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November 14 - 16, 2025
In a Pickle - Canandaigua, NY
The Legend of the First Tryptophan Classic
In Rochester, New York, where Lake Ontario’s chill dances through the streets, Thanksgiving Day on November 24, 2011, was a feast for the ages. Tables sagged under turkey, stuffing, and pie, and four friends—Brian, the sharp-witted tactician; Amanda, quick and sly; Paulie, a dancer born for greatness; and Joey, the fiery spark—felt their bellies heavy with the turkey’s tryptophan, coaxing them toward sleep.
But surrender wasn’t in their blood. Brian, eyes gleaming, rallied the crew. “To Valenti Sports!” he proclaimed. In 2011, Valenti Sports was a pioneer, home to one of Rochester’s first private pickleball courts—a rare treasure on Monroe Avenue. With no snow on the ground, the court called under the crisp November sky. Thus, the First Annual Tryptophan Classic was born: a pickleball tournament forged in post-Thanksgiving defiance.
The original players—Brian, Amanda, Paulie, and Joey—split into doubles, paddles at the ready. But the tryptophan’s curse was cunning. Serves flopped, dinks died in the kitchen, and rallies crumbled into laughter. Brian’s clever shots went astray, Amanda’s swift feet stumbled, Joey chased errant balls with wobbly gusto, and even Paulie, despite his dancer’s grace, couldn’t dodge the turkey’s weight. The play was delightfully awful, the court humming with the feast’s playful hex.
As dusk fell, magic ignited. A speaker blared a lively tune, and the court turned stage. Paulie, the great dancer, owned the night—spinning, leaping, and gliding with a brilliance that dazzled, his paddle an extension of his rhythm. Amanda twirled with nimble charm, Brian found a surprising groove, and Joey’s wild energy sparked roars of delight. The dancing was incredible, a bold stand against the tryptophan’s haze, pulling neighbors to cheer and join the revelry.
Captured on shaky video, that night became Rochester’s pride. The footage—fumbled shots and Paulie’s radiant moves—plays each Thanksgiving at Valenti’s storied court. Brian, Amanda, Paulie, and Joey, the original four, forever etched in Rochester PickleBall folklore, are forever legends, proof that on a private court, with a dancer’s heart, you can outshine even the heaviest turkey’s spell.
A Brief History: PickleFEST XV
The Longest-Running Pickleball Tournament in the Northeast
PickleFEST began with a simple idea and a spark of opportunity.
Dave Thomas was contacted by Scott Bell, Director of the Monroe County Sports Commission, who was looking to introduce pickleball to the county’s annual Sports & Music Festival at Ontario Beach Park. The original plan was to clear a section of the parking lot near Bill Gray’s for makeshift courts. Dave offered to rally a crew of westside YMCA players to line the courts, and Scott agreed to provide portable nets.
Around that time, repeated incidents at the basketball courts near the current pickleball site had become a growing concern for Monroe County. In response, the county removed the basketball hoops entirely. Scott saw this as a new opportunity and asked Dave if he and his team would like to use the now-vacant space.
They said yes.
With permission granted, Dave and his crew painted three courts, and Scott delivered three portable nets. As they finalized plans, Scott asked, “What do you want to call this event?” Inspired by the energy of the Sports & Music Festival, Dave instantly replied: PickleFEST.
The inaugural PickleFEST drew 52 players.
During that first event, a man approached the score table and asked what was going on. Dave immediately recognized him—it was John Valenti, though they had never met. Dave said, “I know who you are. You're John Valenti.” Surprised, Valenti listened as Dave explained the event and its mission.
And just like that, Valenti Pickleball was born.
In the media.
Two Zeroes and a Pro: Road Family
Two Zeros, a Pro, and a whole lot of family vibes—catch the story courtside.
By: Corey Bockhaus
July 24, 2025
Two Zeroes and a Pro: Valenti Pickleball
From the legendary pickleball barn to a community that rallies for sportsmanship, discover how the Valenti family is shaping the future of pickleball.
By: Team Joola
July 22, 2025
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“I just bought two pickleball paddles with the help of Joe Valenti, an awesome salesperson. He let me try out a few paddles in the basement of his store. He also showed me some excellent videos of him and others at some local and national pickleball tournaments. He also gave me some great pointers. I shall recommend this store to everyone for their pickleball needs. Thanks Joe, you're amazing!”
-Jim Ackerman
