Jenna Forss | Editor of Arts & Entertainment
October 19, 2023
Over the summer, the San Clemente Community witnessed an unusual sight at San Clemente High School on Avenida Pico – a packed parking lot gleaming under the sun. The marquee sign stood proudly at the entrance announcing shuttle rides. There could only be one event possible that could conjure up such a strange occurrence: a professional Pickleball tournament.
This fairly new sport that only involves a wooden paddle and a wiffle ball gifted San Clemente another reason to be a hotspot for the summer.
From June 8 to June 11, Lifetime hosted the Carvana PPA tour along with the finale of Major League Pickleball’s 2023 Season One from June 15 until June 19. The tournament produced a remarkable turnout, but it is not just the professional scene that is thriving.
Pickleball established a prominent presence in other niche parts of our community. What began as a leisure activity for the older crowd has now reached the younger generations, including our own San Clemente High School students. At gyms like Lifetime, neighborhood parks, or even backyards eager players can be spotted around the town whacking away at the wiffle ball.
The recent growth and intrigue for the sport can be attributed to its unique attributes. Pickleball may appear as tennis
with a twist but these sports differ drastically. Pickleball is easier to learn, slower-paced, inexpensive, and played on a smaller court. These factors make Pickleball accessible and tempting to people all across the board, from tennis players looking for a relaxed alternative or other people seeking an enjoyable form of exercise.
Not only is the appeal about the sport itself but also the social aspect. Responding to the recent hype surrounding the sport at our school, a Pickleball club has been created. Its president, senior Preston
Lynch, explainsed that “the socialaspect of Pickleball is very enticing. It is easier to talk with peers and I have made some of my best friends playing Pickleball!”
Pickleball is simply the best way for you to hang out with your friends while also getting exercise. So go out there and play!
I love this article. I think pickleball is making such a huge impact on all of the United States and especially our community in San Clemente. I’m so happy to see that a much younger audience is finally being introduced to this great sport.