In less than a year, Pura Pickleball Jacó has transformed from a local court into apowerhouse of passion and talent. Now, Jacó, a small Costa Rican town, is making history, and its players are set to compete at the 3rd Pickleball World Cup, taking place from October 27 to November 2, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For the first time, the tournament will feature a U16 category, where five young Costa Ricans — including 12-year-old Pi Kipnes — will represent their country. Joining her is coach Manuel “Manu” Bellizia, who will also compete, embodying the mentorship and teamwork that define Jacó’s fast-growing pickleball community.
When Talent Meets Guidance
Pi’s journey began on the court “just for fun,” playing with friends at Pura Pickleball. But what started as play soon revealed a deeper spark.
“We had tried many sports I love — surfing, aerial, skateboarding,” recalls her father, Yoav Kipnes. “Then I saw the spark in her eyes when she played pickleball. That’s when she found something she truly loved.”
That spark became fuel under the guidance of coach Manu Bellizia, whose method blends consistency, patience, and the PickUp system developed by Rich Lively.“Sometimes students don’t realize how much they’ve improved,” Manu explains. “The coach sees it every day — the player notices it when they win.”
Founder Rick Brennan highlights how this chain of mentorship drives the club’s success:
“Manu coaches Pi, Rich supports Manu, and the whole community cheers them both on. That’s what makes Pura Pickleball special — it’s people lifting each other up.”
A Rising Generation
Pi’s dedication and enthusiasm have already earned her three gold, two silver, and three bronze medals in PPA Junior events, placing her among North America’s top eight juniors and taking her to her first World Cup: “I’m ready… but also nervous,” she laughs. “I’ve never played against 16-year-olds — but I’m excited to try.”
Manu adds: “This will be her first World Cup — and definitely not her last.”
Pura Pickleball: Where Community and Competition Meet
Pickleball may be relatively new to Jacó, but it’s growing rapidly — and with good reason. Unlike most sports, pickleball is multi-generational, allowing grandparents, parents, and children to play together, often on the same team.
Since opening less than a year ago, Pura Pickleball Jacó has become much more than a place to play. It’s a hub for learning, connection, and growth, offering:
- Private and group lessons
- Weekly Kids Camps
- Open play sessions and glow ball nights
- Social events, retreats, and tournaments
“Just come try it once,” says Manu. “It makes you want to come back.”
From a tropical town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to the courts of Fort Lauderdale, Jacó’s pickleball story proves that when talent finds guidance, small places can dream big and win big.
📍 Pura Pickleball Jacó
Train, play, and grow — from local court to global stage.
Media Inquiries:
rick@purapickleballcr.com l www.purapickleballcr.com l www.instagram.com/purapickleball/
Written by: Tania Guevara
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