Gabe Joseph married his longtime love, Neeka, this past October.

When the two met while working together at a tennis club, Neeka never could have imagined this is where life would take her.

“I worked in the office and he was a tennis and pickleball coach,” she revealed. “Our first date was actually playing pickleball.”

Neeka wasn’t very familiar with pickleball at the time, so she had no idea just how skilled Gabe truly was.

“I thought it was so weird at first because the court is so small compared to a tennis court,” she mentioned. “But the date itself was funny because I was iffy about him. I hadn’t decided if I liked him yet.”

During their date, Neeka saw many qualities in Gabe that made it clear he’d be a great life partner.

“He was very nice and so supportive and encouraging with me on the court. We had such a good time,” she explained. “Even when I watch him give lessons at the club, everyone has such a good time with him because he has such great energy and he’s so nice.”

After watching Gabe compete courtside at numerous PPA Tour events, Neeka has seen firsthand that those qualities hold strong, even against the game’s toughest competition.

“I love how compassionate he is, and I actually do see that reflected in how he plays. He’s really nice. There’s no sh*t-talking,” she insisted. “Sometimes he’ll yell at himself, but he’s never been disrespectful to an opponent. I love that he’s respectful to everyone around him.”

That said, watching her husband compete is still a nerve-wracking experience.

“I get so nervous. I feel like I’m going to throw up when I watch him,” admitted Neeka. “I actually don’t speak when he’s playing. I think it’s better to just be calm and keep him calm. It helps him stay mentally in the game, but it’s so stressful watching.”

It may not be the typical newlywed life, but after years of dating and supporting Gabe as he built his pro career, she has loved every moment of the ride.

“The lifestyle is very different because he’s on the move and constantly traveling. He’s also Director of Pickleball at Calabasas Pickleball Club, so he works full-time and travels for tournaments,” noted Neeka. “I tease him that he needs to make some time for me.”

Gabe has been steadily elevating his game, too, and Neeka couldn’t be more thrilled with all he’s achieved.

“I’m beyond proud of him and what he’s accomplished,” she concluded. “He’s going out there, playing his game, and even when things don’t go his way, he uses it as motivation to work harder and train better next time. I’m so proud of him.” 

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