Sherril Kerr
Dave Parker
This month, the Pickleball Club would like to feature Sherril Kerr as the player profile of the month. Sherril is currently a 4.5 player and a certified IPTPA pickleball instructor, and certainly has a most interesting background.
Sherril, how did you get started in pickleball?
Pat Claytor got me started playing pickleball (in the gym) when it was 30 degrees outside. I went on to win my first tournaments with him.
How many tournaments have you medaled in?
I have approximately 250 medals from the tournaments I have competed in.
What is your background that led to your pickleball success?
I was the tennis director/instructor for 10 years at the Aspen Golf and Tennis Club. I was a boy’s and girl’s high school tennis coach that had players that became regional and state champions, and later played at UCLA.
I understand you worked with some of the tennis greats.
I ran community tennis clinics for Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, who went on to be top female tennis players.
Tell us some things that most people don’t know about you?
My husband Bruce and I have owned and operated two ski lodges in Aspen. I was a K-12 music teacher, performing at Disney World, with 20 private voice and piano students. I had a lead role in seven musical theater productions, like Annie Get your Gun, Music Man, and Oklahoma. I sang with John Denver, on his Christmas special that was broadcast on tv and is available on YouTube. I spent 20 Christmas Eves with Jimmy Buffet, singing for him and his guests. I also lived in a castle in Vienna, Austria.
Any other words about pickleball at Robson Ranch?
I love the people in pickleball, I call it my adult day care. The learning curve of pickleball is so much quicker than tennis, and I enjoy being a part of my student’s success. Pickleball can be a game changer for some. I really enjoy working with Donna Henry and the player development program.
If you would like to join in the fun of pickleball, check out the club website at www.rrdpc.com. On the club website, you can sign up for the Pickleball Academy, which will teach new players all the basics in three evening classes.