- November 1, 2024
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Jerry and Debs Sauers said their team dynamic helps them on the court. Photo by Paige Wilson
Jerry and Debs Sauers fist bump in between serves during a pickleball match. Photo by Paige Wilson
Jerry and Debs Sauers have been playing pickleball and tennis together for the last three years of retirement. Photo by Paige Wilson
Jerry Sauers serves the ball. Photo by Paige Wilson
Jerry Sauers acts quick to send the wiffle ball over the net during a pickleball match. Photo by Paige Wilson
Jerry and Debs Sauers pose with their carbon fiber pickleball paddles. Photo by Paige Wilson
When Jerry and Debs Sauers step onto the court for a round of pickleball or tennis, they’re not there to make friends.
“Some people think that we’re too competitive,” Jerry said with a laugh. “When we’re on the court, our personalities are definitely, ‘Go, give it everything you have, win win win.’ But, off the court, our personalities are totally different. People will tell you, ‘Man, they can get a little too wound up on the court, but off the court they’re great.’”
The Palm Coast couple has spent the last three years of retirement competing in pickleball and tennis tournaments across the state and nation. On the steamy hot Sunday of Sept. 16, you could spot the pair in matching navy and white exercise clothes on the courts at James F. Holland Memorial Park as they competed in a mixed doubles pickleball tournament with the Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Senior Games.
“It’s us against the world,” Debs said. “We make each other look better because we’ve played together for so long.”
Jerry said that while tennis was their first love as an athletic couple, pickleball has grown to be one of their favorites, as it has a more welcoming atmosphere.
“That’s one of the best things for us about pickleball versus tennis, is ‘have paddle, will travel,’” Debs said. “You can go anywhere and find a game.”
Their 17 years of marriage makes them a dynamic duo on the court.
“I’m probably the only crazy one that wants to play with their spouse,” Debs said.
Jerry added, “Husbands and wives don’t usually play together a lot. The ones that do can become extremely successful or it tears them apart. It’s no different than business. It’s difficult to take your passion for the sport — she’s serious about it; I’m serious about it — and to keep your personal marriage out of it.”
The two placed sixth in mixed double pickleball, but they placed first in their age class of 50-54, qualifying them to compete in mixed doubles tennis at the state level later this year.
The annual Senior Games will continue through Sept. 23. For more information, visit https://www.palmcoastgov.com/seniorgames or call Palm Coast Parks and Recreation at 986-2323.
