Georgia High School Pickleball Makes History: High school pickleball took a major step forward in Georgia this weekend as Rome High School hosted the inaugural Georgia High School Pickleball Tournament. Teams from Seckinger High School, North Gwinnett High School, Paideia High School, and Rome High School competed, marking a milestone for the sport at the high school level.
A Growing Sport Reaches High Schools
Pickleball has rapidly gained popularity in the U.S., fueled by professional leagues like Major League Pickleball, which launched in 2021. Atlanta is represented in the league by the Atlanta Bouncers, a team owned by Anheuser-Busch and NBA star Trae Young. Now, the sport’s influence is expanding to high school athletics, providing students with new opportunities to compete.
North Gwinnett Takes the Title
North Gwinnett and Rome displayed strong performances early, but as the tournament progressed, Paideia and Seckinger emerged as serious contenders. The North Gwinnett Bulldogs, led by sponsors Amy Cornett, Heather Sample, and Leslie Dendy, ultimately secured the championship.
Seckinger High School made a significant impact as well, showing marked improvement throughout the day. Six Jaguars took the court in competition, while two additional players attended to support their team. The tournament fostered a competitive yet spirited atmosphere, bringing together players, coaches, and supporters in celebration of the sport.
Building a Future for Pickleball
The event underscored the growing community around high school pickleball. Fans and parents created an energetic sideline presence, emphasizing the sport’s increasing appeal.
Seckinger High School, in particular, is focused on the sport’s future. The school already has 40 middle school athletes participating in the Jones Middle School pickleball program, providing a strong foundation for continued growth.
“The growth is real, and the love for the game is spreading fast among students, families, and staff,”
said Seckinger sponsor Jonathan Williams, who also coaches football and track and field.
What’s Next?
With high school programs embracing pickleball, the sport is poised for further expansion. Schools may see more teams forming and tournaments increasing in frequency, giving students more chances to compete. As interest continues to rise, Georgia could become a leader in high school pickleball nationwide.
News in Brief: Georgia High School Pickleball Makes History
The first Georgia High School Pickleball Tournament took place at Rome High School, featuring teams from North Gwinnett, Seckinger, Paideia, and Rome. North Gwinnett emerged as champions, while Seckinger showed strong development. The event highlighted the sport’s growing presence in schools, with expanding programs pointing to a bright future for high school pickleball.
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