Chelsea Henzon bags two gold in Guam pickleball tourney

Chelsea Henzon came home with two gold medals—but for her, it meant more than just winning.

Competing in the 2026 PGA Spring Pickleball Tournament held Apr. 25-26 at the Tamuning Tennis Courts in Guam, the Saipan standout took first place in both Women’s Singles Advanced and Women’s Doubles Advanced, teaming up with Satomi Castillo.

The tournament came shortly after Super Typhoon Sinlaku hit the region, making the win carry extra meaning as the CNMI continues recovery efforts. The tourney was actually scheduled for Apr. 18-19.

“I feel very honored and blessed playing for the CNMI especially right after the typhoon,” Henzon said. “It means a lot knowing that I can bring home a win in a time like this.”

She said the experience went beyond competition.

“The tournament was super fun. I got to meet so many passionate pickleball players in Guam,” she added. “The pickleball community in Guam is similar to our community as they are very passionate in the sport. Pickleball really brings communities together. 

Henzon also pointed to the diversity of players as something that stood out. “There were younger and older people playing which just shows how the sport can connect everyone.”

In doubles, she credited consistency and communication with Castillo. “We communicated really good during the game. Also her gameplay style really complemented mine, with her good setups and me being able to put the ball away.”

As for her singles match, she said adjusting to the conditions was key. “My strategy was to keep my opponent moving while keeping a calm mindset. The wind was strong so I had to make sure that my shots were just above the net to avoid the ball getting picked up by the wind.” 

She then dedicated her win to “God, then to my parents Ernie and Joan Henzon, my friend Blessie Maratita, and Dr. Rizza Liwag for making this trip possible, and lastly to the CNMI—we need all the positivity we can get in hard times like this.”