Tampa Pickleball Crew Revolution: The Tampa Pickleball Crew, a business founded by four women in 2023, has helped bring new life to Ybor City, one of Tampa’s oldest neighborhoods. The team transformed a deserted warehouse along Adamo Drive into a busy pickleball center. Their efforts reflect a bigger change happening across the area: old streets and buildings are being revitalized into places where people can live, work, and play.
A New Sport in a Growing Neighborhood
Jennifer Plummer, Kayla Goldman, Susan Forsyth, and Dene started the Tampa Pickleball Crew in a 1950s warehouse with support from Ybor City developer Darryl Shaw. The building now has twelve courts separated by skill level, offering a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced games. While the space is covered, it is not air-conditioned.
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a small court, similar to tennis but easier on the body. It’s especially popular with older adults, but it’s now attracting a wider audience. Courts around town are often full, and finding players at the same level can be hard. Tampa Pickleball Crew makes this easier by organizing structured games and training sessions.
During a Saturday class for beginners, players learned the basics like serving, court position, and rules of the “kitchen,” the area near the net. After an hour, everyone in the class was improving. One participant, Traci Salem of South Tampa, said, “I’m usually a yoga and pilates girl, but I wanted to try something new. It’s what the kids are doing!”
The location is easy to reach from areas like Brandon, Riverview, and South Tampa. With major projects like the Channel District, Water Street, and the future Gasworx development nearby, interest in the area is expected to rise.
A Fun and Growing Community
Jennifer Plummer, a former teacher, said she never thought she would end up in the sports business. She and the co-founders had what she called “this crazy idea” and found the perfect spot to make it happen. Since then, they’ve learned how to handle permits, fix water leaks, grow membership, and plan events.
Kayla Goldman, a social media expert, runs their Instagram page, which has close to 10,000 followers. The videos show the high energy of the space, with players laughing, high-fiving, and enjoying friendly games. Even though the building isn’t air-conditioned, people take water breaks to cool off in the Florida heat.
The Tampa Pickleball Crew has doubled in size over the past year. They hope to do it again this year. Their offerings include monthly memberships, drop-in play, clinics, tournaments, kids camps, and even corporate events.
When asked about possibly being across from a new stadium in the future Gasworx project, Jennifer Plummer responded, “We can’t wait!”
The Future of Ybor City
Ybor City, once known mostly for nightlife, is becoming a lively place during the day too. More people are living there, new businesses are opening, and old buildings are being brought back to life. What started as a busy center outside of downtown Tampa is returning to its roots.
Tampa Pickleball Crew shows that sports and fun can help revive a neighborhood. As more people come to Ybor to play, live, and work, this community will continue to grow.
News in Brief: Tampa Pickleball Crew Revolution
The Tampa Pickleball Crew is helping revive Ybor City by turning an old warehouse into a busy pickleball center. Founded in 2023, the business is growing fast and attracting people from all over Tampa. The facility brings fun, energy, and a fresh purpose to a historic area.
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