Pickleball is becoming a popular activity in Winona, Minnesota, where players of all ages are finding fitness and friendship on the court. Residents like Jill Johnson are calling it life-changing, spending several days a week playing at the new indoor Winona Bluff Pickleball Club. With new courts opening and more people joining, the sport is growing fast.
A Place to Play and Connect
Jill Johnson, a Goodview resident, now spends up to four days a week at the Winona Bluff Pickleball Club.
“We play a couple times a week, and it’s just become a second home for me. I’m there sometimes four times a week.” – (Johnson)
She used to play tennis and ping pong, and started playing pickleball as her kids grew older. Now, it’s a key part of her weekly routine. Like Johnson, many others in the area have joined the growing number of people interested in the sport.
To meet this demand, new courts have been added, including those at the Winona Mall. The Winona Lions Club is also raising money to build more courts at Sobieski Park.
Open to All Ages
Levi Henry, a coach at the Winona Bluff Pickleball Club, said he teaches players as young as 7 and as old as 79.
“I feel like the community is so diverse in the fact that everybody can play it, and that’s what makes it so exciting.” – (Levi Henry)
He started playing at age 16 at outdoor courts in Winona and later moved indoors. He liked the club’s five indoor courts, bathrooms, temperature control, and lounge area. After two years of playing, Henry now teaches others how to play.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Instructor Jenny Brusco came to pickleball after many years of playing tennis.
“There’s no sport like it.” – (Jenny Brusco)
She said it mixes parts of ping pong, badminton, volleyball, and tennis.
“It’s a combination of ping pong, badminton, volleyball and tennis. Until you learn it, it doesn’t make sense.” – (Jenny Brusco)
But she said it doesn’t take long to understand the game. Brusco said after 20 minutes of speaking with someone new to the game, they are usually ready for their first round. After that, “You just get addicted to it.” Player Cindy Brown also enjoys the sport, especially the friendships she has made. She plays twice a week.
Health Benefits and Mental Break
Levi Henry added that the game helps improve heart health and hand-eye coordination. “I like the community and the fun, and I love that you’re doing cardio and not feeling it at all,” said Stacy Hermann, owner of the Winona Bluff Pickleball Club and Iron Bluff Fitness. She started playing while visiting her daughter in Florida and liked that it felt more like fun than exercise.
“I kind of just got a love of playing it with the cardio aspect of it being fun and not feeling like a workout. For me, that’s what I really enjoyed.” – (Hermann)
She also said it helps reduce stress.
“It definitely is a stress buster. Being super busy, I look forward to this as a little mental break and getting those endorphins going.” – (Hermann)
Even experienced players find the game exciting and challenging.
“Every day is a challenge. There’s always something to work on no matter who you’re playing with.” – (Brusco)
What the Club Offers
The Winona Bluff Pickleball Club has many options, including open play, court reservations, private lessons, and small clinics. It also offers players a chance to meet others through leagues and, in the future, tournaments.
News in Brief: Winona Bluff Pickleball Club
Pickleball is growing in Winona, Minnesota, with more people joining local clubs like Winona Bluff Pickleball Club. Players like Jill Johnson and coaches such as Levi Henry enjoy the sport for its health benefits and social connections. New courts and programs are helping make pickleball part of daily life.
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