In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we welcome Madeline Gonzalez, a professional pickleball player, instructor, and head of pickleball at Riverland Sports and Racquet Club in Port St. Lucie. She is also the founder of Fierce Sports Performance, a growing pickleball-focused training and event company that’s helping shape the local pickleball community.
We talked with Madeline to explore how she transitioned into pickleball, what her day-to-day looks like, and what’s coming up with events like the Martin County Senior Games.
From Volleyball to Pickleball
Madeline’s story begins in Arizona, where she and her family moved just before the pandemic. A professional volleyball background had kept her active for years, but after moving near a park that unexpectedly replaced its volleyball courts with pickleball courts, curiosity took over. She and her husband gave it a try with borrowed paddles and got beat by an older couple.
That moment sparked something.
“It couldn’t happen like that,” she laughed. “We’re both competitive and athletic. So we went all in.”
They upgraded their gear, started learning the game, and soon found themselves deeply embedded in the pickleball community. After returning to Florida, Madeline launched her business and began coaching players of all levels.
Coaching Philosophy and Player Growth
Madeline now serves as the head of pickleball at Riverland Sports and Racquet Club, a 55+ community in Port St. Lucie with over 37 dedicated pickleball courts and more under construction. Her work includes everything from private lessons to running full-scale clinics, events, and tournaments.
While Riverland is a private facility, some of the events hosted there are open to the public, offering non-residents a chance to join in on the action.
“There’s something for everyone,” she said. “From competitive players to people who just want to stay active and have fun.”
Madeline coaches players of all ages, including younger students with aspirations to go pro. Her approach is rooted in fundamentals: control, consistency, and court awareness.
According to Madeline, most beginner and intermediate players struggle with understanding the finesse required in pickleball. It’s not about raw power, it’s about precision, paddle control, and knowing when to push versus when to wait.
“This is a chess game, not checkers,” she explained. “You don’t win by hitting hard. You win by placing the ball smart.”
She teaches techniques like holding the ball longer on the paddle for better control, keeping swings compact, and using footwork to reduce the margin of error.
Martin County Senior Games Pickleball Tournament
A big focus of the conversation was the upcoming Martin County Senior Games Pickleball Tournament, which Madeline is organizing through Fierce Sports Performance.
Here’s what players can expect:
- Dates: October 23 (gender doubles) and October 24 (mixed doubles)
- Location: Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart, Florida
- Skill Levels: 3.0 to 5.0+ based on USA Pickleball guidelines
- Age Divisions: Starting at 50+, in 5-year increments (e.g., 50–54, 55–59, etc.)
- Format: Either round robin or double elimination, depending on turnout
- Start Time: Matches begin at 8 AM (weather permitting)
The event is expected to draw over 250 players and will use a real-time notification system to text participants about court assignments and match schedules.
“I take a lot of pride in running tournaments that are smooth and on time,” Madeline said. “People don’t want to wait around. They want a well-run event.”
Events Beyond the Senior Games
Fierce Sports Performance isn’t limited to just one tournament. Madeline also organizes recurring clinics like the “Maddie and Paul Level Up Series,” a structured three-day clinic with specific daily focuses like kitchen work, transition play, and tournament-style drills. These events are often held at Riverland and sometimes open to the public.
In December, she’ll also be hosting the Riverland Invitational, a large-scale open tournament drawing hundreds of players from across Florida. Another flagship event, the Riverland Open, is slated for February or March.
Smaller themed tournaments like the Pickle Monster Smash keep things fun and accessible for all levels.
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Pickleball as a Multi-Generational Movement
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centered on how pickleball is evolving. While the sport was initially associated with retirees, that perception is changing rapidly.
“There are junior academies now. Pickleball is entering colleges and even high school programs,” Madeline explained. “It’s for everybody now.”
Players come from all sports backgrounds—volleyball, tennis, soccer, and even basketball. As long as you have some coordination and enjoy competition, there’s a spot for you.
She also highlighted how pickleball provides a rare opportunity for cross-generational play.
What’s Next for Fierce Sports Performance
With her calendar full, Madeline continues to expand Fierce Sports Performance by taking on new students, hosting more clinics, and preparing for larger events. She collaborates with other local professionals and leans on volunteers for tournament support.
If you want to stay updated on events or get in touch, Madeline shares announcements on her personal social profile (@madeline_pv).
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Final Thoughts
This episode gave listeners an unfiltered look at what it’s like to be a full-time pickleball pro, instructor, and event organizer in one of the most active pickleball regions in the country. From tournament breakdowns to instructional insights, Madeline Gonzalez offers a clear picture of what the sport looks like on the Treasure Coast today.
Whether you’re just picking up a paddle or you’re looking to compete, the local pickleball scene has room for you. And with leaders like Madeline helping shape it, it’s safe to say the sport’s future here is in motion.
Stay tuned to The Current by TreasureCoast.com for more conversations with local leaders, athletes, and organizers shaping life across the Treasure Coast.
