Sophie LeBourgeois | Writer, Emmerson Cattich | Writer & Kyla Currie | Writer
September 10, 2024
In recent years, pickleball has rapidly evolved into one of America’s fastest-growing sports. With its rise in popularity, pickleball is currently in consideration to be made an official high school sport. But what’s behind this sudden craze, and why are San Clemente teens joining the pickleball revolution?
During the Covid-19 lockdown, demand for an outdoor and socially-distanced activity arose, and pickleball was the perfect fit. Since then, tennis courts across San Clemente have been transformed for pickleball purposes. These courts have recently been flooded by many people, including teens. Here at San Clemente High School, a pickleball club is run by sophomore Emily Ota. And although it’s not an official SCHS sport yet, pickleball is rapidly becoming a varsity sport in other high schools across the country.
Pickleball has historically been a sport for adults and retirees, but with these new resources for teens to start, a majority of them are joining in. A sophomore member of the SCHS pickleball club, Luisa Dacosta, has this to say about the sport: “Pickleball is so fun and easy to pick up…and it’s just a lot less tiring [compared to tennis].” The sport’s inclusivity is unmatched; you don’t need to be an amazing athlete to play and have a good time.
This accessibility is one reason why many are calling for pickleball to become an officially recognized CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) sport and be a new sport at SCHS. San Clemente Triton mom, and routine pickleball player, Andrea Nelson agrees when she says enthusiastically, “I think pickleball would be a great sport for CIF!” With the new addition of girls’ Flag Football, the CIF is clearly striving to create new and exciting sports and allow more teens to participate and be student-athletes.
There are many advantages to creating an established Pickleball program here at SCHS. First, Pickleball combines elements of two sports that are already CIF-recognized: tennis and badminton. But unlike those sports, pickleball is relatively easy to learn and play. And while being simple to pick up, the game’s fast-paced nature provides a full-body workout. Additionally, its low-impact design makes it accessible for players of all fitness levels, contrasting many sports at SCHS.
It’s safe to say that pickleball has won over a new generation of players in San Clemente, and with the game rumored to be an Olympic sport in 2028, there is no reason for the hype to slow down any time soon.
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