Pickleball has taken the sports world by storm. Being a relatively easy sport to pick up and with endorsements from celebrities like Lakers star Lebron James and retired tennis star Serena Williams, pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport. According to the Pro Pickleball Tour, there was a 15.6% increase in the number of courts in America, with 6,000 new courts added in 2023. Additionally, there are currently 36.5 million pickleball players in the United States, an increase of nearly 158.6% over the last three years per the Association of Pickleball Professionals.
Pace has also noticed the sport’s popularity. With the new pickleball club, many students play pickleball in their free time and their free periods. “Pickleball is an amazing activity that you can do for exercise and play with your friends,” said senior Noah Benz. “It’s a great social sport.”
On Oct. 29, Miracle Knights and the pickleball club joined forces to host a pickleball tournament at Pace to fund money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “ This was one of our big fundraising events,” said co-president of Miracle Knights Reid Richardson. “We decided to partner with the Pickleball club because we thought it would be a great opportunity for both clubs.
Though there was a $20 entry fee, there was still a massive crowd of 40 students excited to compete for the championship. “It was the most fun thing I’ve ever done,” said Junior Zachary Segall. “I think the event went really well,” said Richardson. “We had a really big turnout, and I think everybody had a great time.”
In the end, juniors Harrison Silver and Thomson Brumfield won the tournament. “It was very fun and a good cause,” said Brumfield. “The tournament was kind of easy though.”
This tournament will be the first of many. “We will definitely be hosting more tournaments in the future. We are planning on hosting one this Winter so stay tuned!” said Richardson. “Pickleball is a growing sport and is becoming very popular for all ages. I would not be surprised if Pace has a pickleball team in the next 5-10 years.”