Pickleball Journey in Lufkin: A Lufkin, Texas resident recently discovered a love for pickleball after months of hesitation. Despite joining a local gym and observing the game, it took eight months for him to take the plunge and become part of a league. Now, he’s hooked on the sport and community, having even earned a second-place finish in his first tournament.
The Journey to Pickleball
In August, a man from Lufkin, Texas joined a local gym to become more social and engage in physical activities. Soon after, he noticed a pickleball league at the gym, which met on Monday nights. He thought about joining but hesitated for months, unsure of whether it would fit into his routine.
Although he had opportunities to play, such as with his daughter and son-in-law on Monday afternoons, it wasn’t until early March that he finally signed up for the league after encouragement from a fellow participant. The first few weeks were challenging, but he enjoyed meeting new people and participating, even though he couldn’t win many matches.
Tournament Play and Surprising Results
In early April, a co-worker encouraged him to enter a local pickleball tournament. Despite not winning many matches during the tournament, he was surprised to find that his team earned a second-place medal in their age division. “Well, that’s really all it takes for me,” he shared.
Pickleball: More Than Just Winning
While his tournament experience was filled with losses, the social aspect of the sport stood out. For him, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about the community, the people involved, and the fun of the sport. “It’s a community of people that are pretty competitive, talk a little trash, and seem to enjoy each other’s company,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Now, he is considering playing in another tournament and plans to continue attending the Monday night league. While he acknowledges the need for improvement, he remains excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in the sport.
News in Brief: Pickleball Journey in Lufkin
A Lufkin, Texas resident has found a new passion for pickleball after joining a local league and competing in his first tournament. Despite initially hesitating, he is now hooked on the sport and the community, earning a second-place finish and looking forward to future competitions.
ALSO READ: Noe Khlif’s Pickleball Journey: How His Biggest Supporter Stands by Him