Tennessee Soybean Festival Pickleball Palooza: The 2nd Annual Tennessee Soybean Festival Pickleball Palooza took place on Labor Day at the University of Tennessee at Martin pickleball courts, drawing 129 players for a day of competition and community fun.
Big Turnout for Second Year
Players competed for top spots in several divisions, including men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles. The event nearly doubled last year’s participation.
“We’re very excited to have this,” said Barrett Belote, coordinator for the UTM Campus Recreation and Fitness facility. “This is a huge turnout of 129 people, which is almost 60 people from last year, which is amazing, very excited.”
Bringing Generations Together
Organizers said the event was about more than competition. It was also designed to connect people of all ages and skill levels.
“So, at UT Martin, being active is like one of our things,” Barrett Belote said. “That’s kind of what we do and why we do it, and going back to the ages, bringing people together, pickleball’s such a great sport because almost anybody can do it, whether how young or old. It doesn’t really matter, and it’s just a great way to mesh those two different types of people together.”
Players Share Their Excitement
Students and community members came out to play and watch.
“Competition was fun. We played one game. We won the first game, so we’re going to try to win the whole thing,” said Joey Meeks.
“I’ve been on a mission, traveling across the country trying to find someone that can beat me in pickleball, and I figured this is my next stop, see if anybody’s got it today,” said Hayden Yates.
Building Momentum
The tournament showed the sport’s growing popularity in West Tennessee. With its easy rules and fast pace, pickleball continues to attract both beginners and experienced players. The event also highlighted how community activities like the Soybean Festival create opportunities for fitness, fun, and local pride.
News in Brief: Tennessee Soybean Festival Pickleball Palooza
The 2nd Annual Tennessee Soybean Festival Pickleball Palooza drew 129 players to UT Martin on Labor Day. The tournament featured multiple divisions and nearly doubled last year’s turnout. Organizers said the event connected generations, while players like Joey Meeks and Hayden Yates embraced the challenge and fun of competition.
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