South Plainfield’s Pickleball Facility: South Plainfield Middle School recently held its inaugural pickleball tournament, providing an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their skills in the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
Event Overview
On January 21, 40 seventh and eighth-grade students participated in the after-school tournament, organized by physical education teachers Natalie Harrell and Cheryl Hughes.
Jeremiah Saint Louis and Isabella Rotondo, eighth graders, emerged as the winners, earning bragging rights and prizes for their performance.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
Pickleball is the number one up-and-coming sport in America, so we definitely wanted to introduce it to our students. We ordered pickleball equipment a few years ago and, ever since, we have tried to implement the game in class.” – (Cheryl Hughes)
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Its straightforward rules and the ability to be played indoors or outdoors contribute to its widespread popularity.
Health Benefits and Youth Engagement
Physical education teacher Natalie Harrell emphasized the cardiovascular benefits of pickleball, noting that regular play can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
“Pickleball has great cardiovascular benefits, and regularly playing can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.” – (Harrell)
With growing interest in the sport among school-age children, the teachers are looking to expand the program further.
Youth Pickleball Camp
In addition to the tournament, South Plainfield Middle School will host a Youth Pickleball Camp for borough students in grades 5 through 9. The winter session will run from February 24 to 28, 2025, at the middle school, from 3 to 4 p.m.
“Our students love playing, so we wanted to give them an opportunity to play outside of school.” – (Cheryl Hughes)
The camp will provide participants the chance to improve their skills while enjoying a fun, social atmosphere. Students will also decorate a shirt for a tournament held on the final day, with prizes awarded to the top two finishers.
The winter session costs $100 per student, with registration available through Google Classroom (using the code ‘hdyhtqq’). The camp is limited to 40 players and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Looking Ahead
“The Youth Pickleball Camp will be a fun way to play a sport that is not really offered anywhere else. Since the camp is being held outside of school, students will have the opportunity to participate in a unique sport while also hanging out with their friends. It will really be a fun, upbeat, positive environment.” – (Harrell)
The camp promises to provide an upbeat and positive environment, offering a unique chance for students to engage with their peers in a growing sport.
News in Brief: South Plainfield’s Pickleball Facility
South Plainfield Middle School held its first-ever pickleball tournament on January 21, 2025, with winners Jeremiah Saint Louis and Isabella Rotondo. The school will also offer a Youth Pickleball Camp from February 24 to 28, 2025, for borough students in grades 5-9, focusing on skill development and fun.
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