Victoria Regional Pickleball Association’s (VRPA), Gorman Lee, has been an active member of the racquet sports community his entire life, maintaining an active lifestyle through badminton, tennis, squash, racquetball, and pickleball.
Recently, Gorman has added the role of instructor with the VRPA to his pickleball resume, spreading his knowledge and love of the sport to the Victoria community. Gorman took the time to answer some questions about his role with the VRPA, his introduction to the sport, and what he enjoys most about coaching in the community.
Q: Can you introduce yourself?
A: My name is Gorman Lee. I was born and raised in Victoria, BC, and I’m proud to be an instructor with the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association. I’ve been fortunate to stay active through sports my whole life, and now I get to share that passion by helping others discover and improve at the game of pickleball.
Q: You were a badminton player for many years — can you speak briefly to that and maybe what you’ve enjoyed about racquet sports?
A: Before I got into pickleball, I spent many years playing badminton, which was my main racquet sport. I also dabbled in tennis, squash, and racquetball over the years. What I’ve always loved about racquet sports is that they offer a great mix of physical exercise, mental challenge, and the competitive element — all of which keep me engaged. Beyond that, sports have given me the chance to build lasting friendships. That’s especially true with pickleball — it’s incredibly social, and I’d say that’s one of the greatest joys I’ve found in it. I’ve met so many friendly, high-quality people through the sport, and that community aspect is something really special.
Q: How did you get introduced to pickleball?
A: That’s actually a bit of a funny story. Years ago, a friend mentioned pickleball to me, and at the time, I had no idea what it was — other than it involved a plastic ball with holes in it. I kind of brushed it off, thinking it was mostly for “older people.” Fast forward a few years, another friend of mine got into the game and encouraged me to give it a try. I finally did — and I was immediately hooked. It surprised me how dynamic, fun, and accessible it was. I quickly realized there’s a lot more to the game than people might assume.
Q: Can you talk about your instructor role with pickleball?
A: I’ve always enjoyed helping others improve and sharing what I’ve learned along the way. While I was in Austin, Texas last year, I was helping friends learn the game and they said to me, “You should really consider coaching — you’re good at this.” That stuck with me, and it motivated me to pursue my certification. I’m now a Level 1 Certified Pickleball Instructor, and I’ve really embraced the opportunity to guide newer players, help them build their skills, and deepen their enjoyment of the game.
Q: What are some highlights you can take away from instructing and playing pickleball since you became more involved in the sport?
A: One of the biggest highlights for me as an instructor is witnessing those “aha” moments — when a student suddenly gets it. Maybe it’s a tip about footwork, paddle position, or shot selection, and you see the lightbulb go off as it clicks and they pull it off successfully. That’s incredibly rewarding. On the playing side, I’ve loved the opportunity to meet players of all levels and backgrounds — whether here in Victoria or while travelling. It’s such a welcoming community, and every game is a chance to learn something new.
Q: Anything you are looking forward to with instructing, playing, or planning related to pickleball?
A: Absolutely! One of the great things about pickleball is how portable it is — I love being able to travel and bring my paddle with me wherever I go. It’s much easier than hauling around a set of golf clubs! I’m also looking ahead to continue with volunteering for the Activating Youth Pickleball Program in BC along with taking my Level 2 Instructor Certification to continue developing as a coach. The game keeps growing, and I’m excited to grow alongside it, both as a player and an instructor.
Q: Anything you’d like to add?
A: I just want to say how grateful I am to be part of the pickleball community — both locally here in Victoria and beyond. It’s been amazing to see how inclusive, fun, and supportive the sport is, whether you’re a beginner or have been playing for years. If you haven’t tried it yet — give it a shot. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Also, if anyone is looking to improve their game, I’m available for private lessons — whether one-on-one or in a group setting. I’d love to help you take your skills to the next level in a fun, encouraging environment.
About Vancouver Island Pickleball
Vancouver Island Pickleball celebrates the growth and diversity of the Island’s pickleball community, sharing stories, updates, and resources that showcase the people, places, and passion driving the sport forward. With a vibrant social media presence and dynamic coverage, VIPB connects local and visiting players alike, highlighting the Island as a destination where pickleball and community thrive together.
Learn more at vancouverislandpickleball.ca. The Island’s pickleball resource.