PickleBrawl Tournament in Salem: In a groundbreaking event for the Blue Ridge region, the newly renovated James I. Moyer Sports Complex in Salem hosted its first sanctioned Pickleball tournament this past Sunday. Athletes from across the states flocked to the venue, eager to show their skills and compete for top honors in this fast-growing sport.
A New Chapter for Local Athletes
Among the standout competitors were two former Roanoke College women’s basketball teammates, Grace Carll and Morgan Dilling, who have discovered a new passion in pickleball.
“After school, I wanted to stay active and athletic, and so a lot of local friends and kids wanted to play pickleball. And so I picked it up, picked it up pretty quick and now just stayed with it.” – (Carll)
Dilling reflected on her transition from basketball to pickleball, stating,
“For a long time, when basketball ended, I felt lost and pickleball. I like a fast-involved constant game and pickleball is obviously a constant game. The ball’s always coming at you. So it just it made me feel the movement is very similar to basketball, all the lateral back and forth, it just jived with the style of play and competitiveness that I that I enjoy.”
Tournament Goals and Regional Impact
The PickleBrawl tournament aimed to spotlight not only Salem but also the broader Virginia Blue Ridge region. This includes the City of Roanoke, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachian Trail.
The event was designed to show the area’s rich attractions and natural beauty, enhancing its appeal as a destination for all sports enthusiasts and tourists.
News in Brief: PickleBrawl Tournament in Salem
The PickleBrawl tournament in Salem marked a historic event as the city hosted its first sanctioned Pickleball competition at the James I. Moyer Sports Complex. Former Roanoke College basketball players Grace Carll and Morgan Dilling shared their enthusiasm for pickleball, noting its fast-paced nature and similarity to basketball.
The tournament aimed to highlight Salem and the Virginia Blue Ridge region, showing local attractions and promoting the area’s appeal.
ALSO READ: Picklebrawl in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Ready for Major Pickleball Debut
