A New Era of Pickleball: Before this school year, most Seatack Elementary students had never heard of pickleball. That changed quickly, thanks to the efforts of teacher and club sponsor Andy Stark.
“If you ask them about sports, the vast majority of them say football, basketball, and baseball. So getting them out here to experience something completely different and really enjoy it has been one of my favorite parts about doing this,”-(Stark)
Embracing a New Sport and Building Community
Student Tobias Shaw echoed the excitement, saying, “I love that I get to learn new things about it and experience a new sport I might fall into in the future. And I’ve met a lot of new people in here.”
The catalyst for this newfound enthusiasm was Jim Aldrich, owner of Pickleball Virginia Beach. He invited teachers and students to try the sport earlier this year. “The kids are just now learning how much fun us old people are having and they’re starting to come out in droves,” said Aldrich.
The result? Students enjoyed it so much they started the first pickleball club in the beach school district.
A Perfect Fit for Achievable Dream Academy
Seatack Elementary’s embrace of pickleball isn’t just about fun; it aligns perfectly with the school’s ethos. Seatack is one of six Hampton Roads schools that house the Achievable Dream Academy, a curriculum focused on social, academic, and moral education. Clubs like the pickleball club are integral to this approach, promoting social development and new experiences.
“A lot of the kids have been surprised by how much patience is involved. Because they all want to come up and slam the ball and get that kill shot,” – (Stark)
“They have to be calm, they have to pay attention. It’s not as easy as some people might think, so they have to concentrate on what they’re doing,” – (Aldrich)
Pickleball’s Positive Impact on Students
The benefits extend beyond physical activity. “It really helps me get my mind off things even when I get really frustrated and I think it’s really fun for me,” shared one student player.
As pickleball’s popularity grows, Seatack Elementary has set a precedent that other schools in the district might follow. The enthusiasm and community spirit surrounding the new pickleball club could inspire a wave of young players eager to take up the sport.
News in brief: A New Era of Pickleball
Seatack Elementary in Virginia Beach has introduced its first pickleball club, led by teacher Andy Stark and supported by Jim Aldrich of Pickleball Virginia Beach. The sport, new to many students, has quickly gained popularity, fostering both physical activity and community engagement. This initiative aligns with the school’s Achievable Dream Academy curriculum, promoting social and academic development. The success of the club might inspire other schools in the district to follow suit, as students discover the enjoyment and benefits of pickleball.
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