Easton Area High School’s Pickleball Club: Easton Area High School has launched a new pickleball club for students, offering a fun and community-focused alternative to traditional sports. The school’s board of education approved the club earlier this month, and it is being led by history teacher and baseball coach Sean Boylan, along with student leaders Adi McLean and Karissa Georges.
Club Origins and Purpose
The idea for the pickleball club came from McLean and Georges, both sophomores, who started playing the sport over the summer. McLean learned from a friend, and Georges was taught by her brother.
After realizing the school didn’t have a pickleball club, they decided to start one. McLean said she enjoys the non-competitive nature of the sport.
“It’s really just a fun thing to do after school,” she said. “You don’t have to worry about messing up or anything.”( Adi McLean)
Club Activities and Challenges
The club has been meeting at public outdoor courts in Easton, but cold weather and limited indoor spaces have made it difficult to meet regularly. Boylan explained that indoor courts are often occupied by other winter sports like basketball and wrestling. Despite this, the club has managed to attract about 36 members.
Boylan, who is a beginner himself, was introduced to pickleball by coach J.R. Sames.
“It just kind of took off from there for me,” (J.R. Sames),
referring to his initial experience with the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic. Boylan and Sames are dedicated to keeping the atmosphere fun and inclusive for all participants.
Student and Faculty Perspectives
Sames sees the club as an opportunity to engage with the community and help students discover a growing sport.
“Being involved in the community and in something that’s growing is really cool,”.(J.R. Sames)
Senior Ashton Haykin enjoys the social aspect, particularly bonding with teachers over the game.
“I like to go on one with [Sames] and beat him every time,” (Senior Ashton Haykin).
Sania Santiago, a senior and the club’s treasurer, is hopeful the club will one day become a varsity or junior varsity sport. Santiago, who has been playing pickleball more competitively, got involved through her boyfriend’s family.
“They’re super competitive, so they kind of just started this snowball effect with me,” (Sania Santiago).
Looking Ahead
Boylan is optimistic about the future of the club, hoping it could eventually become a varsity sport.
“We just want to get the kids together and have a good time,” (Sean Boylan).
While it’s still in the early stages, he believes that in 10 to 15 years, pickleball could be a major part of the school’s sports program.
Senior Patrick Melan shares his enthusiasm, noting that the club could inspire other schools to start similar programs.
“If we put our heads to it and put our minds to it, I think we can really make this a great thing,” (Senior Patrick Melan).
The pickleball club at Easton High School is not only giving students a new way to stay active but also fostering a sense of community and fun among students and faculty. The club’s founders hope their initiative will grow and inspire others to get involved in the sport.
News in Brief: Easton Area High School’s Pickleball Club
Easton Area High School launched a pickleball club, led by teacher Sean Boylan and students Adi McLean and Karissa Georges. The club promotes fun, non-competitive play, attracting 36 members despite challenges with indoor space. Students hope it will become a varsity sport and inspire other schools to start similar clubs.
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