By: Kaylee O’Brien

Pictured, my friends and I playing pickleball on a beautiful summer evening. Pickleball has become increasingly popular within my high school friends. (Photo courtesy of Kaylee O’Brien)

Pickleball is a paddle sport where players rally a plastic ball back and forth on a smaller, modified tennis court.

Over the summer, I learned how to play pickleball and found myself on the court several nights a week. Whether my friends and I were playing singles or doubles, we always showed up in a big group. Pickleball brought us joy, energy, and a fun way to spend time together.

I wasn’t bothered by the fact that pickleball became the go-to hangout activity within my friend group, but I was curious how it became so popular so quickly, considering the sport was invented in 1965. Somehow, pickleball feels like it only recently became popular among my friends, family, teachers, and community members.

I personally enjoy pickleball because it is beginner-friendly and keeps me active. It’s also easy to set up because all you need to bring to play are paddles, a ball, and a court.

Although, my friends enjoy pickleball for other reasons.

“Pickleball is easier than tennis, and it’s fun to play with your friends,” said Krish Vakini, senior.

“It can build community amongst friends, and it is easy and accessible in Raleigh,” said Sawyer Lisk, senior.

Unfortunately, as the sport has grown in popularity it has become frustrating to find open local courts. Unless you have a membership at a local racquet club, your best option is to play on pickleball courts at parks and in neighborhoods. I don’t live in a neighborhood with pickleball courts, so when I want to play, I have to tag along with a friend who has a club membership or wait a long time for an open court at a Raleigh park.

Despite the trouble finding courts, I see no downsides to playing pickleball. It is a fun and social activity that brings my friends and I together during our last school year together. 

If you haven’t yet joined the trend, you don’t need friends to play. Just go to a local park and join in a doubles or singles game. Pickleball is the perfect place to feel a part of a community and make friends.

Over the summer, pickleball became more than just an activity: it became my hobby. I hope that as winter begins, my friends and I can find time to go outside for some quality pickleball, and that those who haven’t yet tried the sport can join in and experience the fun.