CCPC Member Spotlight

Scott Young

Leslie was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan and attended Lakeview High School. Upon graduation from Lakeview, Leslie continued to be a spartan by attending Michigan State University. Growing up, Leslie wanted to be an artist and eventually became a high school science teacher. Upon having her daughter (Annabelle) with her husband of 24 years, Gary Minneman, Leslie stopped working to enable the ability to be home and raise Annabelle. The concept of staying healthy and feeling good are main motivations for Leslie as all of her favorite hobbies include active participation. In her free time, Leslie enjoys playing pickleball, snow skiing, playing golf and boating in the summer. Leslie also enjoys all college sports and always roots for her Michigan State Spartans. Leslie’s husband and daughter are Michigan Wolverine fans so she finds herself often times rooting for them as well. As far as professional sports, Leslie is a big Detroit Lions fan and is enjoying their recent success very much.

After suffering multiple injuries playing tennis, Leslie decided to give pickleball a chance stating “pickleball has given me a way to stay active without getting injured (yet) and meet some new friends.” Leslie has found joy in playing pickleball for several reasons over the last couple of years but her greatest joy is the ability to be active and play together with her husband, Gary. Leslie was acquainted with the Cereal City Pickleball Club upon playing in a joint fundraiser between the club and the Battle Creek Country Club pickleball group. Leslie currently uses a six zero double black diamond paddle because she like the light weight of the paddle and the sense of control it gives to her game.

Leslie wants to be remembered as a kind person and if she could give advice to an 18-year-old today she would tell them to “try new things even when you don’t think you’ll be good at them. New experiences can change your perspective and it helps you grow when you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone.”

Leslie has been a great addition to the Cereal City Pickleball Club and we are very happy and lucky to have her as a part of our club.