Months ago, the announcement of a new Coachella Valley Grand Prix Pickleball League stirred excitement among local players. As the league inches closer to its official launch, organizers are reaching out once again—this time, seeking pickleball players aged 70 and older to join the ranks.
League Overview
Currently, three teams are formed, but the league needs more captains to recruit and organize players. Organizing a team can be done either at private clubs or with the help of Paradise Pickleball, which offers its facilities for league matches. For those looking to join through La Quinta Parks and Recreation, the department is offering two courts for team formation.
This league is designed for players in the 3.0-3.5 skill range, with matches scheduled from January through March. The format is simple—games will be held once a week, either in the late morning or early afternoon. Additionally, practice sessions are available to teams looking to hone their skills together.
The 70-Plus Division
The new 70-and-older division is a part of the Desert Pickleball League, which is predominantly composed of private clubs, with a notable exception for teams playing at Fritz Burns Park, representing the La Quinta Wellness Center.
The Senior 70’s division offers competitive play at a pace and level suited to older players. Teams will be composed of 3.5-level players on the first line and 3.0-level players on the fourth line, with the second and third lines offering flexibility for combinations.
The Search for Captains
One of the league’s primary challenges is finding individuals to step into leadership roles as captains or co-captains. Building a team is crucial, and while it’s been tough to find those willing to organize, the league only requires ten players per team to get started. Teams are welcome to add players throughout the season to ensure they have enough participants.
Kim Scholtz, the league director, urged potential captains to take the next step.
“All 70-year-old players, we need you to form teams to get these divisions off the ground. We need someone who will step up and be a captain or co-captain and start organizing a team. If your club cannot be a host site due to club regulations, Paradise Pickleball will welcome you. I will send you players that want to play if you need them.” – (Scholtz)
News in Brief: Coachella Valley Grand Prix Pickleball League
The Coachella Valley Grand Prix Pickleball League is launching a new division for players 70 and older, aiming to create a competitive yet accessible environment for seniors in the 3.0-3.5 skill range.
The league needs captains to help form teams, with matches scheduled from January through March. The Desert Pickleball League primarily involves private clubs but allows teams at La Quinta Parks and Recreation and Fritz Burns Park. Paradise Pickleball offers facilities for those without club access.