Pickleball in Tennessee State Games: The State Games of Tennessee kicked off in Jackson with events including pickleball, track and field, youth baseball, softball, and volleyball during the first weekend. Pickleball saw a large turnout, and local player Renae Adelsberger won three gold medals, earning a spot at the 2026 State Games of America.
Big Weekend for Pickleball
Pickleball was the only sport that ran on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Johnathon Chung, Owner of Guiding Star Insurance, served as the lead volunteer. He reported strong participation, with over 200 people playing over the weekend and about 50 on Thursday. Many players entered multiple events.
Johnathon Chung emphasized the importance of making visitors feel welcome.
“We got a ton of positive feedback,” Johnathon Chung said. “Mostly, when I gave my morning huddles, I expressed enthusiasm and said, ‘Hey, you are probably going to be the only face that these people see that links to Jackson. Smile, be happy, be full of that southern hospitality, welcome people, ask them their names, tell them what restaurants [to go to], and be hospitable.”-(Johnathon Chung )
Players ranged in age from 25 to 75. Despite the heat and humidity, no heat-related injuries were reported.
Chung also said that next year, the event will aim to be more inclusive.
“The city actually finished Conger Park’s ramp, so the top courts are now ADA-accessible, so that’s something that I feel is very important that we want to get more exposure for,” he said. “That’s where we want to be; we really want to include the whole state.”-(Johnathon Chung )
Gold Medals for Renae Adelsberger
Renae Adelsberger, a Jackson resident, had a great first experience at the State Games. She won three gold medals in pickleball and now qualifies for the 2026 State Games of America in Pennsylvania.
“I wore my gold, called my mom to put her on FaceTime, and just really let myself enjoy it because I feel like sometimes as adults we take ourselves too seriously, and it was just fun,” -(Renae Adelsberger)
She admitted she didn’t expect to win gold in all three events.
“I thought my partner and I could probably be in the top three, but it never occurred to me that I would get gold three in a row. That was pretty cool.”-(Renae Adelsberger)
Renae Adelsberger began playing pickleball a few years ago. Her mother encouraged her to give it a try.
“It’s a way to get out as a family and have a good time and enjoy each other without screens, it’s always a good thing,” -(Renae Adelsberger)
More Events to Come
The second weekend of the State Games, on June 14 and 15, will include disc golf, corn hole, a 5K trail run, and a 5K run. Wedge golf is scheduled for June 22.
Winners of gold medals in all events can compete at the 2026 State Games of America.
News in Brief: Pickleball in Tennessee State Games
Pickleball brought energy to Jackson during the State Games of Tennessee. Volunteer leader Johnathon Chung praised the hospitality of his team, while Renae Adelsberger earned three gold medals and a trip to nationals. Events continue with more competitions on June 14, 15, and 22.
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