Meet Our Ambassadors
Nathan Gold
My Pickleball Journey A year ago, I never imagined pickleball would become such an important part of my life. After spending more than 45 years as a plumber, I knew what hard work meant. But my biggest challenge wasn’t in my career,it was reclaiming my health. At one point I weighed 346 pounds. Through determination, discipline, and refusing to quit, I transformed my life. Today I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for decades, and pickleball has become one of the greatest rewards of that journey. What makes this story special isn’t just the game it’s the people. From the very beginning, Rup and Judy welcomed me with kindness, encouragement, and genuine friendship. They saw something in me before I saw it in myself. They patiently answered questions, shared their knowledge, and reminded me that improvement comes from showing up, working hard, and enjoying the process. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. I’m still relatively new to pickleball, but I play with passion every time I step on the court. I love competing, learning, and challenging myself to get a little better each day. My game is built around power, spin, strategy, and a relentless desire to improve. For me, pickleball is about much more than winning matches. It’s about proving that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. It’s about health, friendships, perseverance, and discovering a passion that can change your life. To Rup and Judy—thank you for inspiring me, believing in me, and helping me begin this incredible journey. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on my life, and I’ll always be grateful. This is only the beginning. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
Saniyah Elliott
Hi, I’m Saniyah Elliott pickleball enthusiast, professional hype woman, and firm believer that every game is better with good vibes and a little friendly trash talk. 
Whether I’m diving for impossible balls, laughing at my own missed shots, or convincing “just one more game” to turn into five, I’m all about having fun and bringing people together.
As a pickleball ambassador, I love welcoming new players, building community, and sharing my obsession with the fastest-growing sport around. Win or lose, you’ll always catch me cheering people on, making new friends, and reminding everyone not to take themselves too seriously. Life’s too short not to have fun especially on a pickleball court!
Maria Columbo
Maria Columbo discovered pickleball through her husband, Mitch, and what started as a simple introduction quickly turned into a true passion. With no previous sports background, she was immediately drawn to the game’s welcoming atmosphere and its unique ability to bring together players of all ages and skill levels.
Over the past two years, Maria has grown from a complete beginner into a dedicated and enthusiastic player. Through the guidance of skilled coaches and the encouragement of fellow players, she has continued to improve her game while embracing every opportunity to learn and challenge herself.
For Maria, the greatest part of pickleball extends beyond the competition. Pickleball has given her a strong sense of community and introduced her to so many wonderful friends who have become an important part of her life. She values the camaraderie, encouragement, and shared experiences that bring players together both on and off the court, making every match an opportunity to connect, learn, and have fun.
Today, pickleball is much more than a hobby for Maria .it is a source of confidence, personal growth, lifelong friendships, and joy. She is grateful for everything the sport has brought into her life and looks forward to continuing her journey while inspiring others to discover the game she loves.
Become an RJ Grand Slam Ambassador
We’re always looking for dedicated players and community leaders who want to help grow the game, inspire others, and support our tournament community.