Carlsbad Through a Local’s Eye: Alice Han
If you’ve played pickleball in Carlsbad lately, you’ve probably seen Alice Han — smiling, welcoming, and bringing her signature joy to courts all over town. She’s the creator behind @pickleball_diaries and the unofficial captain of a long-standing group known as the Shady Ladies, a name that started over 12 years ago when a group of neighborhood moms met after summer camp drop-offs to play tennis. Some had played before, some were total beginners, but all of them showed up for an hour of laughter, movement, and “me time.” They wore big hats, big sunglasses, and always served on the shady side of the court… and the nickname stuck.
During the pandemic, the group traded tennis for pickleball and found themselves in a whole new era.
Today, you’ll find Alice on the courts daily, from Poinsettia and Rally House to Aviara, La Costa Greens, and beyond connecting with people of every age and background. Firefighters, students, retirees, nurses, artists, entrepreneurs… pickleball brings them all together, and Alice’s energy is often at the center of it.
Beyond the games, Alice is the Director of Special Projects, the organizer, Captain, Chief Executive Elf & lobber (IYKYK), and someone who pours herself into her community.
From fostering over 100 rescue dogs with Helen Woodward to teaching art in classrooms to caring for the chickens at Agua Hedionda Lagoon, she’s the kind of local whose energy and kindness ripple through the community. We asked Alice to share seven places and things she’s loving most in Carlsbad right now.
Here are 7 Things Alice Loves About Life in Carlsbad
The Pickleball Courts (all of them!)
You can find me and some of the Shady Ladies at any of the courts around Carlsbad and beyond everyday. We have so many options! From Pickleball Club of Carlsbad and Poinsettia to Rally House to Park Hyatt Aviara and La Costa Greens, I love that Carlsbad has so many places to play.
The Shady Ladies Crew
A sisterhood formed through tennis, solidified through pickleball, and held together by laughter, community, and many, many big hats and sunglasses.
Coffee Anywhere, Anytime
You can find me getting caffeinated at any Carlsbad coffee shop (not too picky).
Trader Joe’s
I love finding the new seasonal snacks or hot items to share with friends.
Shopping at the Forum
I’m either at Vuori or Alo picking up another tournament outfit and more recently at Tecovas since I might also now be in my cowgirl era.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
You can find me at the beautiful Agua Hedionda Lagoon volunteering weekly with my daughter caring for the chickens. We call it picking up chicken poop for the soul.
Leo Carrillo Ranch
I love the memories of taking my girls to Leo Carrillo Ranch and the wonder in their eyes when they saw the peacocks up close. Now I have such a fun memory having a Cowgirl Christmas picnic together with my friends. It’s also a beautiful location to take a stroll and a hot spot for family photos for holiday cards.
