PICKLEBALL: Local players medal at Igniting Hope for the Homeless fundraiser in Macon

By LAURA CARTER, Dublin Pickleball Association

The Igniting Hope for the Homeless fundraiser tournament, hosted by the Middle Georgia Association of REALTORS, lit up the courts at Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events in Macon last weekend. 

Dublin’s pickleball community made its mark with strong performances and an impressive medal haul across women’s, men’s and mixed doubles divisions.

Dublin’s women led the way with commanding results:

• Paula Baker and Rose Cannon — Gold, Women’s Doubles (Skill level 2.5, Age 49+)

• Kim Thompson and Taylor Thompson — Bronze, Women’s Doubles (Skill level 3.0, any age)

• Eva Martin and Faith Kilpatrick — Gold, Women’s Doubles (Skill level 3.5, any age)

• Dianne Harrison and Susan Whittle — Silver, Women’s Doubles (Skill level 3.5, any age)

The following were men’s and mixed doubles standouts: 

• Chap Cranford and Michael Campbell — Silver, Men’s Doubles (Skill level 3.5, Ages 5–44)

• Eva Martin and Chap Cranford — Silver, Mixed Doubles (Skill level 3.5, Ages 5–49)

• Paula Baker and Jeff Johnson — Bronze, Mixed Doubles (Skill level 2.5, Age 45+)

Hometown Highlights…

Dublin women dominated the courts with Paula Baker leading the charge — capturing gold with Rose Cannon in women’s 2.5, 49-plus, and adding a bronze with Jeff Johnson in mixed doubles.

Eva Martin delivered a stellar performance, claiming gold in women’s 3.5 with Faith Kilpatrick and silver in mixed doubles with Chap Cranford. Martin’s versatility across brackets highlights her as one of Dublin’s premier competitors.

The Thompson family duo, Kim and Taylor, earned bronze in women’s 3.0, showing teamwork and tenacity. 

Dianne Harrison and Susan Whittle added to Dublin’s medal tally with a strong silver in women’s 3.5.

On the men’s side, Chap Cranford, already a mixed doubles medalist, paired with Michael Campbell for silver in men’s 3.5, ages 5-44 — solidifying his status as a multi-event threat.

About the tournament…

Hosted at Macon’s 32-court Rhythm & Rally facility, the event drew competitors from across the southeast. The fundraiser benefits homelessness prevention and support services in Middle Georgia.

Next up…

Dublin players are now preparing to host the Dublin Pickleball End O’ Summer Slam, set for September 20–21 at Southern Pines Recreational Complex. Players of all skill levels are invited to register, compete and enjoy a weekend of spirited pickleball competition in the heart of Dublin.

For details and registration, visit: https:
pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/Dublin-pickleball-end-o-summer-slam

Congratulations to Dublin’s medal winners for proudly representing the community—and here’s to even more victories at the End O’ Summer Slam!