A few years later Williams changed the name of the organization to the United States of America Pickleball Association.

[3] To help promote the game the first honorary member of the organization, number 00001, was President Ronald Reagan.

A complimentary pickleball set was sent to the White House, but it's not known whether Reagan ever played the game.

The Nalley Fine Foods Company, also based in Tacoma, was acquired as the organization's first sponsor.

Golden Tickets that allow participation in the National Championships can be earned by winning events in one of the following: