A paddle, a quirky name, and a wiffle ball are all it took to unite Boomers, Gen Zers, and everyone in between. Pickleball has taken St. Pete by storm, with people picking up paddles left and right—and there’s no putting them down.
What started in 1965 as a niche backyard pastime in Bainbridge Island in Washington state has grown into one of the most beloved racquet sports of all time. Once-quiet tennis courts have been transformed into hubs for pickleball enthusiasts, marking the increasing popularity of the sport. Its social opportunities, accessibility, and competitive nature have made pickleball a favorite activity for many.
This immense growth shows no signs of slowing down. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for three years in a row, a surge no one could have predicted. The sport has made its way into the hearts of St. Pete and Shorecrest, introducing a new form of leisure that’s accessible to all.
Pickleball’s rise is hard to miss, with courts popping up all over town. St. Pete Athletic, a three-paddle-sport social club, will soon offer an environment where all levels of players can flourish and mingle. “We hope to make an impact in the community by helping more people get active, connect with others, and offer programming for all skills and ages,” said Managing Operator Reuben Pressman. In collaboration with the City of St. Petersburg, as stated by St. Pete Rising, their organization brought pickleball to the St. Pete Pier, a staple of the city. Residents of all ages can play under the backdrop of the waterfront views.
The rise of the sport at Shorecrest is an extension of the city’s pickleball scene. The Shorecrest Pickleball Club, developed in 2023, brought the sport to the student body.
Upper Schoolers love the relaxed and casual atmosphere, giving them an easy way to stay active amidst busy schedules. “People will meet up at the courts, over at Fossil Park, and just play… It’s just people that want to get out, get active, and hang out,” said US Math Teacher, 11th Grade Dean, and Pickleball Club Sponsor Michael Battle.
Battle said, “There’s some of the people that are a little more competitive than others, but when you’re out there, you can figure out what group you want to be with and what’s going to work for you.”
Players of all levels can easily find new people to play with. Senior Pickleball Club President Rosie Simpson confirms the inclusive atmosphere. “Even if you don’t have a good skill set, there’s always going to be somebody who’s similar to you,” she said.
The small court sizes, slow ball speeds, and affordable equipment also contribute to the sport’s approachability. Pickleball’s easy nature makes it appeal to a wide variety of people. “That’s the nice thing about it, you can have teenagers playing with people in their 60s and 70s, and that’s perfectly fine,” said Battle.
Even beyond the campus walls, many members of the Shorecrest community have taken up the sport.
Despite their age difference, sophomore Bobbie Struss and her mother bonded over pickleball. “We can share a connection in that we both like to play the sport and spend time together,” she said.
So did junior Nicky Canizares when he began playing after his brother introduced it to him. He said, “[My brother] forced me to learn it so I could play with him.” Although both his brothers moved away from home, they look forward to playing pickleball together whenever they visit.
