Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is a paddle sport played on a court similar to a badminton court but with a lower net. Pickleball has gained in popularity because it has a low learning curve and it can be played with friends anywhere there is a court. Pickleball is a social sport where players are able to meet all kinds of new people.
“It is a great sport to get up and go out with your buddies when you are looking for something to do,” Evan Gyurko, senior, said. “I would be open to getting a group of friends together at our school to play the sport in either a club or sport form.”
Athletic Director for Strongsville High School Jason Keppler is open to the idea of bring the sport to the school if possible, acknowledging how popular it has gotten. He has seen the increase in the popularity of pickleball and supports the idea of students having easier access to play.
“I believe it is a sport that a majority of people can play, from kids all the way until senior citizens. It is a sport everyone can have a lot of fun with. The more courts built city to city will increase the popularity of the sport even more. I would absolutely bring it to the school, if we can get it started somehow. I do not know anyone that has played and has not had a good time,” Keppler said.
A number of SHS students have spent countless hours at the new courts at the newly completed Town Center Park with their friends and families. The courts have allowed students to meet new friends and play competitive matches against different skill levels.
“I enjoy playing with Nick Unik and Michael Rusinko because they are great competitors. I love playing with my friends and meeting strangers at the new courts to play against,” Andrew Durica, senior, said.
Pickleball is often referred to as a universal sport because it is very easy to learn and accessible to many different age groups. The rules are very simple and easy to understand, so beginners can start playing quickly without a steep learning curve. The equipment is also affordable and portable. People can set up a game anywhere — parks, gyms, driveways, community centers.
“It is a very easy activity to do with your friends even if you are not the most athletic. Playing against different skill levels can make you get better yourself,” Violet Keefe, junior, said.
The opening of the new courts in Strongsville increased the popularity of the sport locally.
“It’s great to be outside with all the guys having fun, especially with the new courts in Strongsville. I enjoy playing with the guys and continuing to get better,” Jonah Kuhar, senior, said.
While many students play year-round sports that take up a majority of their time, pickleball serves as a less demanding activity, allowing students to continue to manage the sports they have played for years.
“If we got tournaments going with prizes, people would join for sure,” Kuhar said.
Students’ love for pickleball at the school has grown tremendously over the past couple of years. Bringing the sport to the school in either a club or real sport form would give students the opportunity to learn something new.
“I would be interested because it is very fun and an opportunity to hang out with your friends. You can all get together after school to play something you enjoy,” Michael Rusinko, senior, said.
Unlike other more traditional sports that require a lot of skill or strength to start, pickleball is welcoming to beginners. With more courts opening up in cities and more tournaments being played, pickleball is becoming a mainstream sport that may eventually be brought to schools nationwide.
