Name: Dwight Stockham
Tell us about the first time you heard the term "Pickleball." How long was it before you decided to give Pickleball a try? Were you addicted from the start? I heard about pickleball when I was in Canada visiting my brother who introduced me to it. I played and I have been hooked ever since.
Is Pickleball a family affair? Pickleball can be a great family affair that everyone can play at a minimal cost. Courts in Albuquerque are free to use.
Best/favorite meal after a few games? New Mexican Food
What was your favorite sport as a kid? Why? Of course, growing up in Canada, my favorite sport was playing ice hockey. I managed to play at the Division 1 NCAA level and Semi-Pro. I still play to this day. But pickleball is my favorite sport hands down.
What is your top vacation spot? Why? Canada. I was born and raised there. It's such a beautiful place to visit.
If you could pick a superpower, what would it be? Why? My super power would be able to read people's minds so that I would know what they are thinking on the courts.
What is your favorite memory associated with Pickleball? Making new friends and forming great relationships.
What hobbies do you enjoy? Golf, ice hockey.
Tell us about your pets? My wife and I have two Rat Terriers. They are currently 14 years old. They have brought such joy to our lives since our kids left.
Which do you prefer - chocolate or vanilla? Why? I have also loved chocolate whether it's shakes, cake, brownies, or chocolate chip cookies. Doesn't everyone love chocolate?
Do you prefer cake or pie? Why? Strawberry-Rhubarb pie. Growing up as a kid, my mother would make the pie using strawberries and rhubarb from the garden. I have been hooked since.
What has been or is your favorite job? Working part-time as an environmental consultant and being retired.
What do you drive? I drive a 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.
What is your favorite color to wear on the court? Black shorts with a white top in the spring/summer and a black top in the fall/winter.
What routines do you have before games? I hydrate, relax and talk with other players.
What are your favorite places to play? Why? I play at Manzano Mesa in Albuquerque. There are 18 courts with plans to build 9 more by next summer. I get to meet different people every time I go there.
What is one of your proudest moments? Getting married and having my two sons.
What is something from your bucket list? Why do you want to accomplish this? I would like to go to Bora Bora and stay in the accommodations that are on the ocean.
How do your friends describe you? Easy going and willing to help whenever help is needed.
What did you study in college? I have:
- Bachelors in Chemical Engineering
- Masters in Environmental Engineering
- PhD in Engineering Management
What is your favorite movie? Why? Slapshot. Because of ice hockey.
What is the latest or most played song on your mix? Why?Songs from the 60s and 70s.
Three Dog Night, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, Rolling Stones, Etc.
Can you share any surprising facts about you? I left a small town of 1500 people and came to play hockey in a city of 500,000 people.
If you could name the next Pickleball shot, what would it be called? Why? The Charlie. Performing an unretrievable lob shot into the far corner and the opponent drops his shoulders knowing it can not make it to the ball.
To Practice "The Charlie" check out this video on lobs:
What is the best advice you have been given? Best advice is enjoy and have fun. Don't dwell on a bad shot. It's over and nothing can be done. Learn from your mistakes.
What is the best advice you can give (any topic)? Relax and have fun
