Pickleball Takes Over Fox Chapel: At Fox Chapel Area High School, a new craze is sweeping through the halls, and it’s more than just a fleeting trend—it’s pickleball. As the sport’s popularity rises nationwide, the school has fully embraced it, driven by the passion of one dedicated senior.
A Student-Led Initiative
Peter Mascilli, a 17-year-old resident of O’Hara, took the initiative to start an on-campus pickleball club to combat boredom and foster a sense of community among his fellow students. “I wanted to create a club where the students could just have fun and play a game that they love,” said Mascilli, who proudly serves as the club president. “Everyone can play it, it’s simple and it’s free.”
The club, which received approval from the high school’s activities department, was launched in 2022. Since then, it has quickly gained traction, drawing in students from grades 9 through 12. Those who sign up are added to the district’s Schoology app, serving as the club’s central hub for communication and organization.
Unexpected Popularity
With enrollment swelling to nearly 200 members, Mascilli admits he was taken aback by the club’s rapid growth. I just wanted to create a club for my friends and other students to play pickleball,” he reflected. “I’m still surprised to see it continue to grow.” This remarkable turnout underscores the enthusiasm surrounding the sport and the camaraderie it fosters among students.
Jill Leonard, the community engagement specialist for the district, noted the positive impact of pickleball on student life. “It’s a niche interest. The clubs are student-driven so like-minded students can gather and do that together, and they find a lot of camaraderie and friendship in that,” she explained.
Community Spirit Through Competition
The club’s recruitment efforts are ongoing, welcoming anyone interested in joining. Club officers take the responsibility of arriving early to set up portable nets and distribute paddles and balls, ensuring that everything is ready for play. Occasionally, the club organizes on-campus tournaments, not only to promote the sport but also to raise funds for Fox Families Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing additional resources for youth and families within the district.
“The club is relaxed and fun, and we play the entire school year,” Mascilli stated. “My greatest feeling is when I see kids come in here and they’re having fun, and then they go to class in an elevated mood. I want these kids to have a good day and to go to class in a positive mood.”
Fulfilling Requirements and Building Friendships
Club officer and organizer Gella Hample of O’Hara shared that participating in pickleball can even help students meet gym class makeup requirements, as the physical education department has recognized it as an acceptable activity. “It’s what the school needed. Pickleball is the largest club in the school,” Hample said proudly.
Having begun her pickleball journey with her parents, Hample is thrilled to see the sport thriving on campus. The club meets during quality resource time before school, with playtime typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. There is no rigid schedule, allowing flexibility in attendance.
“We let students know about a week in advance that we’re playing and if it’s a regular meeting,” Mascilli explained. “The time frame differs though. Depending on if we’re planning a big event like a tournament or fundraiser, we’ll let people know multiple weeks in advance.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Takes Over Fox Chapel
Fox Chapel Area High School’s pickleball club, initiated by senior Peter Mascilli, has rapidly grown to nearly 200 members since its launch in 2022. Designed to foster fun and camaraderie, the club allows students to play pickleball and even fulfill gym class makeup requirements. With support from school officials and community engagement, the club has become the largest on campus, hosting pickleball tournaments to raise funds for local nonprofit Fox Families Cares.
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