Rexburg’s Pickleball Revolution: In Rexburg, pickleball enthusiasts of all ages are queuing up outside caged courts to engage in what’s quickly become one of the town’s favorite sports. The game, which traces its roots back to the 1960s, was born from an impromptu match in Joel Pritchard’s backyard. According to USA Pickleball, Pritchard and Bill Bell, unable to find badminton rackets, improvised with ping pong paddles and lowered the net to 36 inches. They adapted badminton’s rules to fit their new creation, setting the stage for a sport that would eventually capture nationwide interest.
Local Growth and Development
When Kevin Kimball, an ambassador for USA Pickleball, relocated to Rexburg in 2015, the sport was nonexistent within a 100-mile radius. Kimball’s early efforts involved setting up makeshift courts using tape and nets in BYU-Idaho’s indoor facilities and a local church gym. His advocacy led to the transformation of a roller hockey rink at Nature Park into the town’s first public pickleball courts. “This is the first public court within I don’t know how many miles. Honestly probably hundreds of miles,” Kimball remarked.
Kimball’s influence extended to local stake centers, with many now featuring permanent pickleball lines. He also facilitated the conversion of tennis courts at BYU-Idaho into pickleball courts. By 2016, Kimball initiated tournaments in Rexburg, and while he initially played a significant role, he praised the city’s ability to host these events independently. “I kind of helped at the beginning, and now they’re doing it on their own, which is awesome,” Kimball said.
Why Pickleball?
According to sources, the sport’s appeal lies in its low injury risk, minimal cost, and effectiveness as a low-impact exercise. Its simplicity—requiring only a paddle and ball—makes it both affordable and accessible. Kimball shared a touching anecdote from a clinic he conducted, where a young girl with no sports background managed to rally the ball over 32 times with his help, bringing her mother to tears. “Often, you’ll see grandparents playing with their children and grandchildren on the same court. There’s a number of sports where you just can’t do that,” Kimball noted.
Pickleball’s social aspect also contributes to its popularity. “It’s very, very social. We’ve only lived here nine years, but we feel like we’ve lived here our whole life with the number of friends we have primarily through pickleball,” Kimball added.
Personal Stories and Encouragement
Maddie Stevens, who began playing pickleball in November after an invitation from a friend, continues to enjoy the sport. “I just think it’s so fun. I love being able to switch partners and playing with different people. I’m pretty competitive so it was just fun to try something new,” Stevens said. Following knee surgery, pickleball is the only sport she can now play. “You have to be strong mentally, not only to help yourself but to help your teammate too,” Stevens added.
Stevens advises newcomers to give pickleball a chance. “You never know if you’re going to like it, and you might not, and you might. If you do, then you can just keep going and have fun with it,” she said. Kimball echoes this sentiment, encouraging potential players to join the Rexburg Pickleball Facebook group and start with basic equipment. “Get yourself an inexpensive paddle and a ball, get a friend, and just get out and play,” he suggested. Kimball also hopes for more courts to be built, with the city council expected to discuss this at their upcoming public meeting.
News in Brief : Rexburg’s Pickleball Revolution
Pickleball has become a major hit in Rexburg, with residents of all ages eagerly playing at the town’s new public courts. Originating from a backyard game in the 1960s, the sport has surged in popularity, with local advocate Kevin Kimball instrumental in its growth.
Since 2015, Kimball has helped establish multiple pickleball facilities and tournaments in the area. The sport’s appeal lies in its low cost, accessibility, and social nature. Kimball encourages new players to join the Rexburg Pickleball Facebook group and hopes the city will build additional courts.
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