Reedley Pickleball Academy Debuts: On a sweltering midsummer evening in Reedley, the Reedley Pickleball Academy at the Reedley College tennis courts, launched by Reedley College tennis coach Ross Garner, is drawing all the beginners and enthusiasts to the rising sport. As the heat soared to 105 degrees, Garner took a moment to reflect on the academy’s early success. Despite the challenging weather, the academy’s July 25 session saw eight to ten participants joining in for an evening of pickleball.
Garner, who has coached tennis at Reedley College for 12 years, embarked on this venture after recognizing the growing interest in pickleball. He aimed to create a clinic-like environment where newcomers could learn the sport and become regular players.
“I’ve done summer tennis camps and stuff for kids, but as far as doing adult stuff, too, I haven’t really ever done anything. I’m excited about finally tapping into (and) creating something that community members can come and enjoy and meet new people that are also into the same thing.” – (Garner)
Even under the scorching heat, the enthusiasm was noticeable. By 7 p.m., Reedley residents Mike and Lisa, who were strangers just an hour earlier, found themselves engaged in a game against Garner and his father, Kirk. “Serve and stay, serve and stay,” Mike instructed Lisa, a beginner, patiently explaining the rules as they played.
This kind of hands-on learning is what Garner hoped to offer.
“I think people were excited just for another space, another time of the week to have something local in the community that they can go out and play pickleball. It seemed like people were very receptive, people were excited about meeting new people and it was new people getting into it.” – (Garner)
The academy meets every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Reedley College tennis courts with a $10 drop-in fee. Garner is considering expanding to two days a week or even forming a league based on its popularity. Additionally, pickleball enthusiasts can play at Reedley High School courts twice a week, thanks to a grant from the Sierra Kings Health Care District. The courts are open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
News in Brief: Reedley Pickleball Academy Debuts
On July 25, Reedley Pickleball Academy, founded by Reedley College tennis coach Ross Garner, kicked off its first session. Despite the 105-degree heat, eight to ten participants joined the clinic, aimed at introducing newcomers to pickleball and building community connections.
The academy meets on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. with a $10 drop-in fee. Garner hopes to expand the academy or create a league based on popularity. Local pickleball enthusiasts can also use Reedley High School courts twice a week, thanks to a grant from the Sierra Kings Health Care District.
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