Pickleball Perseverance in Little Rock’s Heat: In Little Rock, Ark., where the mercury soared to a blistering 103 degrees on Friday, pickleball players refused to let the oppressive heat keep them away from Kanis Park. The sweltering conditions are certainly no picnic, but for these dedicated athletes, it’s all part of the game.
“It’s hot, it’s humid,” said Arianna Shojaee, capturing the essence of the day. “It’s really the humidity, but once you start sweating it’s kind of like you got to lean into it.” Despite the extreme heat, Shojaee has observed a drop in player turnout, a trend she views positively.
“You get to play more. It’s nice.” – (Shojaee)
Jaxson Allen, who admits to being more of an indoor person, still finds motivation to hit the courts for pickleball.
“You just got to put your mind to the game and honestly the heat just goes away.” – (Allen)
Pickleball continues to surge in popularity across the U.S., and both Shojaee and Allen have jumped on the bandwagon, starting their journey just two months ago.
“I was very bad a month and a half ago and now I’m less bad.” – (Shojaee)
For Allen, the game’s appeal extends beyond just the physical challenge.
“I think it’s just who you bring with you and who you meet here,” Allen noted, highlighting the sport’s social benefits.
News in Brief: Pickleball Perseverance in Little Rock’s Heat
In Little Rock, Arkansas, pickleball enthusiasts braved a scorching 103-degree day to hit the courts at Kanis Park. Despite the intense heat and humidity, players like Arianna Shojaee and Jaxson Allen showed resilience and dedication, noting that fewer players on the court means more playtime.
Pickleball, one of America’s fastest-growing sports, has captured the interest of Shojaee and Allen, who started playing just two months ago. For them, the game’s social aspect and personal connections outweigh the discomfort of the sweltering weather.
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