ST. GEORGE, Utah — When Pokémon Go first launched in the summer of 2016, Kellie Hafen did not set out to become a top tier player, let alone a community leader. She simply wanted to support her two sons.
“They were in their 20s, but they were like, ‘Mom, can you drive us around and let us try and catch things?’” Hafen recalled with a chuckle. “So a couple evenings we would get together, head over to Tonquint Park, and they would run around. I thought, ‘You know what? While I am sitting here in the car, I am going to join.’”
She chose Team Instinct and began catching Pokémon from the driver’s seat. Before long, she was not just keeping up with her sons. She was outpacing them. The friendly family competition eventually faded, but Hafen was hooked for good.
What started as a quirky family pastime soon became something much larger: a vibrant community connecting players across generations throughout St. George.
Bridging generations and healing through play
Over the years, Pokémon Go has helped bridge age gaps across the local area in ways few expected. Children, teenagers, parents and seniors gather at local hotspots including Town Square, Tabernacle Street, Main Street and the local college campus.
For Hafen, the game also provided a vital lifeline during a challenging health crisis. After health issues left her homebound for nearly a year, her grandchildren and the Pokémon Go community inspired her to get back outside.
Her family formed a group they dubbed the “Go Team,” with customized player names including GoGetm, GoRydge, GoRowdy, GoMooMoo, GoJeeperCreeper and GoDaytona. Together, they began exploring local parks again. The shared goal brought renewed energy and healing during her recovery.
A space for everyone
In the early days of the game, Hafen noticed that mobile gaming often felt dominated by younger male players. As one of the first women in the region to reach level 40, achieving that milestone was a personal triumph.
“It has always been kind of a boys’ club,” she said. “At the very beginning, you did not see very many women or girls. But now there are so many, and that is what is so exciting. It was an accomplishment for me. You have got to use your mind, build your Pokémon and think strategically.”
Beyond individual achievements, the local community thrives on mutual aid and inclusion. Experienced players mentor newcomers on game mechanics, resource management and battle strategies. Local volunteers working through Niantic’s Wayfarer program have also spent months nominating new PokéStops and Gyms throughout St. George, expanding playable areas so more residents can participate close to home.
A legacy of connection and remembrance
The St. George community has also learned to lean on one another through heartbreak. Players preserve their shared history by honoring early community members including Song Gao, known to friends as Frank, who died in a car accident.
Community members fondly name their Rayquaza Pokémon “Frank” and dedicate Rayquaza raids in his memory, helping the bonds forged through the game endure.
Looking to the future
During major events such as June’s Go Fest, more than 150 players gathered along Town Square and Main Street to battle in raids and trade Pokémon. Hafen is now in the final stages of applying for the official Pokémon Go Community Ambassador program. If selected, the designation would bring official rewards, physical giveaways and expanded game stops to the St. George area.
Regardless of the outcome, Hafen’s focus remains on fostering connection and welcoming anyone who wants to participate. Her message to people curious about a local meetup is simple: come as you are.
“We have doctors, lawyers, nurses, policemen, teachers, bank loan officers, hairdressers, bakers, housewives, and the list goes on,” Hafen said. “So many families with kids can play on an iPad or phone and spend time outdoors doing something free and safe together.”
