So, what’s behind the pickleball craze? From the racquet to the ball this sport offers health benefits and thrills to be shared by friends of all ages. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned athlete, there’s something addictive about pickleball that keeps people coming back for more. Noah Lund, a freshman at Boulder City High School, says, ”I love pickleball, it is delightful to workout and have fun with your friends at the same time.” Noah is not the only recent pickleball convert–it seems like every student at BCHS is taking up the sport.
What exactly is pickleball? and why has it captured the hearts of millions across the globe? Originating in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball did not take long to catch on. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S with over 36 million players as of 2024. The sport is now played in over 70 countries, and there is an International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) promoting the sport worldwide.
High Schools all across the United States are contributing to pickleball’s growth by announcing school sponsored pickleball teams and clubs. With the sport skyrocketing in popularity, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more schools announce pickleball teams in the next few years, including state championships or national youth tournaments.
One of the key reasons for pickleball’s popularity is that, whether you are a senior citizen or a senior in high school, pickleball appeals to all age groups. Some say it is a slower version of tennis, which makes it easier to pick up and more accessible to all levels of athletes (or non-athletes). It combines rules and features of familiar sports like badminton, table tennis, and tennis, it is also intuitive and easy to understand. Most importantly, the sport is really easy to take up–all you need is a pickleball paddle, a wiffle-style ball, some friends, and your neighborhood tennis or pickleball courts.
Due to this accessibility, anyone can enjoy it. Whether you are just having fun on a weekend night or if you like the more competitive atmosphere of a local tournament, there’s something for everyone. Freshman student at BCHS Quinn Gibson says, “Pickleball is a very fun sport to play. Especially when you get tons of people together…you are able to have fun and strengthen your relationships.”
Boulder City is also doing its part to make the sport more accessible to everyone. Not only can you play Pickleball in 70 countries, but Boulder City has announced their contribution to the growth of the game by building new pickleball courts. Construction on the courts, which will be at the Veterans Memorial Park, started in late January of 2025. With the addition of these new courts, Boulder City should be able to keep up with the growing demand of pickleball players. If you are one of the few people in the country that has not yet played pickleball, grab your friends and head to the courts. You won’t regret it!
