About Us
Pickleball Ambassador & Certified Coach
Meet Melinda Alcosser
An avid pickleball player, certified Level 2 IPTPA coach, and experienced travel designer, Melinda Alcosser is the visionary behind Carpe Dink’em. Her passion for pickleball and travel has shaped a career dedicated to creating experiences that inspire connection, growth, and joy.
— Melinda Alcosser
The Carpe Dink’em Story
Seize the Day,
Seize the DINK!
Carpe Dink’em was born from Melinda’s dream to unite her passions for pickleball and travel. With her extensive connections through the Signature Travel Network, Melinda designs trips that allow travelers to play, explore, and engage with local cultures.
Each trip blends cultural exchange, service learning, and experiential travel with world-class pickleball experiences. Whether it’s a custom vacation or a group retreat, Carpe Dink’em combines the thrill of discovery with the joy of sport.
Peaceful
Communities
See the
world with us
Learn & have
new experiences
Teamwork &
Friendly competition
Through Carpe Dink’em Pickleball Vacation Adventures (PbVA), Melinda curates exciting, pickleball-focused vacations that connect travelers not just to beautiful destinations, but also to the local cultures and communities they visit.
By combining these elements, Carpe Dink’em marries the joy of play with a broadened perspective, building trust and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.
The Curious History of Pickleball From Its Origins As Picklepong 1959 - 1963
The Invention of the Invention of Pickleball, Now Revealed!
There is more to the story of how Pickleball began and got its name. Told from someone who was there to witness the earliest iterations of this now well-loved sport …
Once I (Melinda) began playing this fine game some years ago, my husband Patrick recalled his childhood memories of being at the “pitch” at his aunt Gretchen’s side yard when his family played a game, they fondly called Picklepong.
It was played a lot and offered as entertainment during political fundraisers hosted by this well-connected side of Pat’s family, who had multiple houses in the area, including this one located on Whidbey Island. Their gatherings were in support of (soon-to-be elected as Senator) Joel Prichard, and attended by William Bell, Barney McCallum and a host of others who took part in the game. Aunt Gretchen made her famous Gherkins pickles by the thousands, and along with the play, getting “pickled” took place both on and off the courts!
In his memoir A Curious History of Pickleball From Its Origins As Picklepong, 1959 – 1963 Patrick shares comical memories of this early play, references Washington State’s history through his detailed prose and corresponding photographs.
Enjoy the read and be sure to check out the recipes section with food and drink options to host your own perfect pickleball party!
Join Us On A Journey
At Carpe Dink’em, we create more than vacations—we craft meaningful adventures where you can improve your skills, connect with fellow Pickleball enthusiasts, and explore beautiful destinations around the world.