Board Member – Nellie Schafer

Nellie moved to Eugene in August 2021 after being named the Director of Operations for Oregon Volleyball and Women’s Lacrosse. Originally from the Midwest with ties to Wichita, KS and Green Bay, WI, Nellie has been involved in team sports since she could walk. While attending the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Nellie was the sole “Hydration Facilitator” for Green Bay Women’s Basketball, which was ranked in the AP Top Ten for women’s basketball and a first-ever program Sweet 16 appearance. Nellie’s work and dedication to the team was featured in an NCAA March Madness tournament blog written by Graham Hays.

Nellie attended the University of Connecticut (UConn) for her Masters in Sport Management. During that time, Nellie worked for UConn Women’s Soccer, UConn Women’s Basketball and the Center for Career Development. Her four year stint at UConn helped lay the foundation for her passions: women in sport, the impact of sport in and on society and how sport creates a sense of belonging for participants. 

Nellie was introduced to Pickleball during the Covid-19 pandemic. She enjoys playing and the new folks she has met in Eugene and Oregon through the sport. Nellie hopes to continue to grow the game in the Eugene area and help create and foster an environment so all folks participating can feel a sense of belonging and be a part of a pickleball community that promotes friendship, camaraderie and a place for all.