About Us
Sactown Pickleball Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit uniting Sacramento through pickleball. We’re creating a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone—regardless of background or ability—can share in the fun, competition, and connection this game brings.
Our Mission
We champion community through pickleball by creating opportunities for education, play, and connection.
From youth programs to advocating for new courts, we exist to grow the game and keep it welcoming for all.
From youth programs to advocating for new courts, we exist to grow the game and keep it welcoming for all.
Our Vision
To unite and inspire communities through pickleball—making it the most inclusive, accessible, and connected sport in Sacramento and beyond.
What We Believe
We believe in the power of the paddle. Pickleball is more than a sport—it’s a movement. On our courts, strangers become teammates, families grow closer, and neighborhoods thrive.
Our Work
We teach and mentor. We organize games and tournaments. We advocate for new courts and open access. Because the game grows when everyone has a chance to play.
Our Core Values
Inclusivity. Community. Accessibility. Stewardship. Joy
Our Team
Our volunteer Board unites players and advocates working to build a more connected Sacramento.
Brian Ching
Board Member & President
Las Vegas–born and Sacramento-rooted since 2003, Brian discovered pickleball during the pandemic and was instantly hooked. A graphic designer with a strategic, analytical streak, he loves shaping points with sidespin serves. Off the court, he and his wife cheer on their daughter at barrel racing shows, relax in Tomales, Calif., or wrangle their sweet but destructive dog. A minimalist at heart, he’ll bike anywhere and could live on Ancient Grains granola.
Gary Meng
Board Member & CFO/Treasurer
Born just outside Paris and now a proud North Natomas resident, Gary first encountered pickleball in a 2008 PE class and rediscovered it years later thanks to his fiancée. An accountant with sharp instincts, he lives for countering speed-ups—sometimes with the risk of taking one to the face. He loves the movie-theater experience and the portal-like feeling of stepping back into daylight afterward. And above all, he is unabashedly obsessed with ramen.
Leah Ocampo
Board Member & Secretary
Originally from Oakdale and now in North Natomas, Leah was introduced to pickleball by friends and quickly found her groove. She’s known for her confident two-handed backhand, whether dinking or driving. Outside of pickleball, she’s running an after-school program, exploring the outdoors with family, logging miles on local trails, or diving into a good book. She proudly hails from the cowboy capital of the world—and carries those roots with a smile.
Alex Juarez
Board Member & Dir. of Advocacy & Court Access
Sacramento-born and raised, Alex found pickleball through friends and stayed for the good vibes. A positivity-first player, he brings energy, laughter, and a “fun is the priority” approach every time he steps on a court. Off the court, he’s into just about every sport—soccer, basketball, tennis, golf—and loves coaching, art, music, and hands-on projects. He’s always exploring new cities and can be convinced to try almost anything at least once.
Melinda Morrow
Board Member & Dir. of Youth Outreach
Southern California–raised and a Sacramento transplant since 2003, Melinda picked up pickleball as a fun way to spend time with her son. A steady defender on the court, she’s known for keeping rallies alive and the energy high. When she’s not playing, she’s outdoors with her kids, hiking, or winning competitive family game nights. She loves connecting with friends—and can’t resist belting out 80s hits every time she’s behind the wheel.
Mark Ocampo
Board Member & Dir. of Advocacy & Court Access
Fairfield-raised and now at home in North Natomas, Mark got into pickleball after friends coaxed him onto the court. A healthcare market development pro by day, he’s a “one dink at a time” player whose favorite shot is the third-shot drop—paired with the reflexes of a true pickleball “lobster.” Off the court, he’s all about family time with his nephews and niece. He loves adobo and has an elite talent for bargaining on Facebook Marketplace.
A snapshot of the NETomas Pickle Pack community at Sycamore Park, September 8, 2025 — one of many moments that helped inspire the creation of Sactown Pickleball.
Built by Community
Sactown Pickleball was born on the courts—through shared games, late nights, friendly competition, and a simple love for the sport.
What started as a tight-knit group of players coming together to play, connect, and support one another grew into something bigger. Fueled by the heart, energy, and passion of the NETomas Pickle Pack community, the idea for Sactown Pickleball took shape—not as a club, but as a movement.
This nonprofit exists because a group of everyday players believed pickleball could be more than a game. They saw its power to bring people together, build friendships, and create spaces where everyone belongs. From that belief, Sactown Pickleball was formed—to grow the game, protect its spirit, and keep it open, welcoming, and accessible for all. This is a community-built organization. And it always will be.
What started as a tight-knit group of players coming together to play, connect, and support one another grew into something bigger. Fueled by the heart, energy, and passion of the NETomas Pickle Pack community, the idea for Sactown Pickleball took shape—not as a club, but as a movement.
This nonprofit exists because a group of everyday players believed pickleball could be more than a game. They saw its power to bring people together, build friendships, and create spaces where everyone belongs. From that belief, Sactown Pickleball was formed—to grow the game, protect its spirit, and keep it open, welcoming, and accessible for all. This is a community-built organization. And it always will be.
“What started as open play became a shared purpose.”