Amherst Open Pickleball Community Event: Seventy players from across Western Massachusetts competed in singles and doubles at the inaugural “Bigger Than Sports Amherst Open Pickleball Tournament” on Sunday morning, September 21, at Mill River Recreation Area. The event was sponsored by Bigger Than Sports and Phi Omega Kappa fraternity.
Competition and Winners
Players competed in both singles and doubles matches. Siddharth Vandrangi of the UMass Club Tennis won the singles competition. The Doubles Champions were Milos Fan Club, consisting of William Gerlach and Matthew Catuccio. Winners received cash prizes. All proceeds from the tournament were donated to Bigger Than Sports, The Tommy Strong Foundation, and The Wounded Warrior Project.
Entertainment and Community Support
The tournament featured live entertainment from DJ Marcielo and local band Local Mojo. Community partners and sponsors, including Playa Bowls, Bank ESB, Pioneer Valley Home, BHHS Realty, Team Trompke, Amherst Business Improvement District, Lilly’s Pond Quarry, and Bueno Y Sano, contributed to the event’s success.
Event Significance
“The Phi Sigma Kappa x Bigger Than Sports Pickleball Invitational was designed as more than a tournament — it was a celebration of Amherst’s vibrant community. Featuring local businesses, live music, and activities for all ages, the event underscored the growing role of pickleball as a sport that bridges generations and strengthens community ties. Beyond the courts, this event created space for connection, highlighting the power of sport to bring people together,” said Junoon Giridhar, an event organizer from Phi Omega Kappa.
The tournament highlighted pickleball’s growing popularity and its ability to unite communities through sport, competition, and shared experiences.
News in Brief: Amherst Open Pickleball Community Event
Seventy participants competed at the inaugural Bigger Than Sports Amherst Open Pickleball Tournament on September 21 at Mill River Recreation Area. Siddharth Vandrangi won singles, while William Gerlach and Matthew Catuccio won doubles. The event featured live music and community sponsors, with all proceeds donated to local charities.
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