Brady Days Pickleball Tournament Debut: Pickleball will be featured at Brady Days this weekend with a beginner’s tournament taking place on Sunday at Palmer Park, starting at 11 a.m. Megan Huddle of Brady, who has been teaching pickleball throughout July, is organizing the event to support the local courts and grow community interest in the sport.
Tournament Set for Sunday at Palmer Park
The pickleball tournament is open to all skill levels and will use a round-robin format, meaning each player will compete against everyone else. Participants do not need a partner. The $10 entry fee will go toward court maintenance in Brady. Megan Huddle said, “I will have some awesome prizes too!”
Local Leader Builds Pickleball Momentum
Megan Huddle discovered pickleball four years ago after retiring from roller derby. “I just can’t sit still and I wanted to do something else. I happened to be working with a guy who mentioned pickleball. I had kind of heard about it, and long story short I went out with him one time and he taught me how to play and it stuck,” said Huddle. “I absolutely love it!”
Since then, she has not only enjoyed the game but has also introduced it to others. “Pickleball has grown significantly even in the time I have been playing it. It’s boomed! When I go to leagues and play on my ladies leagues, I see people there all the time that I don’t recognize,” she said.
New Courts Make Play Possible in Brady
The Village of Brady worked with Megan Huddle to develop new pickleball courts by updating the old tennis courts. “So I told them what all they needed, they approved some money, and now there are two courts that have permanent nets. They also painted another court that you can put a temporary net on,” said Huddle.
Last year, Huddle wanted to hold a tournament during Brady Days, but the courts were not ready in time. Now, with completed courts and growing interest, she is ready to host the event.
Pickleball for All Ages and Skills
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines parts of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball on a small court. It is easy to learn, making it fun for players of all ages. Megan Huddle has been offering beginner classes each Thursday in July to help more people join in.
“You don’t even really need to know the rules; you just have to know the gist of it. Come on out and play!” said Huddle.
Why It Matters
The Brady Days pickleball event shows how fast the sport is growing in small towns. Thanks to community support and leaders like Megan Huddle, new players are getting involved. With more tournaments and beginner clinics, pickleball could soon become a regular activity in Brady.
News in Brief: Brady Days Pickleball Tournament Debut
Pickleball will debut at Brady Days with a beginner tournament on Sunday at Palmer Park, led by Megan Huddle. With new courts in place and rising interest, the round-robin event welcomes all skill levels. Entry fees will help maintain the courts, and prizes will be awarded to participants.
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