From Yoga Mat to Pickleball Champion: Meet Donna LaRene

At the Hastings Lake YMCA, you'll often find Donna LaRene starting her day in yoga class with instructor Steve, taking a swim, or fitting in a workout in the wellness center. But beyond the Y, Donna has built an impressive reputation on the pickleball court as the current Midwest Pickleball Champion.

Donna's athletic journey began years ago when she played tennis in high school. While living in Schaumburg, she first heard about pickleball, but she admits she wasn't immediately impressed. "I thought it was an old person's sport," she laughs. After trying it, she didn't connect with the group she was playing with and decided it wasn't for her. Everything changed after she moved to Antioch. Exploring different places to play, Donna found a welcoming community of friendly and outgoing players. The positive atmosphere helped her rediscover the sport, and before long, she fell in love with the game. What started as a casual interest quickly became a passion.

Today, Donna competes at the 4.5 level, a highly competitive recreational and semi-competitive ranking. Never one to stop striving for more; her goal is to reach the 5.0 level, considered expert competition with professional-caliber players. Her dedication is paying off. Donna qualified for both the US Senior Pickleball Nationals in December and the USA Pickleball National Championships in November, giving her the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the country.

Off the court, Donna's life reflects the same spirit of service and determination. She is a wife, mother of one son, a former teacher, and has even spent time driving a school bus. Today, she volunteers with Hospice, continuing her commitment to helping others in her community. At the Y, Donna's love of wellness extends beyond pickleball. She is a regular participant in yoga classes, enjoys using the weight room and pool, and is currently taking courses at the College of Lake County to become a certified yoga instructor.

Whether she's pursuing a championship medal, supporting patients through volunteer work, or deepening her knowledge of health and wellness, Donna embodies the YMCA values of healthy living, personal growth, and community connection. We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and can't wait to see what she achieves next.