Pickleball is becoming an increasingly popular sport for people of all ages. Players and fans of the sport alike have been using their love for the game to form clubs where everyone can enjoy the sport. Sophomore Lucy Jones is one of the founders of the new Pickleball Club at West.
“I went to Ferris State Tennis Camp as one of our rotations as drills, and we had pickleball, so that was the first time I played,” Jones said.
The meetings will take place on Fridays after school. Members do not have to bring their own paddle if they do not have one.
“For right now, because the school doesn’t have pickleball lines, we’re gonna go to the courts by the dog park on Division St.,” Jones said.
Students of any experience level can join the club to learn more about pickleball and to enjoy an activity outside of school.
“My goal that I hope to achieve by joining Pickleball Club is to learn how to actually play by the rules,” sophomore Campbell Lamb said.
Experience with other sports can help students to easily transition into a new sport by using their previously learned skills.
“I play tennis. I think that will help with the pickleball club because pickleball is kind of like volleying in the sport of tennis, so I think that will help me,” Lamb said.
Boys tennis coach Ed Bernard is acting as an advisor for the club. Having played tennis his entire life, he has recently found his passion for pickleball.
“Pickleball gives you decent exercise without a lot of running. I recently had both of my knees replaced and it is much kinder to my body than tennis is,” Bernard said.
The club is focusing on providing a fun experience for anyone interested in pickleball.
“The goal for the club this year should be to gain knowledge about the game and have a lot of fun,” Bernard said.
