Building Connections on the Pickleball Court

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When you think of a CPA, you might picture someone buried behind a desk crunching numbers. But that’s only part of the story for Sona Sefcikova, Audit Supervisor at JLK Rosenberger. A passionate pickleball player, Sona has found a way to integrate the sport into her professional life, using it to foster connections, help her colleagues grow, and even advance her career. What started as a personal hobby has become a powerful networking and team-building tool. Along the way, Sona has developed her skills enough to qualify for the Pickleball Nationals in Arizona this November.

Growth through Pickleball

Sona didn’t always love pickleball. In fact, when she was first introduced to it by a friend, she didn’t see the appeal. “It was my friend Calvin who brought me to pickleball,” Sona recalls. “We met on paddle tennis courts in Venice Beach but never talked much.”  That all changed in the fall of 2022 when she and Calvin began playing pickleball regularly, setting a goal to compete in the Masters the following January.

It wasn’t long before Sona realized that pickleball wasn’t just a fun sport but also a way to connect with people. “During casual, drop-in games, known as open plays , you meet people from all walks of life while waiting on the sidelines for your next game,” she explains. That social aspect, combined with the casual, friendly atmosphere of the game, made Sona see pickleball as more than a hobby. It was a powerful tool for networking and personal growth.

Pickleball: The New Networking Frontier?

In the business world, golf has long been known as a networking tool, but Sona believes pickleball is quickly becoming the new golf. “Pickleball is growing rapidly because anyone can start playing, but mastering it takes quite a bit of skill,” she explains. “You can play with people from different professions, and because the court is small and the games are often doubles, you’re in close proximity and constantly interacting.”

The accessible nature of the sport means it appeals to a wide range of people, making it ideal for building connections. “On the court, titles and hierarchies fall away,” Sona says. “You just play, have fun, and get to know people.”

For Sona, pickleball has become a way to connect with others inside and outside her firm. It offers a unique way to meet new people, strengthen existing relationships, and even foster professional development.

Leading Through Pickleball

Recognizing the benefits of pickleball, Sona decided to share the sport with her colleagues. She recently organized a pickleball clinic for JLK Rosenberger employees, combining her passion for the game with her leadership skills to create a memorable team-building event. “We had a divine time,” she says, describing the clinic that started with a 45-minute Zoom presentation covering the basics of pickleball. “I tried to make it fun by including slides of celebrities who love pickleball to get everyone excited.”

The on-court training was held at Scholl Canyon in Glendale, and despite the gloomy morning weather, the sun came out just in time. For two hours, Sona guided her colleagues through essential shots, explained the game’s scoring system, and helped them practice the fundamentals.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Fernando Austria, Senior Manager, commented, “I’m way past my athletic days, but even an out-of-shape dad like me can have fun playing. The mechanics are simple but hard to master. The challenge of hitting the ball just right makes it both difficult and rewarding.”

Michael Soulema, Audit Supervisor, also praised Sona’s approach: “Her class was structured, and she had clear goals for us. I really enjoyed learning and playing pickleball, and I can see why it’s becoming so popular. I’d love to build on what Sona taught us and keep improving.”

The clinic wasn’t just about teaching a sport; it was about bringing people together, having fun and learning something new. She definitely accomplished her goals by putting on the clinic.

Pickleball and Her Career

As much as she enjoys helping others through pickleball, Sona is also focused on her own game. This November, she’ll compete at the Pickleball Nationals in Arizona, a significant milestone in her journey. “My personal goal is to develop sufficient fitness to sustain two events in two days and to stay calm and smooth,” she says. The mental and physical challenges of pickleball mirror those she faces in her professional life, where patience, strategy, and focus are critical to success.

What she’s learned on the court helps in her role as an audit supervisor. “In doubles, you need to slow down, focus on strategy, and play a consistent soft game,” she explains. “It’s the same in auditing—taking a methodical approach always leads to better outcomes.”

Advice for Aspiring Players and Professionals

Sona offers simple advice for those interested in using pickleball as a networking or team-building tool: “Take a couple of lessons first. You’ll be invited to more games if you know what you’re doing.” She also emphasizes the importance of being approachable and friendly on the court. “Pickleball is all about connections—both with the game and with other people.”

Whether she’s helping her colleagues improve their game or competing on the court, Sona’s passion for pickleball is evident. It’s not just about the sport for her—it’s about using pickleball as a vehicle for personal and professional growth, and helping others do the same.

Bringing Passion to Work

At JLK Rosenberger, we know that a successful career means more than just putting in hours behind a desk. Sona’s love for pickleball is a great example of how we encourage our team to balance work with other passions – and to share those with each other. Sona values and admires the team she works with, and she’s eager to introduce them to the sport that has brought her joy. By promoting work-life balance and a culture of sharing, we want our team to bring fresh perspectives and energy to their work—and enjoy a fulfilling life both in and out of the office.