From the North Shore of Maui to Pickleball Courts Everywhere: Meet Phil Schettewi
Meet a Maui Player Who Takes His Paddle Everywhere—From Hawaii to the Caribbean and Beyond
For Phil Schettewi, pickleball isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. What started just over a year ago has turned into a full-blown passion, taking him from Maui’s north shore to courts across the U.S. and even the Caribbean. I met him briefly on a visit to Maui, and his enthusiasm for the game was obvious!
In just a short time, he’s gone from learning the ropes to winning medals at the Maui State Championships. But for him, it’s not just about competition—it’s about the strategy, the friendships, and the joy of constantly improving. And when he’s not on the courts? You’ll probably find him at the beach, enjoying the water.
Without further ado, please meet Phil Schettewi!
Currently residing in:
I currently reside on Maui's north shore. I live in Sprecklesville with my wife Jennifer. My three sons Max, Jake and Z all grew up on Maui and are now on the mainland working or attending university. My daughter Molly lives in San Francisco. Fortunately, Maui is a magnet and they come back to visit often.
Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?
I grew up in Rome, Italy, and NYC as my father worked for the United Nations. When I was 13 we moved to Washington DC where I attended school and also stayed in the area graduating from the University of Maryland and also attended George Washington University graduate school.
How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?
I started playing pickleball a little over a year ago and when I was introduced to the game by Brett Lickle, a local player and owner and developer of Pkoll paddles. There are so many features of pickleball that I truly enjoy. The ability to play with and meet so many different players of all age groups is great. The game is also very strategic and there is always room for improvement. The different shots and strategies are extremely interesting and becomes a chess game with your opponents. Of course, the social aspect is attractive and I have met so many different people from many places.
When traveling I always bring my paddle and shoes and I have played all over the country including San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Washington DC, NYC and even Bonaire in the Caribbean to name a few.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, school, etc)?
Outside of pickleball, I love to spend time on the water, kite surfing and wing foiling. Obviously Maui is a great place to spend time on the water. I also like to ride my bike and spend time on hikes with my wife Jennifer.
What paddle are you playing with?
I'm currently using the Ben Johns Joola paddle but also play with the smaller Pkoll paddle. Being a pickleball addict I play just about everyday!
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
There are many goals and achievements associated with the game. Mainly to constantly improve and become as consistent a possible. Drilling is one of the best ways to do that. I played in the Maui state championships and was able to win a gold and two silvers in multiple divisions. That was very satisfying and I hope to compete in more tournaments in 2025. Balance is also necessary and I would like to spend more time on the water.
