A Long Island teenager has found an unexpected source of friendship and life lessons with a group of his grandfather's elderly pickleball companions. Jackson Defendini, a 17-year-old senior at Farmingdale High School, spends his summer weeks playing pickleball with men in their 70s and 80s, forging bonds that he says have taught him the enduring value of friendship regardless of age.
What began as a fill-in role for Defendini has evolved into a cherished weekly tradition. He regularly joins his 82-year-old grandfather, Charles Lehecka, and Lehecka's friends—including 74-year-olds Frank Ferrara and Brian Abrams, and 80-year-old Sal Augello—for early-bird court sessions. Defendini, who is also a varsity football and lacrosse player and plans to apply to the U.S. Naval Academy, finds that these interactions offer more than just friendly competition.
"Sal is always teaching me little things on the court: 'Do this, gotta do this,' always giving me a heads up," Defendini told The Post. He also shares common ground with Ferrara over movies and enjoys Abrams's stories and jokes. The realization that they have many shared interests has cemented the intergenerational friendships.
"He's just part of the family," Ferrara said of the teen's integration into their group. The tradition started in 2024 when Lehecka needed a last-minute player, texting his grandson who he had been close with since childhood. Defendini initially didn't anticipate the depth of connection he would find.
"I didn't think much of it at first. But really what happened is I just met really amazing people," Defendini stated. The games themselves are competitive, with the older players often surprising Defendini with their skill and tenacity. "When we first played pickleball, he thought that he’d take it easy on us old guys," Abrams recalled. "And then he found out the old guys are pretty competitive – which he liked."
Beyond the pickleball court, Defendini also spends time with other older acquaintances, including 68-year-old Thomas Amendolara. Amendolara, a former student of Lehecka's who faced reading and writing challenges into adulthood, has inspired Defendini with his perseverance.
As the school year approaches, Defendini anticipates missing the camaraderie. He has described the experience in an essay, noting that these men will be influential as he navigates his future. His sentiments moved Augello to tears.
"He's definitely an inspiration. He's just a great kid. He's lovable," Augello said.
For Lehecka, the arrangement offers a unique opportunity to bond with his grandson. "I'm just very lucky—82, and I can go out and do this and do it with my grandson," he said. "Words can't explain how good it is."
Their shared activities extend beyond pickleball, including a joint fantasy football team for the past four years. Defendini is committed to maintaining these relationships, even if college takes him further away.
"I've always got to make time for that," he said. "If it's just one or 10 times, I've got to make it work. I have to see these guys."