In Washington, nearly one hundred community members and pickleball enthusiasts gathered July 11th & 12th at the Daviess County Pickleball Courts for the second annual Daviess Community Hospital Foundation Pickleball Tournament. This heartfelt event honored the legacy of the late Dr. Suresh Lohano—a beloved local physician, family man, and passionate pickleball
enthusiast.
The tournament opened with remarks from DCH Foundation Director Angie Steiner, Kavita Lohano, wife of the late Dr. Suresh Lohano, and Dr. Vasdev Lohano, brother of the late Dr. Suresh Lohano and physician at Daviess Community Hospital.
“This event is more than a tournament—it’s a tribute to someone who gave so much to this community,” Steiner said. “Dr. Lohano loved the game of pickleball, but more importantly, he loved people. The proceeds from this event will support a scholarship in his name to assist students pursuing careers in healthcare.”
Kavita Lohano thanked the players, volunteers, and DCH hospital volunteers who braved the uncertain weather to ensure a successful event. “Suresh would be so happy to see everyone enjoying his favorite sport. We miss him terribly, but we appreciate that this event is a way to remember him.” Dr. Vasdev Lohano described his brother’s deep love for pickleball and family. “He pulled pretty much every one of us into the sport,” Lohano said. “This is the perfect way to honor him—he loved this town
and would be so proud.”
Competitive Spirit and Community Support
More than 70 youth and adult players from across Indiana and Kentucky participated in the three-day tournament. Winners hailed from communities spanning Zionsville, Indiana to Louisville, Kentucky. Competitions spanned a variety of skill levels, with several brackets awarding medals, including:
- Women’s Singles (combined):
o First: Miranda Camp
o Second: Peyton Lengacher
o Third: Allison Anderson - Men’s Singles (combined):
o First: Kristin Stewart
o Second: Nick Raber
o Third: Connor Rodgers - Women’s 3.0 Doubles:
o First: Tracy Phegley and Sandy Engstrom
o Second: Shannon Graber and Jessica Kavanaugh
o Third: Clarabelle Blake and Isabelle Blake - Women’s 3.5 Doubles:
o First: Kim Scirfres and Lisa Powell
o Second: Samantha Nelson and Regina Blinn
o Third: Karen Hoover and Allison Anderson - Men’s 3.0 Doubles:
o First: Chris Hoover and John Anderson
o Second: Courtney Kavanaugh and John Cromeans
o Third: Matthew Struck and Evan Smith - Men’s 3.5 Doubles:
o First: Keith Morton and Matt Sponn
o Second: John Chuang and Sean O’Rourke
o Third: Chi Song and Jessie Campbell - Mixed Doubles 3.0:
o First: Brittany Craney and Matthew Struck
o Second: Chris Hoover and Karen Hoover
o Third: Courtney and Jessica Kavanaugh - Mixed Doubles 3.5:
o First: Aamna Siddiqua and Shane Raley
o Second: Melba Covel and Kim Stoll
o Third: Lisa Powell and Jessie Campbell - Mixed Doubles 4.0:
o First: Stacey Foster and Sean O’Rourke
o Second: Samantha Nelson and Nick Brames
o Third: Matt Sponn and Regina Blinn
A paddle and a dozen balls were awarded to David Underhill of Washington, and a weekend-long silent auction—including custom baskets created by the Lohano family—drew strong community participation.
Community Generosity and Recognition
While final totals are still being calculated, the event is projected to have raised approximately $13,000 in support of the DCH Foundation’s mission. The Foundation extended gratitude to the following sponsors:
- Smash Level ($3,000): City of Washington, Daviess Community Hospital, Shake Broadcasting
(WAMW), WWBL - Golden Pickle ($1,500): Premier Primary Care, True RX Healthcare Strategists
- Ace ($1,000): Bill Dobson Ford, Daviess County Visitor’s Bureau
- Volley ($500): GPC, First Financial Bank, RTC Communications
- Dink ($250): Jimmy John’s (RLP Enterprises LLC), Terri Kelso Insurance, Nasco, Deam Dentistry Committee members recognized for helping plan the event include Bill Dobson and members of the Daviess County Pickleball Board and Committee.
Looking Ahead
While formal plans for 2027 are not yet in place, early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees and participants already expressing interest in returning next year. “This was a beautiful way to honor Dr. Lohano’s spirit and the many lives he touched,” Steiner said. “We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.”
For more information about the Daviess Community Hospital Foundation or to donate in memory of Dr. Lohano, visit www.dchosp.org.