Green Creek family triumphs at Southern Pickleball Virginia State Championship

Published 2:45 pm Thursday, July 24, 2025

GREEN CREEK—The Heyer family from Green Creek recently won a pair of gold medals at the Southern Pickleball Virginia State Championship, held at Performance Pickleball in Richmond, Virginia. 

Paul Heyer, owner of Paul’s Barber Shop in Columbus, and his son Christopher emerged victorious in the Men’s Doubles category for ages 19-34, while Paul’s wife, Chamie, and Christopher triumphed in the Mixed Doubles division, earning them both spots at the upcoming World Championships in Dallas.

“It was an incredible experience,” Paul Heyer said. “The tournament was open to anyone, and we were thrilled to compete together as a family.” 

Christopher, a member of the Air Force stationed at Dover Air Force Base, drove down to participate in the tournament with his parents.

Paul noted that participants were required to compete in the age group of their youngest member, which means he and Christopher, 31, had to enter the 19-34 category despite Paul being 61. Nevertheless, the family held their own against younger competitors. 

Paul shared that he discovered pickleball about two years ago, with his enthusiasm for the sport influenced by his background in tennis. 

“I’ve played tennis since I was ten,” he said. “It didn’t take long to pick up pickleball.” Now, the Heyers are regulars at the local courts, continuing to practice at the Landrum Methodist Church on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. They also play at Stearns Gym and McMillen Park in Boiling Springs. Paul and Chamie took lessons from Josh and Ingrid Goldstein of Freefall Pickleball.

Heyer gives credit for their success to their son Cody as well. “My son Cody was there at the tournament coaching us, without his coaching, we would have never won any games, much less the championship,” he said. “If it weren’t for him, we would not have won.”

The family faced some challenges during their pickleball journey, especially when Chamie sustained a serious ankle injury that kept her off the court for several weeks. 

As the Heyer family prepares for the World Championships in Dallas, they’re excited about their journey in pickleball and the camaraderie it brings. “Winning gold medals is great,” Paul said, “but sharing these experiences with family makes it even more special.”