Benson Elbert
Seniors Natalie Garcia, Delaney Meyers, Georgia Karlson and Kennedy Schwab participate in senior class pickleball nights to bond with their class going into the fall semester.
Pickleball has taken the world by storm, becoming the newest craze for all age groups. What began as a sport for older adults is now a worldwide phenomenon whose popularity is skyrocketing.
Recreationally, it is easy to find an outlet for this sport. Pickleball is played in teams of four, making it a great sport to connect with friends. Fresno Christian students have taken interest, with the junior class initiating weekly pickleball nights and the senior class playing regularly at home courts. The competitive nature of pickleball has introduced a new way to bond as a class.
Rachel Garcia, ‘27, plays because her friends began to play at the weekly pickleball nights started by the juniors. She claims it’s fun and a refreshing change of pace compared to their usual hangouts. Playing pickleball is not about the competition but about the community and the people you meet along the way.
Pickleball is also a great way for families to connect. FC alumnus, Casey Belmont, ‘02, plays pickleball regularly with three generations of his family.
“I don’t know of any sport that is better at allowing different ages and abilities to compete together,” Casey Belmont said.
Pickleball is played in pairs with games that go to 11 points. Each point is played by underhand serving and rallying to make the opponents hit the ball out of bounds or into the net. A team can only score points when they are serving, which makes it more challenging and different from tennis.
Another stipulation of pickleball is the rule of no volleying in the kitchen. Players cannot enter the kitchen (the smaller box at the front of the court) and cannot hit the ball out of the air during the first two rally shots.
Locally, pickleball enthusiasts can play competitively in tournaments hosted by Copper River Country Club or Sierra Sport and Racquet. Many FC students have participated in tournaments competitively. FC Athletic Boosters Club have even hosted a pickleball fundraiser to support FC sports programs. Tournaments are popular for both cash prizes and to raise money for non-profit organizations.
Braden Belmont, ‘26, Casey Belmont’s oldest son, plays baseball and football for FC, but took up pickleball for fun and sometimes participates in tournaments.
“I have played in a couple smaller tournaments, and they are really fun,” Belmont said. “One was at Sierra Sport and Racquet Club. Even though it was a tournament, there was a strong sense of community, and everyone was so nice to each other, regardless of the competitiveness.”
Is pickleball here to stay? Many recreational sports have shown their popularity and decreased just as quickly as they began. When jazzercise had its surge of popularity during the 1970s, it was a hyper-fixation for so many women, but then the public quickly moved on. What makes pickleball different from other sports trends like spikeball, CrossFit and rollerblading is that it has a familiar framework similar to tennis, badminton and table tennis.
Many believe pickleball is here for the long run. What began as the latest craze during COVID due to social distancing and the disparity in fitness outlets became a sport that connected people of all age groups and skill levels. Pickleball is easy to learn and appropriate for people of all fitness levels. Unlike other trendy recreational sports, pickleball has stayed in the fitness circuit for five years and shows no signs of slowing in participation. Pickleball has a low barrier to entry, as you just need inexpensive equipment, and it’s easy to find a place to play.
This summer, the Fresno City Council budgeted $143,159,200 for the PARCS Department. Plans were released to build local courts at several places around the city as part of that budget, including eight Rotary East Park courts. $1.2 million was spent overall at Rotary East with funds from ARPA, Measure P, park impact fees, and District 6 infrastructure funds. Now community members have more options for local courts with more plans to build courts on the horizon. East Rotary Park on Cedar Avenue, only 1 mile from FC, has 10 courts open to the public.
Pete Romero is a local pickler, who has played about eight months at Rotary East Park with a group of friends.
“It’s all about making friends and having a good time and exercising,” Romero said. “It doesn’t matter if you win because it’s no big deal if you win or lose.”
Kennedy Schwab, ‘26, is an avid pickleball player and frequently hits the court with her family and friends. People take up pickleball for different reasons. Schwab began to play because of the courts that are right by her house.
“I think pickleball is so popular because it is easy to learn and anybody, at any skill level, can have fun!” Schwab said. “I would say it’s different because all you need is a net, a paddle, and a ball to play.”
Several local high schools have courts with a “bring your own net policy.” Membership-required clubs like Copper River and Fig Garden Swim and Racquet Club have courts that are frequently used.
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