AYUMI IIZUKA

Ayumi Iizuka

owner | la heat

Ayumi was introduced to pickleball in the late 1980s — and like many loyal tennis players, she resisted giving it a chance. In fact, she resisted for more than 30 years. But the moment she finally picked up a paddle, she was hooked.

Today, she serves as Director of Pickleball at El Caballero Country Club, where she develops competitive players, builds community, and grows the game from the ground up.

Off the court, Ayumi is an actor, improviser, and writer — a creative spirit who brings energy and personality to everything she builds. She’s also a devoted rescue mama to a house full of cats and dogs.

She’s owned many things in her life — but this is only the second time she’s owned a pickleball team.

With LA Heat, she’s not just building a roster — she’s building culture, opportunity, and a team that competes with heart.