Luverne Area Pickleball Association Expansion: Pickleball is booming in Luverne, Minnesota, thanks to the Luverne Area Pickleball Association. Led by Greg Antoine, the group has grown quickly since it started in 2023. The club offers games for all ages at outdoor and indoor courts throughout the year.
Greg Antoine, who once coached tennis for Luverne Public Schools, first learned about pickleball in 2017. He and his wife, Barb Antoine, played the sport while visiting the Black Hills. When they returned home, they realized Luverne had nowhere to play.
“It’s really fun and anyone can play. It’s a cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong,” Greg Antoine said.
Growing Courts and Membership
The Luverne Area Pickleball Association began by using a tennis court at Luverne High School, cutting it down to fit standard pickleball size.
“We knew one court wasn’t going to cut it, so we asked to make two pickleball-sized courts on the west end of the (LHS) tennis court,” Greg Antoine said. “We painted those two. The school bought two (pickleball) nets and LAPA bought another.”
During warm months, members play outside near the high school from 8 to 11 a.m. on weekdays. For winter play, the group uses St. Catherine’s Catholic School gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the Minnesota National Guard Armory on weekday mornings.
“You don’t have to be a member. Just show up or bring your family. It’s an easy game,” Greg Antoine said.
Reaching Beyond Luverne
Word about the Luverne Area Pickleball Association has spread to nearby towns. The group now has over 50 members from places like Iowa, Hills, Edgerton, and Pipestone.
Greg Antoine said he and his wife even helped the city of Hardwick measure a court for their own pickleball players.
“The mission of LAPA is to promote pickleball in Luverne. That’s as simple (of a mission statement) as we could get,” Greg Antoine said.
Looking Ahead
In the future, the group hopes to have a permanent space open all year. Greg Antoine and Barb Antoine also teach pickleball lessons through Luverne’s Community Education program.
Games are posted on the Play Time scheduling app, making it easy for anyone to join.
News in Brief: Luverne Area Pickleball Association Expansion
The Luverne Area Pickleball Association, started by Greg Antoine, has over 50 members playing indoors and outdoors in Luverne. The club began in 2023 and offers lessons and open games. Leaders hope to find a permanent year-round site as interest in pickleball keeps growing.
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