Stop Alzheimer's Now is excited to join forces with the Pickleball community across the country to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research!
The fastest-growing sport in America, pickleball has tremendous physical, mental, and emotional health benefits that can help reduce risk factors for Alzheimer’s. The sport helps maintain cognitive function through mental focus and acuity, as well as creates a sense of community and belonging, eliminating a sense of social isolation that often accompanies the onset of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. The pickleball community is embracing our mission as a natural partnership, and we’re grateful to have a passionate group of pickleball pros serving as ambassadors and supporting our fundraising efforts.
Pick up a paddle and join us!
Pick up a paddle and join us!
Stop Alzheimer's Now Ambassadors
Stop Alzheimer's Now is grateful to have the support of several professionals and players to help raise awareness about Alzheimer's and our organization throughout the pickleball community.
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Zane NavratilZane Navratil is a professional pickleball player and instructor who has been involved in the sport for nearly 10 years, ranking as high as #1 in Men’s Singles according to the World Pickleball Rankings. In addition to competing in pro tournaments, he regularly teaches pickleball clinics across the country. Zane has made the sport his full-time career, and off the court he can be found spending time with his wife and their two dogs.
"Alzheimer's runs in my family. It's awful to see a person that you know and love become confused, angry, and lost. You know that your loved one is in that body, but they're not the same person. I'm really glad to be able to partner up with SAN. They donate nearly 97% of gross receipts directly to Alzheimer's cure research. Let's Stop Alzheimer's Now." |
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Altaf MerchantAltaf Merchant started playing pickleball for fun, but quickly became enamored with the sport. His first US Open was in 2018, where he earned two silver medals. As a pro player, Merchant was among the top in the game, medaling in many professional tournaments including the US Open and US Nationals. He is now the #1 Senior Pro according to Senior Pro Tour rankings. In 2023, he won the US Open, Masters, and Tournament of Champions, and is still going!
Outside of pickleball, Altaf supports his community and has served on numerous boards in Owensboro, KY. His proudest achievement is being part of a group that built Merchant Centre Court, a premier tennis facility that hosts numerous tennis and pickleball tournaments throughout the year, in collaboration with the city. "I left home in 1991 and looked forward to my weekly phone calls with my parents back in Mumbai. The last few years the conversations with my dad dramatically changed. After the Covid travel restrictions were lifted and I was able to go visit, it was gut wrenching to see what Alzheimer’s had done to my dad. He had an incredible mind, and it had taken that from him. One day I saw on social media some of my closest pickleball friends playing and there was a SAN sign. After that, I connected with Shaun to see how I could get involved. My personality is a fighter, and I am going to fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s." - Altaf Merchant |
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Jayson HarrisJayson Harris and his wife Hannah both grew up playing all of the teams sports and then got introduced to pickleball in 2020. They owned a coffee company for a few years in Winter Park, CO and used every excuse possible to get out and play Pickleball in between work hours. In 2022, Jayson took the plunge and went full time into pickleball accepting a position as the Head Pickleball Pro at the Steamboat Tennis and Pickleball Center and compete at PPA events as much as possible.
I have seen how Alzheimer’s greatly affects and negatively alters the life, personality, and interactions of a person. It is also a really difficult experience for those caring for the ones suffering as they feel helpless in what to do for their loved ones. Stop Alzheimer's Now is a compassionate and forward-thinking organization to work with. I’m excited to be working with Stop Alzheimer’s Now to find a cure and improve the lives of those who are affected." |
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Hartland JonesHartland Jones is an elite athlete, powerful and precise on the pickleball court and always entertaining to watch. He is a professional pickleball player, he spearheaded the pickleball program at the Daniel Island Club (number 2 in the country for racket sports), and he leads pickleball events for underserved youth. His natural talent, unrivaled work rate, and passion for learning has propelled him to an elite level in multiple sports including Padel, Badminton, Lacrosse and Handball where he is a member of Team USA.
"I’m proud to be a part of Stop Alzheimer’s Now. I watched my great aunt’s awareness slip away throughout her struggle with Alzheimer’s and the toll that it took on our family. I know first hand the roller coaster of emotions - a sense of loss and helplessness to feelings of joy and gratitude in those precious moments when you are able to connect. Pickleball is so widely beloved because it offers social connection and that is exactly what Alzheimer’s takes away." |
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Courtney ZalinskiCourtney Zalinski, a dynamic force and a rising star in the pickleball world.
In 2023, Courtney finished the year ranked #45 Pro Mixed Doubles on the PPA Tour, and already notched an impressive win against the #19 player in February 2024. Courtney's matches have been featured on the Tennis Channel and Amazon Prime/PickleballTV, earning her a growing fanbase and a reputation for thrilling performances. She took up pickleball in 2022, bringing with her a rich tennis background. Off the court, Courtney is a pickleball ambassador for Daniel Island, SC, where she resides. She's known for her infectious energy, quick wit, and boundless enthusiasm for the sport. When she's not busy honing her skills or competing on the PPA Tour, she's sharing her passion for pickleball with others, encouraging players of all levels to join the fun. "Just like in pickleball, finding a cure for Alzheimer's is about determination, strategy, and never giving up. I'm as passionate about this fight as I am about my sport, because every victory brings us closer to saving lives and giving families hope." - Courtney Zalinski |
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Olivia McMillanOlivia McMillan is a professional pickleball player born and raised in Charleston, SC. A former Division 1 tennis player at The College of Charleston, Olivia earned her degree in Corporate Communications. After discovering pickleball in 2018, she left the corporate world in April 2023 to pursue the sport full-time. She is a touring pro, heads pickleball programming at The Daniel Island Club, and is sponsored by PPA/MLP with partnerships including SANS, Gearbox, Spin-it Apparel, and Ria Eyewear. Her career highlights include top 30 PPA rankings and MLP accolades as a quarterfinalist (Austin 2022) and finalist (Mesa 2023).
Beyond her athletic career, she is deeply committed to making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. As an ambassador for Stop Alzheimer's Now, she strives to raise awareness and funds that will directly support Alzheimer's research, with a particular focus on finding a cure. |
“This cause is close to my heart, and I am determined to use my platform to inspire others and contribute to the advancement of medical breakthroughs. I hope to continue making a positive impact both in the sport I love and in the important mission to end Alzheimer's disease.” - Olivia McMillan
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Carlos Di LauraCarlos Di Laura was born in Lima, Peru and moved to the U.S in 2001. Coming from a heavy tennis background and family, Carlos was a Big XII champion with Texas Tech University Men's Tennis team in 2016. At Texas Tech, he met his wife Felicity and just welcomed their baby son Carlos James (CJ) in May 2024.
Carlos is based in Austin, TX, where he trains full time, coaches pickleball, owns The Lab ATX, and works part-time for ProXR Pickleball (35 Capital). When he finds time, he plays professionally on the PPA and APP tour and proudly wears the SAN logo on the court. |
“I am passionate about partnering with Stop Alzheimer’s Now (SAN), because of the people that run and work with the foundation. I truly believe in Shaun McDuffee's vision to tackle this disease together, with every resource possible to find a cure. Although I don't have family history with Alzheimer's disease, I have seen how it affects people and their loved ones and want to play my part in stopping this disease alongside this great team and community. Thank you, SAN, for letting me be a part of such a meaningful foundation.” – Carlos Di Laura
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Henry BoyleHenry Boyle is 29 years old from Hillingdon in West London, England. Henry played high level tennis as a nationally ranked junior and came to the USA on a tennis scholarship to play college tennis, playing at nationally ranked top 50 Chestnut Hill College in NCAA Division 2.
He is the owner & director of Carolina Tennis & Pickleball. The organization partners with the town of Carolina Beach, town of Kure Beach & Beau Rivage Resort in Wilmington NC to offer affordable coaching to the community. Henry also coaches at the House of Pickleball in Leland, NC where he runs a program called Challenger Pickle, designed for 3.75-4.5 players that are committed to improvement & achieving their pickleball goals over the course of six months. |
Henry, rated #2 in the United Kingdom, got his first professional win at 2023 PPA Charlotte, where he won the PPA Points Draw at the event. Most recently, Henry has achieved Main Draw Qualification at the 2024 PPA Cary, Atlanta & 2024 US Open (16th place finish) with posted wins in his career over Chris Haworth, Donald Young & Jason McNulty.
“Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that profoundly impacts individuals and their families. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those affected and learning about SAN’s dedication via the pickleball community I knew that I could have a positive impact. I am proud to support and represent Stop Alzheimer’s Now in its mission to enhance the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients & fund research for finding a cure. ” – Henry Boyle
Get Involved
We are hosting a series of charity fundraising events around the country with pickleball communities. If you are interested in hosting a local event, please email [email protected].
If you are interested in supporting our cause and contributing directly to research you can donate now.
If you are interested in supporting our cause and contributing directly to research you can donate now.