Parkville’s Overhead Slam
FEATURED IN THE NORTHLAND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MAY 2025 ISSUE
The Women’s Pickleball Group That’s Rallying A Community
Pickleball is more than just a sport for the women of P2—it’s about creating a welcoming, empowering space where women can connect and grow. Founded by Michelle Dawalt and Mary Beth Preuss, P2 was born from a love of the game and a desire to help others improve and thrive on the court. The name P2 holds special meaning. "Our tagline and value is 'Propel your Passion,' and that’s what we strive to do," Michelle explained. P2’s mission is to support local women by using pickleball as a friendly, fun, and supportive venue where they can play, improve, and share in the camaraderie of others who need a break from everyday life. It’s a group where you can be yourself, share some smiles, and know you’re supported.
"We met via mutual friends while playing pickleball on Saturday mornings at Chicken N Pickle," Mary Beth shared. "We established a connection as competitive racquet sports enthusiasts and eventually started playing in tournaments, attending clinics, and earning our PPR Coaching certification together. We wanted to take our experiences and learnings of 'drilling and practicing'—which took us almost three years to figure out—and share them with other ladies so they could excel faster and bring more confidence to the pickleball court."
Pickleball is uniquely suited for women of all backgrounds and skill levels. There’s no judgment—just a chance to discover what each player wants to get out of it. “While we emphasize drilling to create good habits and muscle memory,” Michelle explains, “we also encourage a team-spirited attitude and a place to come together, build confidence, and decompress for a couple of hours."
The impact of P2 is seen in the stories of its members. Some women have been involved since the beginning, growing their skills, winning tournaments, and introducing the sport to their families and friends. One particularly touching moment came from a woman with no athletic background. "She worked so hard to get the rhythm of pickleball, and by the end of the session, she was playing with confidence and so tickled with herself. We love to see our players light up!" Mary Beth shared.
Beyond the court, P2 is more than a place to play—it’s a place where friendships grow. What starts as shared court time often becomes holiday celebrations, social outings, and a true support system. “It’s unlike any other sport or even workplace space—it’s a true community,” says Mary Beth.
Looking ahead, P2 is dreaming big. “We’d love to launch a podcast with fun banter and local pickleball enthusiasts as guests. And we’ve always dreamed of a Ladies Only destination clinic by a beach—combining sun, fun, and lots of pickleball!” says Michelle. With their energy and momentum, it’s easy to imagine those dreams becoming reality.
