Pickleball Unites North Forkers Across Generations: For years now, pickleball courts have become a gathering place for North Fork residents, drawn by the sport’s inclusivity, popularity, and the sense of community it fosters.
Cutchogue’s Justin Blair and Aquebogue’s Rebecca Stokes, seeing the community-building potential of pickleball, founded the National Amateur Association of Pickleball (NAA) specifically for Long Island’s East End residents. The NAA centers on the communal and inclusive atmosphere that attracts so many to the sport.
This fall, North Fork and Riverhead residents had the opportunity to join NAA’s pickleball league for the first time, with options for men’s, women’s, and coed doubles teams. Ms. Stokes explained, “We wanted to start a league that would give people the flexibility of when they could play.” This unique format allowed participants to schedule their matches based on availability, adding a new level of accessibility.
The Competition and Community Spirit
From September 24 through October 27, 18 teams faced off in weekly Round Robin matchups to determine winners in both North Fork and Riverhead leagues. Twelve of these winning teams advanced to compete in the East End Fall Pickleball Tournament, held on November 2 at Pickleball Smash It in Riverhead. Local courts in Peconic, Jamesport, and surrounding areas hosted the matches, offering flexibility to accommodate all participants.
Mr. Blair noted the electric atmosphere, especially at Tasker Park in Peconic. “The energy, you could sense it was noticeably higher when someone was having their regular league match … a lot of hooting and hollering and cheering,” he said. In the men’s final, partners Jim Glover of Cutchogue and Camilo Arboleda of Jamesport battled for the championship.
New Friendships Across Ages and Experiences
For players like Giulia Zeni, who splits her time between New York City and Cutchogue, pickleball has been a gateway to new friendships across diverse age groups. Ms. Zeni reflected on the openness of the community: “I liked it and I started playing it right away … I think it’s highly addictive as a sport.”
Southold’s Olivia Daddona, who began playing last summer, echoed this sentiment. Practicing as if pickleball were her full-time job, Ms. Daddona spends several hours a week on the courts and has connected with players ranging in age from 20 to 87. She described the welcoming nature of the players who helped her improve: “Everybody is so accepting … now it’s like my turn to teach the beginners.”
Expanding Pickleball’s Reach
New players like Camilo Arboleda, who joined the NAA leagues after an invitation from Mr. Blair, praised the league’s role in forming meaningful connections. Mr. Glover, his partner, emphasized the sport’s addictive quality: “People actually start to have withdrawal if they don’t play,” he said, explaining that players quickly build skills with regular practice.
Blair and Stokes aim to expand NAA Pickleball nationally, providing communities with more chances to participate in organized leagues. “You don’t have a set team either, so it’s always evolving,” Mr. Glover added, highlighting the dynamic nature of the league.
News in Brief: Pickleball Unites North Forkers Across Generations
Pickleball continues to unite North Fork residents through the National Amateur Association of Pickleball, founded by Justin Blair and Rebecca Stokes. This fall, locals joined NAA’s league for the first time, allowing flexible scheduling for men’s, women’s, and coed doubles matches. From September to October, teams competed in Round Robin matchups, with winners advancing to the East End Fall Pickleball Tournament on November 2. With players ranging from their 20s to 80s, the league fosters a welcoming environment. Blair and Stokes hope to expand NAA nationally, encouraging wider access to pickleball and community-driven leagues.
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