There’s an unprecedented sense of honor that comes with looking up at your mother, grinning from ear to ear, and saying with your whole chest that she’s “the best mom you could ever ask for.” I’m lucky enough to have done and experienced this countless times in my life, all thanks to the name that my mother has made for herself through pickleball and beyond.
Maria Regina Posadas is and always will be “Mom” to me, but also “Superwoman,” the hardest worker I know, and the only one who can make me laugh until my stomach hurts. And on the pickleball court, she’s a total star at 55 who gives it her all in every match and doesn’t hesitate to lend her teammates a helping hand.
Photo: Lemuel Seijo, Maria Regina Posadas
It’s only been two years and eight months since Regina picked up a paddle and dinked and volleyed her way to pickleball stardom. Regardless, she has gained prominence in the sport through numerous feats and challenges that’ve fulfilled her every step of the way. She also takes pride in her pickleball achievements as a person with disability (PWD), rising above every hurdle and proving that there are no limits to reaching your lifelong dreams, regardless of your circumstances.
Now, with a wide variety of accomplishments under her belt, I couldn’t be prouder of watching her shine. I’ll never get tired of letting the world know how grateful I am to have grown up with her by my side—more so, to witness her thrive doing what she loves.
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating every go-getting mom like Regina, who isn’t afraid to break boundaries in their fields and passions. My quick chat with her has opened the floor to the diverse aspects of her pickleball journey, as well as how she has inspired athletes and fans of the sport across all generations:
How did you get into pickleball?
Regina with sisters Jenny (left) and Joanne (center) at the All-Ateneo Pickleball tournament, the first time the three of them podiumed in a tournament. Photo: Gary Nepomuceno
It was a dark, depressing time in my life when I decided to pick up a paddle and be active again. Back then, I was dealing with sickness and death in the family, betrayal, a failed marriage, never-ending bills and chores, exhaustion, among many others. A Jesuit priest who knew what I was going through advised me to return to sports and do what made me happiest. So I did. It was the best advice ever, and I will always be grateful that I followed it.
I played tennis as a kid, so transitioning to pickleball was no hardship.
In college, I was a three-team varsity player—in tennis, track, and football—for Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). I loved playing more than studying. An ADMU alumnus and former varsity tennis player from an older batch introduced me to pickleball. He brought me to a nearby club, where I learned more about the game and its players. He and I have since partnered several times in pickleball tournaments, too, and won.
How many medals have you won so far?
As of May 3, 2026, I’ve won 57:
- 32 gold medals,
- 11 silver medals,
- and 14 bronze medals in doubles and singles, from local and international pickleball tournaments.
I’ve also podiumed with 23 different doubles partners—11 men and 12 women.
I’m the first and only Triple Crown winner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) of the Philippines in 2024, as well as a two-time triple medalist of the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) Nationals in 2025 and 2026.
Is it easy to make friends in pickleball?
Regina with her gold medal-winning Velaris team in last January’s Baguio League Pickleball tournament. Photo: Baguio League Pickleball
Yes! It’s a very social sport, where you get to interact and share games, stories, interests and courts with other people for hours, sometimes, several times a week. I found it easy to meet and make friends of all ages when I played in different venues. Joining get-togethers, outings, and other club activities strengthens friendships, too. Recently, I got to play with kids on a new court and with a new club during a birthday open play. It was refreshingly fun and different, and it reminded me of my time as a tennis instructor in a deluxe hotel back in the early ‘90s.
Have you met and interacted with celebrities through pickleball?
I was invited to a beauty magazine’s wellness event last year in Marikina, where I got to meet and play with celebrities and models like Catriona Gray.
Pickleball is everywhere nowadays. How do you help promote and grow the sport?
Regina at the first Kitchenline tournament in Cebu. Photo: Maria Regina Posadas
It’s not enough to play and collect medals. I believe in giving back to the game and the community that makes me happy and healthy. The wins, the gains, and the learning experiences become more meaningful and fulfilling when shared with others. So I coach for free from time to time, help players find partners, volunteer when I can, and give tips and advice when asked.
As a pickleball brand ambassador, I often get questions about paddles and my experiences as a player, even from strangers. I do paddle demos, try my best to answer their questions, and assist anyone interested in the game. In the past, I’ve also helped organize pickleball events like dual meets and tournaments, officiated matches, raised funds, formed teams and lineups, and contributed in other ways, all for the love of the game.
How do you stay on top of everything and keep your life balanced?
I’m used to multi-tasking. I’ve had school, sports, and chores since I was young. In college, I was on varsity teams while studying and working part-time. You must know your priorities, capabilities, and limits, and manage your time well. Still, I haven’t stopped wishing for the bills and chores to disappear, a self-cleaning home, and a much cooler climate for the country! (laughs)
Constant and clear communication with family, colleagues, and friends is essential, too. Health-wise, you have to know and understand your body and its needs. Check-ups and doctor visits are a must, especially at my age. I choose to be happy and thankful for what I have and can still do. That’s why there’s always time for family and pickleball, no matter what.
What advice or encouraging words would you give to pickleball newbies?
Know the rules of pickleball before joining any open plays and organized events. Understand how the game works and don’t just play mindlessly. Always warm up and stretch before and after a match. Make sure you have clearance to play from a doctor, especially if you’re a senior citizen. Compete at your true level during tournaments, and don’t let pickleball ruin friendships. Enjoy the game and play to win, but never at the expense of others.
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How are you and your family celebrating Mother’s Day this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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