What started as a college side hustle has now become one of the most active and successful DUPR clubs in the Midwest. Meet Ben Rasey, the Pickleball Director at Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball Club, and the driving force behind a community that blends high-level play, heart-pumping cardio, and genuine connection—all under one roof.

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From College Club Founder to DUPR Tournament Director

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Ben’s pickleball journey began in the most grassroots way possible—playing at public parks during COVID and being adopted into a local league. After returning to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 2020, he realized there was no official pickleball group on campus. So, he built one from scratch.

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What began with just 7 players is now the largest club sport at UW–Whitewater, with over 100 active members. 

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“In 2023, I helped raise $18,000 for the club. Back then, no club had that kind of money,” Ben says.

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This experience laid the groundwork for what was to come next.

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The Birth of Lake Geneva’s Pickleball Scene

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Ben started working with Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball in late 2023, originally running a few events on the side. When the former head pro stepped down, Ben stepped up.

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Today, he manages the DUPR club by running monthly tournaments, hosting everything from the Dink Minor League Pickleball events to state championships. Their Christmas tournament draws over 200 players annually, and even their smaller events average 120 players.

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What makes Lake Geneva special?

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 “We’re not just competitive. We’re fun. We’re a family,” Ben says.

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Building Community, One Drill and Cardio Class at a Time

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Lake Geneva’s programming is as diverse as its players. From drill & play sessions and free intro clinics to kids' classes, pizza parties, and the fan-favorite Cardio Pickleball, Ben has turned the club into a hub for players of all ages and levels.

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“Cardio Pickleball is the most fun I’ve ever had running an event,” Ben shares. “We cap it at 20 people, play games like King of the Court and Beat the Pro, and just hype people up the whole time.”

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The club recently opened a dedicated 6-court indoor pickleball facility with tournament-level specs: 10 feet of space behind and between courts, sliding court dividers, and upward-facing lights to reduce glare. It’s built for serious play—without sacrificing the social spirit.

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A Culture of Belonging—and a Bit of Matchmaking

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For Ben, the magic of pickleball goes beyond ratings.

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“Pickleball changed my life,” he says. “It gave me my closest friends. I’ve seen couples meet at my events. It’s become this unofficial matchmaker.”

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He texts hundreds of players personally before each event, adding little inside jokes and personal notes.

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 “If you’re not sociable in this role, you’re going to fail,” Ben says. “People come back because they feel seen and valued.”

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DUPR-First, Player-Focused

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Ben has been a DUPR believer since day one—starting at the collegiate level and bringing it straight into Lake Geneva’s core programming.

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“Players want their ratings to reflect who they really are,” Ben explains. “We use DUPR to highlight meaningful competition, not random matchups.”

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Lake Geneva is now ranked in the top 1% of all DUPR clubs—with over 6,000 clubs on the platform. 

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Most Clubs Hope for Retention— This DUPR Club Hit 80%. 

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According to Ben, Lake Geneva’s Christmas-time PPA-style tournament brings in an average of 200 players each year. Their Minor League pickleball events, hosted every 7–8 weeks, consistently draw between 80 and 144 players.

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“Our retention rates have been really exciting to track,” said Ben. “At one of our recent state championships, 60–70% of players were brand new—which was awesome. But the tournament before that? We had an 80% return rate. That’s pretty wild.”

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He credits the strong turnout to running events frequently enough to match players' availability—without overwhelming them.

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Advice for New Club Directors

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Ben’s biggest piece of advice?

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“Ask for help. Listen to players. Talk to other clubs who’ve done it. I had to figure out a lot on my own—but now that our club is a big success, clubs are coming to us asking what we’re doing right.”

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He also keeps it simple: be present, be social, and build relationships. 

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“Pickleball is the people's business,” he says. “If they like you, they’ll come back.”

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What’s Next?

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Ben’s still juggling a full-time job outside of pickleball—but don’t expect him to slow down. He’s got even more programming, tournaments, and creative events planned as Lake Geneva continues to grow.

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And if you’re ever in Wisconsin, don’t be surprised if you meet your next doubles partner—or your future spouse—at one of Ben’s events.

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Want to start a DUPR Club Like Lake Geneva?

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