Pickleball Brings the Imperial Family Closer, One Game at a Time
The Imperial Family: John, Xavier and Lynn
From first swing to playing tournaments and family nights at the YMCA, this trio shares how pickleball became their unexpected bond.
Pickleball wasn’t always part of the plan for Xavier Imperial, a former tennis player. In fact, when he first heard about it, he dismissed it outright. But all that changed in July 2024, when his mom invited him to a See Dai Doo Society pickleball event. A little nudge from family turned into a newfound passion—and soon, Xavier was hooked.
He began playing almost daily, and it wasn’t long before his parents, Lynn and John, joined in. Now, the three play together twice a week at the Nuuanu YMCA. And while they each have different strengths, personalities, and paddles, one thing unites them: their love for the game.
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the Imperial Family; John, Lynn and Xavier!
Currently residing in (city):
Mililani.
Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?
Xavier: I grew up in Mililani and went to Maryknoll for high school. My mom grew up in Manoa and graduated from Roosevelt while my dad grew up in Wahiawa and graduated from Leilehua.
How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?
Xavier: I was a tennis player and thought pickleball was a joke at first. At the end of July 2024, my mom convinced me to go with her and my aunt to a pickleball event hosted by See Dai Doo Society, a Chinese society that we are a part of, and give it a try.
Who started playing first? What caused the others to begin playing?
Xavier: After the event in July, fellow See Dai Doo members Greg and Bev invited me to play with their group at Waialae Iki Neighborhood park. I ended up getting addicted to pickleball and now I play almost every day.
Lynn: Xavier encouraged us to go with him to Nuuanu YMCA to play pickleball after work.
November 2024: At the Aloha Pickleball Games & Festival where Xavier won Gold in MXD 4.0 (14-34)
How often, if at all, do you play together?
Lynn: We all play at Nuuanu Y on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
How easy, frustrating, awesome, etc is it to play together? Do you have similar personalities on and off the court?
Xavier: It’s fun playing with my parents even though we’re all competitive. I’m competitive both on and off the court and always looking to improve.
Lynn: It is easy to play together as although we all are competitive we accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
What do you love most about pickleball?
Xavier: I love the people that I’ve met through pickleball and how the community is welcoming. I also really enjoy competing and playing in tournaments.
Lynn: The community is welcoming and accepting – it doesn’t matter if you are a newbie or a semi-pro level player.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, school, etc)?
Xavier: Outside of pickleball I’m usually gaming on my PC and have always been into music. I’m really into the KPOP scene so I am usually on my PC playing video games with friends and watching KPOP videos.
John: I enjoy gardening and working in the yard. I grow orchids and many other types of plants.
Lynn: I’m involved in cultural societies and volunteer at many of the cultural activities.
What paddle are you playing with?
Xavier: I recently switched to the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 14mm Pickleball Paddle as my main paddle. I still use the Engage Pursuit Pro 1 but will be competing with the Joola in the upcoming ESPN Honolulu Tournament.
Lynn: I play with a Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 elongated.
John: I play with a Joola Scorpeus 3S 16mm.
How often do you play?
Xavier: I play everyday and am usually at Pickles at Forté when I’m not playing with my parents at Nuuanu YMCA.
John and Lynn: We play twice a week at Nuuanu YMCA.
What is the next goal you're working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
Xavier: For pickleball, I am working towards being able to compete at higher levels of play and am preparing for the Hawaii Pacific Health ESPN Honolulu Open tournament in April for men’s and mixed doubles. (Good luck, Xavier!)
Lynn and John: We are striving to improve our level of play in pickleball.
Anything else on your mind?
Xavier: Although I initially was against pickleball, after trying it out it’s now one of my favorite sports. Pickleball has been a great way for me to meet new people, hang out with existing friends and be an outlet for my competitive side. I think it’s a great way to exercise and be part of an amazing community.
January 2025 at the Maui Pukaball Tournament, Silver, Singles 3.5 (29+) and at the LUNG FORCE Pickleball Tournament, Gold, Mixed Doubles (4.0 Open)
