taught me even more about teams. Saying “yes, and...” became second nature. In improv, as in life, the best moments come from collaboration, trust, and listening deeply. That mindset has shaped how I show up—in sports, in business, in relationships, and in every wild, wonderful adventure.

With my husband Kevin by my side, we’ve built a life around exploration, connection, and community. Whether it’s running camps, coaching clinics, hitting the road in winter to chase sunshine and open courts, or simply meeting fellow pickleballers along the way (huge shoutout to PicklePlay!), we’re always forming teams—one relationship at a time.

So, what do I believe a team is?

A team is possibility in motion. It’s a place where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. It’s where we grow—side by side. I’ve learned that teams aren’t just about roles or results; they’re about relationships, trust, and the courage to show up fully.

Every court, camp, and company I’ve been part of has taught me that a team isn’t just who you play with—it’s who you grow with!

Pickleball has brought Ike and Ali together, creating a beautiful collision of past experiences and newfound friendships. So, if you ever spot a dynamo on the pickleball court, armed with a Selkirk Luxx paddle and a heart full of passion, chances are you've just met Ike—the maestro of the game and a true enthusiast of life's grand adventures!