SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The community came together for the second annual Logan’s Little Warriors Pickleball Tournament, a fundraiser aimed at supporting a local nonprofit’s goals to protect at-risk youth from drug addiction. 

The tournament at Cosumnes River College was held to help raise money for Logan’s Little Warriors, a nonprofit based in Elk Grove. The nonprofit was founded by Kerrie Hill in memory of her son, Logan Hugentobler, who passed away in 2022 due to an accidental drug overdose. He was 40. 

The organization focuses on empowering young people through outdoor programs that build self-confidence, teach essential life skills and provide a positive support system. Proceeds from the tournament will go toward funding a dedicated camp where at-risk youth can gain the tools they need to succeed.

Hill found solace following her son’s death by playing pickleball and thought that it was a great avenue to help support the nonprofit. 

“After I lost Logan, I decided I needed to do something for my mental health,” Hill said.

“Exercising isn’t that fun for me, but I said, ‘OK, for 75 days I’m going to play pickleball every day’ and I just fell in love with the game. It got me out of the  house, out of my head and let me focus on something else. And it came to me, well: a pickleball tournament; what a great way to do a fundraiser.”

The nonprofit is in the process of finding land and generating funds to help support their mission. The vision has expanded from an initial sketch on a piece of white paper, up now to a full 3D rendering, created by Dimensions Landscape and Hardscape. 

“It’s really grown,” Hill said. “We really have a lot of support, and we have a lot more fundraising and sponsors. We are always looking for sponsors that maybe don’t have the time to create something like this that we have created but someone who is able to help support us financially.”

Held over the weekend on March 22 to 23, the event drew pickleball enthusiasts from across the region. It was the second year in a row the nonprofit has held the fundraising tournament, having grown from 75 teams in 2024, to around 100 teams in 2025 across multiple skill levels in men’s, women’s and mixed divisions. 

Despite intermittent sprinkles, players showcased their skills on the busy courts, while spectators enjoyed the competitive yet friendly atmosphere. 

Volunteers and sponsors also played a crucial role in making the event a success, with local businesses contributing prizes, refreshments and financial support.

Hai Nguyen of Elk Grove said she has been playing pickleball for two years, but wanted to attend the event to help support the nonprofit in its vision. 

“It’s so much fun,” said Nguyen. “You meet new people; everyone is so friendly. It’s just overall a fun game.”

Jayson Galutira attended from Fresno to partner with his brother-in-law. 

“It’s very well organized and my brother-in-law is in here so I get to visit him,” Galutira said. “The local scene is very welcoming.”

With the success of this year’s tournament, Hill said the plan is to keep marching toward their goal of building the camp to help honor Hugentobler. 

“There has been a lot of positive feedback,” Hill said. “The tournament is well run, and they really do believe in our vision of creating a camp for kids where they teach them some life skills.” 

As the tournament wrapped up, winners were awarded medals and trophies. 

For more information about Logan’s Little Warriors and how to get involved, visit loganslittlewarriors.com.