Doug &āMary Therese Hampel
At Fort Hill Activity Center
NAPERVILLEāNaperville Convention and Visitors Bureau has said that Naperville is the Midwest Go-To Destination for Pickleball, naming it Pickleball Paradise. Perhaps thatās why Doug and Mary chose to move here in 2019.
Doug recently retired after working in the public relations and marketing industry for nearly 40 years, and Mary Therese joined him, leaving behind her career as an executive assistant in the legal and hospitality industry. Now the couple spends their time volunteering at Loaves & Fishes, staying active as members of Community Christian Church, and watching their 5-year-old grandson every Thursday.
After 39 years of marriage and raising their son (33) and daughter (30), they have expanded their family with a four legged, 7 year old Boxer; and fill their spare time with pickleball and traveling, especially enjoying hiking National Parks and snorkeling!
How did you meet?
Through mutual friends at Northern Illinois University
Where did you get married?
At Mary Therese's childhood church, St. John Fisher, in the Beverly neighborhood
Where did you honeymoon?
Hawaii
If you could sum up your love story in two sentences - what would you say about your journey together?
We got married right out of college and have truly grown together as husband and wife, and friends. Over the years, we have always supported each others' careers and worked as partners to raise our children. In addition to family game nights, pickleball and other activities, laughter has been a key part of our strong marriage.
If you had a theme song for your relationship, what would it be?
Through the Years - Kenny Rogers
What was your favorite date night over the years?
Itās hard to pick just one. We really enjoy exploring different restaurants and checking out live music venues in the western suburbs. There are so many great options in and around Naperville.
How long have you been playing pickleball? What is your current level?
We've been playing together for the past three years and are both intermediate level players. We really enjoy the traditional, recreational side of pickleball.
How often do you play? Where do you play?
We typically play 2-3 times per week, primarily at Naperville Park Districtās Fort Hill Activity Center, and have also recently been invited to play at the Picklr.
What is the paddle of choice?
Paddletek
Do you play and go home or is it a social activity - playing with groups and going out with friends afterwards?
We really like the social aspect of pickleball. We enjoy catching up with everyone between games and have met up with friends outside of games as well. Since moving here five years ago, we have met some of the nicest people through pickleball.
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