THE STAR CITY GOES PRO
The Roanoke Shine is the region's 50+ professional pickleball team — evidence of a pickleball ecosystem that runs deep in southwest Virginia.
A COMMUNITY DOESN'T PRODUCE A PRO TEAM BY ACCIDENT
Roanoke is becoming a premier pickleball destination. More leagues, tournaments and players every year. New and renovated public courts across Roanoke, Salem and Roanoke County. A year-round home at Performance Pickleball, a state-of-the-art indoor facility. And a community of competitive and recreational players of every age and skill level.
Roanoke is also home to Youssef Bouzidi, the world's #1 senior professional men's pickleball player — and now to the Shine, the region's 50+ professional team.
Talent. Facilities. Passion. Support. The Shine takes Roanoke pickleball beyond the Valley — carrying the Roanoke name, reputation and story to new audiences across the East Coast and beyond.
THE SEASON-ONE SHINE
Before the 2026–27 national campaign, there was the original squad — the 2025–26 Roanoke Shine, who carried the Star City into the US Legends league's first 50+ season and put southwest Virginia on the pro pickleball map.
The league has since grown from 12 teams to 16, and this year's 14-player roster builds on the foundation that first team laid. Same star. Same mountains. Bigger stage.
THE TALENTED, VIBRANT & WELCOMING COMMUNITIES OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Our goal: make southwest Virginia proud. Our players shine. We compete. We win.
COMPETITIVE PLAYERS. COMMUNITY ADVOCATES. COMMITTED OWNERS.
CARTER TURNER
Owner / Player
Former tennis professional and eight-year competitive pickleball player. Gold Triple Crown — singles, doubles and mixed doubles — at the 2024 APP Vlasic Classic in Cincinnati.
TRISH HAMMER
Owner / Player
National senior-circuit competitor with medals in 15 states. Women's 60+ Singles National Champion in 2024 and 2025; captured a Gold Triple Crown at age 65 in 2026.
LEAGUE LEADERSHIP WITH DEEP SENIOR-COMPETITION ROOTS
RON CORTESE
Owner of Legends Sports Leagues, launched in 2006. Senior pro player, national medalist and Certified PPR Coach. Directs multiple sports leagues with 4,000+ annual participants; Legends pickleball tournaments draw 1,500+ players per year.
MIKE CAO
Senior pro player and national/international medalist, including the US Open, USAP Nationals, APP, PPA, National Senior Games, Rome Open and Thailand Open. PPR Certified Coach.
BE PART OF THE STORY
Together we can build a winning team, showcase Roanoke, and create something lasting here at home.