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 “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 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 and a half years 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.
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. Here’s how her pickleball journey has inspired athletes and fans of the sport across all generations:
She’s Always Been Sporty
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
Regina may have just entered the world of pickleball in 2023, but she has developed a penchant for various sports for as long as she can remember. As her one and only daughter, nothing beats the joy of watching her, at 55, still carry the same passion for playing that she nurtured in her teenage and young adult years.
“In college, I was a three-team varsity player—in tennis, track, and football—for Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). A fellow Ateneo alumnus and ex-varsity tennis player introduced me to pickleball. We’ve teamed up several times in tournaments, and won, too,” she explained.
Now, Regina has reached great heights with her pickleball knowledge and expertise. As of this month, she has won 57 medals from local and international tournaments. With all these victories in tow, she keeps her heart open to whatever learning opportunities come her way on and off the court. She has a Jesuit priest to thank for the extra encouragement she needed to pursue the sport.
“It was a dark and depressing time in my life when I decided to play a racket sport again,” Regina explained. “A Jesuit priest who knew what I was going through advised me to return to sports. So I did, and I’m truly glad and grateful I followed his advice.”
Like all of our achievements in life, Regina’s pickleball feats didn’t come easy. Still, she conquered every setback with hope and determination, ending up in places she had only dreamt of gracing before.
An Achiever, an Inspiration, and a Role Model All in One
With my gold medal-winning Velaris team in last January’s Baguio League Pickleball tournament. Photo: Baguio League Pickleball
Many of Regina’s pickleball peers, from players her age to Gen Z newbies, have openly expressed how much they look up to her, and for good reason. She has earned quite a few coveted titles since joining the sport, including:
- The first and only Triple Crown winner of the Philippines’ Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) in 2024,
- A two-time triple medalist of the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) Nationals in 2025 and 2026, and
- Standing on the podium with 23 different doubles partners—11 men and 12 women.
Beyond medals and accolades, though, Regina values all the friendships she has built as an athlete.
She enthusiastically said, “It’s easy to meet other pickleball players and make friends, young and old, when you play in different venues. Joining get-togethers, outings, and other club activities also helps strengthen friendships.”
Regina also takes pride in her pickleball achievements as a person with disability (PWD). She has risen above every hurdle to her growth, proving that there are no limits to reaching your lifelong dreams, regardless of your circumstances.
Making Every Moment on the Court Count
Regina at the first Kitchenline tournament in Cebu. Photo: Maria Regina Posadas
My mother always comes home from pickleball events with hilarious stories to share, thanks to the friends she spends time with throughout the day.
Some of these anecdotes even include meeting celebrities. At a wellness event in Manila last year, for instance, Regina got to join Catriona Gray for a friendly pickleball match.
Because of these one-of-a-kind encounters, Regina has held free coaching sessions to give back to the pickleball community. When asked about her key takeaways from these initiatives, she answered, “It’s not enough to just 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 learnings become more meaningful and fulfilling when shared with others.”
Through coaching, she has also helped her fellow players find partners and learn some of the most effective techniques. Moreover, she has helped organize pickleball events and tournaments, officiated matches, raised funds, created teams and lineups, and contributed in other ways, all for the love of the game.
Pickleball is just one of the many things that make Regina an awesome mother. Even beginner players have admired her strength, tenacity, and perseverance on and off the court, to which she advises, “Know the game’s rules by heart before joining any tournaments. Always warm up and stretch before and after playing. Compete at your true level, and don’t let the sport ruin friendships. Have fun, enjoy the game, and play to win, but also learn to be gracious in defeat. It costs nothing to be kind, always.”
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How will you and your family celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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