Martha’s Vineyard Pickleball for Change: The first annual pickleball tournament at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School brought dozens of players together on Saturday. The event, hosted by Stand With Everyone Against Rape (SWEAR) in partnership with Connect to End Violence, raised funds and awareness to support programs teaching young people how to challenge gender norms and address gender-based violence.
Community Joins for a Cause
Players of all ages, from beginners to experienced competitors, filled the school’s tennis courts for the tournament. The day was about more than competition, with organizers stressing the importance of SWEAR’s mission to educate students and inspire leadership in the fight against sexual violence.
“The sheer motivation that these kids have to do better and be part of ending gender-based violence is inspiring to all,”
said Jack Pachico, a former student and SWEAR participant who now works at the school.
“To have them be exposed to the topic and be so comfortable with conversations around it is a huge first step.”
Program Background
SWEAR began in 2015 as a student capstone project and has since become a major part of the school’s culture. The program selects students each year for a two-day retreat at Camp Burgess in Cape Cod. There, students discuss gender roles, masculinity, pornography, and the roots of sexual violence.
This year, 30 students joined the retreat, including 22 boys and 8 girls. Senior Avery Mulvey described the role of female participants during a past interview.
“Kind of our main job going on the retreat was to represent all women. We went there to listen and to learn, mostly… and to provide guidance when needed.”(Avery Mulvey)
Rodeo Purves-Langer, captain of the cross-country team, said locker-room talk was one reason he joined.
“I really wanted to know how to be an advocate for what SWEAR stands for, and how to kind of eliminate locker-room talk and set a better example for the underclassmen,” (Rodeo Purves-Langer).
Building Awareness
Amy Lilavois, co-advisor of SWEAR and wellness director at the school, said she sees firsthand how the retreat changes students.
“They go back to school after these two days transformed, and they are seeing things in the hallway and they are overhearing conversations. Men are part of the problem but it is a human issue. We just want boys to be aware of what exists.”(Amy Lilavois)
After each retreat, students share what they learned with classmates, creating a ripple effect across the school.
Voices from the Tournament
For senior Reese Malowski, volunteering at the tournament showed how the program connects the community.
“This event is really great because it is bringing so many people together towards, yes, pickleball, but it is centered around this conversation and this topic.
To have something happen and be able to support and connect all the organizations that help our community is really special.”(Reese Malowski)
Senior Elle Mone agreed, saying the retreat encouraged openness.
“It is not something that is really talked about, but seeing so much of our grade go and open up, be honest, and really dive into it and experience it was really amazing,” she said.
Looking Ahead
For SWEAR, the pickleball tournament was about more than raising money. It showed how sports and community events can spread awareness and support efforts to end gender-based violence. Organizers hope the event will grow into a tradition that continues to inspire change.
News in Brief: Martha’s Vineyard Pickleball for Change
Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School hosted its first pickleball tournament Saturday to support Stand With Everyone Against Rape (SWEAR). The event raised funds and awareness for programs teaching students to challenge gender norms and address gender-based violence. Students, alumni, and community members joined the effort to promote positive change.