Pickleball in Statesboro: Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., is becoming more popular in Statesboro. Students and residents are flocking to limited courts at the Sue Oertley Tennis Complex to enjoy this easy and active game.
Pickleball’s Simple Rules and Rising Numbers
Pickleball blends parts of badminton and tennis. Players compete on a 20×44-foot court, smaller than a tennis court. Games are played with two or four players. The goal is to hit the ball into the opponent’s side and score 11 points to win.
The sport has been around since the 1960s, according to USA Pickleball. However, interest has exploded in recent years. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports a 158.6% increase in players over the past three years, with about 8.9 million players as of 2022.
Statesboro’s Growing Interest in Pickleball
Statesboro is feeling this growth too. Georgia Southern University’s Campus Recreation and Intramurals offers a pickleball league and tournaments. Bulloch County Recreation also hosts a pay-to-play league open to all ages.
Currently, the only place to play is at the Sue Oertley Tennis Complex, located at 1 Max Lockwood Drive. It has just six courts available.
“During my first semester here at Georgia Southern, I would play Pickleball a lot, and we usually played for about 2-3 hours,” said James Neal, a Georgia Southern student. “Usually, when we are out there, the courts are usually super full or only have one or two spots open, which makes it really hard for me and my friends to play.”
Students Enjoy the Sport’s Social Side
Even with limited space, pickleball remains popular with students.
“I mean, I love Pickleball. I see a lot of familiar faces that play there,” said Brooks Robinson, a Georgia Southern student. “My friends and I play there a lot, but we usually play at night after we’re done with class. It’s a fun and engaging sport that always connects people.”
Many students find it easy to join in because the game requires only paddles, a ball, and a court.
“I love the sport because it definitely helps me to stay active,” said Daniel Pritchett, a Georgia Southern student. “It helps me to meet new people, and it’s a great way for me to get out of my dorm and take some time off from schoolwork.”
News in Brief: Pickleball in Statesboro
Pickleball’s popularity is rising fast in Statesboro. Students and residents crowd the six courts at the Sue Oertley Tennis Complex. Georgia Southern University and Bulloch County Recreation offer pickleball leagues. Students enjoy the game for its social and fitness benefits. Demand for more courts could grow soon.
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