As one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., pickleball has taken over as a fun, engaging and competitive hobby. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, “pickleball has grown 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and an incredible 223.5% in three years.”
The sport does not discriminate against age, as pickleball is played by both teenagers and senior citizens. The game is played on a court a little bigger than half a tennis court and is played in doubles or singles matches to 11 points.
Pickleball is gaining popularity as an easy-to-learn sport with a collaborative and competitive nature. Palatine High School offers a pickleball club run by Joshua Ware of the Math Department. Open play is held once a week after school during the winter and early spring. Ware aims to create a welcoming atmosphere at the club meetings, as no experience is necessary.
“I’ve had a really fun time,” Junior Charlie Falkenberg said. “I get to play with friends, and it helps me get better at a hobby that I love.”
Palatine’s Pickleball Club has officially ended for the year, with Palatine hosting a multi-school tournament in late February. Palatine’s Falkenberg and Michael Ham finished second in the Scarlet Bracket, losing in a rubber match. Ishhaan Mishra and George Wagner finished as runners-up in the Grey Bracket after a tough match against Stevenson High School’s top doubles team.
Overall, the tournament was a fun and competitive way for students to team up and close out the season.
“I love seeing kids improve,” Ware said. “From game to game you see kids getting better, and it’s a lot of fun to see.”
With a strong finish to the year, Palatine’s Pickleball Club is looking forward to the next season. Set to return in the winter, the upcoming season will bring more competitive action and chances for new players to step onto the court.
