A new pickleball club is starting at Benilde-St. Margaret’s this year, offering students a fun, relaxed way to stay active while spending time with friends. The club was created by juniors Lily Katz and Sophia Grant, who came up with the idea over the summer after playing pickleball with friends.
Pickleball was chosen because it is easy for anyone to participate. Katz said she plays pickleball during the summer and likes how simple it is to pick up. She thinks that’s what makes it different from other sports at school. “It’s something fun that anyone can do without needing any skills,” Katz said.
Instead of making it competitive, the club will mostly meet after school to play on a more friendly level. They are also planning a couple of weekend tournaments for fun, so members can spend more time playing together. One of the biggest challenges for the club organizers so far has been finding places to play, both on campus and off. Still, organizers are working to find spaces that will allow everyone to participate comfortably. Senior William Barker-Fitzgerald loves to play at his local rec center, and plans on participating in the school club. “I have always wished that we had a pickleball club here at school, because before I would just have to go to my local rec center and play, but now I can just make a bunch of friends from school,” Barker-Fitzgerald said.
Despite the early challenges, Katz says the club has started to become a positive space for students. Her favorite part is playing with friends in a non-overwhelming environment where students can unwind after a long school day. “I get to do it with my friends, and it’s not stressful like a sport,” Katz said.
Looking ahead, Katz hopes the club continues to grow and welcomes as many students as possible. She wants the club to feel welcoming and open to everyone, regardless of experience level, grade, or athletic background. “My goal is just to have as many people as possible do it and make it really inclusive,” Katz said.
For students considering joining, Katz encourages them to try pickleball and come with an open mind, regardless of skill or prior experience. “It’s really fun… There are snacks provided, and you don’t need any skills to join. It’s a great way to make new friends,” Katz said.
The pickleball club offers students a new way to get involved at school while connecting with others outside of class. It gives students an opportunity to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy a low-pressure activity together. “The real goal in pickleball is just making more friends and just having fun while doing it,” Barker-Fitzgerald said.