Waikiki Player Spotlight: Steven Chavez On Finding Family, Fun, and Fierce Competition on the Court
From a vacation game in Palm Springs to a regular spot at Fort Derussy, Steven Chavez shares how pickleball has brought new friendships, personal growth, and a healthy dose of competition into his life.
Waikiki—You never forget your first pickleball game…especially when your partner ends up with a broken foot and you barely score a point. For Steven Chavez, that wild intro to the sport sparked something unexpected. By the time he got back to Hawaii, he was hooked and ready to find courts of his own.
He landed at Fort Derussy, drawn by the beachside vibes and easy moped parking—and stayed for the community. With help from friends, some generous paddle gifts, and plenty of pickup games, he found himself in a new rhythm. These days, he’s not just playing—he’s helping others learn the ropes, competing in tournaments, and building friendships all around the island.
Without further ado, please meet Steven Chavez!
Currently residing in: Waikiki
Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?
I grew up in Los Angeles County before moving to Ventura County, where I went to Royal High School and graduated from Apollo High.
I discovered pickleball while I was on a visit to California. My girlfriend and I went to Palm Springs for her best friend’s birthday party. We were staying in a huge house with close to 20 other people. The house had a pool, hot tub, small putting course, and of course, a pickleball court.
There were two guys that had some pickleball experience. One of them was a pretty solid player, and the other guy knew the rules. They showed no mercy on me after teaching me the rules, and I don’t even remember if we scored a point in the first game. My second game, I played with a different partner who ended up with a broken foot. It might have been from pickleball or it might have been from an earlier wrestling match.
Either way, I had fun playing, and when I returned to Hawaii, I expressed interest in playing to my girlfriend, Arianna. I found out a few friends played, and my buddy Daryl let me borrow a paddle until I got my own. Ari’s mom bought us a nice set of matching Gamma Paddles that got me through my first year.
After we got the paddles, I looked up courts around Waikiki and had a choice between Diamond Head or Fort Derussy. I ended up choosing Fort Derussy because it’s by the beach, and I didn’t have to worry about parking because I could moped there. The community there was friendly, and I met a ton of great players like Dayton and Ray, who have given me tips and included me in games way above my skill level.
What do you love most about pickleball?
What I love the most about pickleball is the community and the competitiveness. I’ve made a ton of friends playing around the island and helped a ton of new players learn the game. It’s fun teaching someone for a few games, then seeing them progress into better players over time. Then, the other side is it’s fun to compete with better players and learn from them.
What do you do outside of pickleball?
Outside of pickleball, I spend time with my girlfriend, watch pickleball videos, and go to the beach. I work at Behavioral & Therapy Services of Hawaii (BTSH), where I’m a Registered Behavior Tech(RBT). I work 1-on-1 under the supervision of a behavioral therapist to help special needs kids and young adults become more independent and have a good quality of life.
What paddle are you playing with?
I currently play with the Pursuit Pro S1 power series from Engage.
How often do you play?
I play 2-4 times a week, mostly at Derussy and in the league at Diamond Head on Saturdays.
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
My next goal as far as pickleball is to do well in the upcoming tournament in April. I’m playing Men’s 3.5 and Mixed 3.5.
