Pickleball Is Uniting Louisville’s Catholics: While the August Olympics showcased break dancing for the first time, pickleball—America’s fastest-growing sport—missed out on Olympic representation. Yet, Pickleball Is Uniting Louisville’s Catholics within the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Pickleball, a game involving a hollow, hole-punched ball and played across a net, is versatile, accommodating singles or doubles play and suitable for indoor or outdoor settings. This spring, Iroquois Park enhanced its offerings by opening four new pickleball courts, reflecting a broader national trend of increasing indoor pickleball facilities in Louisville.
Parish Engagement and Growth
Local Catholic parishes are embracing pickleball enthusiastically. Holy Family Church, St. Bartholomew Church, and St. Francis Xavier Church in Mount Washington, KY, are among those hosting free or donation-based open-play sessions weekly. These sessions often start with brief game instructions, followed by co-ed pickup games open to players of various skill levels.
Gina Priddy, a parishioner of St. Bartholomew Church, has been instrumental in organizing these gatherings with her husband since December 2021. Her interest in pickleball was sparked by a colleague, and she quickly rallied friends and former classmates to join. Remarkably, Priddy noted that some participants even discovered the game from casual conversations in everyday settings, such as grocery store lines.
Parish-Driven Initiatives
At St. Francis Xavier Church, the establishment of pickleball games was a direct response to parishioner demand. Jennifer Sweeney, the church’s business manager, revealed that the stewardship committee’s survey of parishioners highlighted pickleball as a desired activity for the new Xavier Center. Similarly, Holy Family Church’s social club initiated its pickleball group and invested in necessary equipment.
While most players at these parish-based groups are middle-aged or retired, there is a notable rise in younger participants. Catholic young adults from various parishes have formed an independent pickleball group, using a messaging app to coordinate their sessions. As of August 2024, this group includes around 70 young adults, with 15-20 actively participating in weekly games.
Personal Experiences and Social Benefits
Bob Easton, an 81-year-old parishioner at St. Francis Xavier, has been playing pickleball since 2021. Initially unfamiliar with the sport, Easton integrated it into his routine of golfing and walking, finding it to be “good, clean exercise.” Similarly, Donna Menzenski, another parishioner, uses pickleball to stay fit.
Priddy, who described herself as “not overly athletic,” appreciated pickleball for being a good workout without excessive intensity. She found the sport accessible and accommodating to varying skill levels.
Beyond physical fitness, players have noted significant social benefits. Menzenski remarked that pickleball helps forge relationships that might not develop in a church setting. Leeney Kaufman, a lifelong parishioner at Holy Family Church, emphasized the inclusive nature of their group, which welcomes both parishioners and non-parishioners.
Community Engagement and Enjoyment
Easton, known for his friendliness and eagerness to help newcomers, summed up the sentiment: “I totally enjoy it.” Despite modest self-assessments of his playing skills, he, like many others, relishes the communal and enjoyable aspects of the game.
The sense of camaraderie and friendliness among players has been a highlight for many. “Everyone is friendly,” noted Easton. Often the first to introduce himself to newcomers, Easton enjoys seeing new faces and explaining the basics of the game to them.
News in Brief: Pickleball Is Uniting Louisville’s Catholics
Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport in the U.S., is fostering fellowship within the Archdiocese of Louisville. Local parishes, including Holy Family, St. Bartholomew, and St. Francis Xavier, have embraced the sport, hosting weekly open-play sessions for varying skill levels. This spring, Iroquois Park added four new pickleball courts, and several indoor facilities have opened across Louisville.
Catholic young adults have also formed an independent group, coordinating games via a messaging app. Participants appreciate the sport’s accessibility and social benefits, enhancing community connections and fitness.
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