St. Petersburg High School’s Pickleball Club: St. Petersburg High School has turned old tennis courts into six new pickleball courts as part of its fast-growing Pickleball Club. Started by students three years ago, the club now has 50 members and meets every other Wednesday after school, with a mini-bracket tournament once a month.
Student-Led Growth
The Pickleball Club began as a small student group and quickly gained attention. With more students joining each year, unused tennis courts were transformed to meet the demand. Club members helped get the courts ready, and the school, along with sponsors, provided paddles, balls, and nets.
Rachel Koral, the school’s visual arts department chairperson, serves as the club sponsor. She is also a certified professional pickleball instructor and has played the sport professionally for three years.
Fun for Everyone
Pickleball is played with a plastic ball with holes and uses paddles. It mixes parts of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It’s popular because it’s easy to learn and fun to play.
Students can play in singles or doubles, and no experience is needed to join. “There are a ton of athletes and a ton of non athletes – anyone can come and anyone can play pickleball in our club,” Rachel Koral said.
What’s Next
Pickleball is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Rachel Koral believes it won’t be long before it becomes an official high school sport. At St. Petersburg High School, the club’s growth shows how students are excited to be part of this rising game.
News in Brief: St. Petersburg High School’s Pickleball Club
St. Petersburg High School’s Pickleball Club now has 50 members and six new courts. Students meet twice a month to play, with monthly tournaments. Led by certified instructor Rachel Koral, the club welcomes all skill levels. Pickleball’s fast growth may soon make it a high school sport.
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