Pickleball Passion John Phillips Story: John Phillips, a 94-year-old from Davidson County, North Carolina, is showing that age doesn’t stop you from staying active and social. He began playing pickleball at age 75 and now plays almost every morning at the Davidson County Parks and Recreation center. Phillips moved from Florida five years ago and has become a favorite among the local pickleball community.
“I usually get here around 8:30 and help get the courts started and set up,” John Phillips said. “And then I’ll play probably until 10:00. A lot of people play until 11:30, but at my age, by then I’m starting to get tired.”
A Sport for Exercise and Friendship
Phillips believes pickleball is great for both physical health and meeting people. He encourages others to give the sport a try, no matter their age.
“I think it’s a great sport,” John Phillips said. “I think a lot of people should get involved because it’s good exercise, but you also have a chance to socialize with a lot of companions and friends.”
A Beloved Member of the Court
Beth Gobble, a close friend of Phillips, admires his daily stretching and positive energy. She says people come to the courts just to play with him and have fun.
“He can serve, he can return it, he can dink, he can do it all,” Beth Gobble said. “We just have fun, we laugh a lot.”
Competing with Confidence
Phillips enjoys the game’s friendly competition. He says pickleball lets people of all ages take part and stay active.
“Some sports you’re kinda limited in age group,” John Phillips said. “But here, you can still be competitive at least at my age at 94. There are people better than I am and faster, but I still have fun.”
A Place for Everyone to Start
Those who want to learn pickleball can take classes through the Davidson County Parks and Recreation Department. New players might even get the chance to play alongside John Phillips himself.
News in Brief: Pickleball Passion John Phillips Story
John Phillips, age 94, plays pickleball daily in Davidson County. He inspires others by staying active, social, and joyful through the sport. Phillips encourages people of all ages to keep moving. The local recreation department offers pickleball classes for anyone who wants to join.
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