The pickleball craze has taken the world by storm. Currently the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., this combination of tennis, Ping-Pong, and badminton is played by people of all ages, from five-year-olds to Florida grandparents in retirement communities. So in the fall of 2024, LION Illustrator Will Bridges ‘27 and Charlie Pelling ‘27 decided to formally bring this global favorite to the LT community. 

“[Student Activities Director Kris Costopoulos] was very supportive of the [club] and helped to bring [School Counselor Class of 2029 Alex] Ip on board as the sponsor,” Bridges said. “He suggested we contact Selkirk [Sport] for donations of equipment, and we were able to get some nice paddles and balls. Pickleball has really increased in popularity, and we are excited to bring it to the LT community.”

Initial talks with the activities department raised concerns about year-round practice space due to construction barriers. As a result, the Stipend Committee tabled the proposal in December 2024 until last spring, when Spring Rock Park opened following the development of new pickleball courts. After a long wait, the club had its first official meeting this year on March 25.

“Right now, we’ve reserved two courts at Spring Rock Park every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for the rest of the school year,” Bridges said. “We usually occupy another two to three courts if they’re available. We typically meet at the courts and split into different levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) to ensure fair matches. We play doubles, so everyone has enough playing time.”

All players who attend can use the equipment provided by the club from Selkirk Sport free of charge. Currently, the club leaders are still considering how to ensure pickleball is available year-round for its members by finding indoor space. Cost of netting and gym space are the main stipulations the club needs to work around, but there are plans to do so. 

“I love pickleball, and I also help organize a staff group that plays together in the fall and spring,” Ip said. “It is my newest passion…I have been playing for about three years; I also love all racquet sports; I currently help coach/consult with our badminton program.”

Also in the future, the club leaders seek to expand into tournaments with neighboring schools. Having fundraising tournaments for LT teachers and students is a goal to help finance a traveling team and increase a sense of school community through pickleball. Ultimately, the leader’s main focus is to ensure the club’s continuation beyond their graduation, co-leader Cade Roberstson ‘27 said. 

“It is a good use of after-school time, good weather, and a great way to meet new people and have fun,” Robertson said.

As the school year comes to a close, the Pickleball Club looks forward to growing the program in the next school year and making pickleball a popular LT activity for all to take part in. 

“I do not have a long history with pickleball,” Robertson said. “I picked it up around two years ago, during the summer, and found that it was really fun and a great use of my time. I played with my friends a lot that summer and picked up the game quickly, and now I play weekly.”