Bibb County High Schools Bet Big on Pickleball: High schools in Bibb County, Georgia, are forming new pickleball clubs to give students more opportunities for physical activity. Southwest High School launched its club this season, with Principal Bernard Young saying students have shown enthusiasm for the sport. Howard High School followed suit, creating a team of its own.
“A lot of kids at my school are not playing tennis,”. But I felt like they could get involved in pickleball. As I spoke with the PE teachers, they said whenever they bring out pickleball, the kids get excited about it.”(Principal Bernard Young told WGXA)
Growing Interest in Pickleball
Pickleball, a fast-growing sport, has gained popularity in the area. Howard High School’s Charles Beima saw an opportunity to engage more students and started a team. Ellie Farriba, an ESOL teacher and part-time pickleball coach at Howard, said the sport is a great way to get students moving.
“I’m just so excited to see them running around,”. “I’m with them all day in the classroom, and they’re sitting in class and so sedentary.”(Ellie Farriba)
Unlike other competitive sports, pickleball is easy to learn and welcomes players of all skill levels.
“That’s the big thing about recruiting,”. “You don’t have to be a prized athlete or have been a starter on the football or basketball team forever… Anyone can pick up a paddle and play.”(Principal Bernard Young)
A Sport for Everyone
Students from different sports backgrounds are giving pickleball a try. Some, like Howard junior Eduardo Laba, who already plays multiple sports, are finding ways to incorporate their skills into the game.
“It’s because it’s like, I play like all my sports in pickleball,”. “I’m playing baseball when I use my paddle… I’m playing soccer at the same time.”(Howard junior Eduardo Laba)
The growing popularity of pickleball has sparked discussions about its future in high school athletics. Young believes it could eventually become an official high school sport.
“As it gets closer to being an Olympic sport, I think it’s going to be a high school sport as well,” (Principal Bernard Young).
Looking Ahead
Macon has already been recognized for its strong pickleball community, and Farriba hopes to build on that reputation. With multiple courts available in the city, she envisions inter-school competitions.
“Eventually, we want to have Southwest versus Central versus Howard,”. “We’ve got 26 (courts) down here, 32 at the mall. There’s no reason we shouldn’t have it as a sport in high school.”(Ellie Farriba)
News in Brief: Bibb County High Schools Bet Big on Pickleball
High schools in Bibb County, Georgia, are forming pickleball clubs to offer students new athletic opportunities. Southwest and Howard High Schools have already started teams. Educators believe the sport’s rising popularity could lead to its inclusion in high school athletics. Local schools hope to host inter-school competitions in the future.
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