Pickleball Diplomacy Bridges US China Youth Four months after 30 Montgomery County student-athletes traveled to China for a 12-day pickleball diplomacy trip, the friendships made during the journey remain strong. The trip gave students the chance to connect with Chinese peers through both sports and culture.
A Historic Program
Montgomery County was the first in the nation to recognize pickleball as a varsity sport. The school system took it further by organizing this international exchange. Students visited three major cities—Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing—while playing pickleball and learning about daily life in China.
Karen Taylor, Montgomery County director of pickleball and other corollary sports, called the trip special. “For our student athletes to now have these bonds and these friendships. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Students Share Their Experiences
For Clarksburg High School junior Maddox Cherry, the trip was unforgettable. “It was like the best 12 days of my life. Traveling to three cities, meeting new Chinese students, to their teachers, bringing people off the street. They’re so kind, so generous.”
Cherry recalled one moment in Shanghai. “We had karaoke at the pickleball place. And so they all played FE!N [by Travis Scott,] which is a popular song here, and we just all vibe to it. Really made me realize that they’re kids, just like us, like the same food, music and sports. Pickleball allowed us that.”
Damascus High School sophomore Regan Sullivan also shared a memory. “I had a little girl come up to me in the first city we went to, and she was like, hey, can we take a picture together? And I have that on my my phone, because she was giving me a kiss on the cheek. And it was so cute. I look at that photo. I’m like, wow. The students and even the people in China were really excited to have us there. It was just a great moment.”
Building Bridges Across Cultures
Montgomery County Systemwide Director of Athletics Jeff Sullivan emphasized the importance of these connections. “There are a lot of differences between the US and China, right? And we know the political dynamics and some of the challenges that are happening right now. But we focus on the similarities.”
Cherry agreed. “We’re making positive impacts with the future of China and United States relations. The fact that we’re doing it at a young age is honestly unbelievable.”
Lasting Friendships and Future Plans
The trip is expected to lead to more cultural exchanges in the future. Montgomery County Public Schools is considering similar programs for other sports.
For Sullivan, the friendships are ongoing. “My bonds with the Chinese people are still here to this day. We still chat with them. It’s just a great thing, because they update me on their lives and what they’re doing. I just can’t wait to see what happens in the future.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Diplomacy Bridges US China Youth
Montgomery County Public Schools sent 30 student-athletes on a 12-day pickleball diplomacy trip to China, visiting three cities and forming international friendships. Students shared memories of cultural exchanges and games. Officials say more sports trips may happen in the future to build stronger global connections for young athletes.
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