Pickleball Levels Up

Popular sport is granted committee status

For MAC members who regularly traverse the Main Gym, the rhythmic sound of pickleball play has become increasingly common over the last several years. Its central location has undoubtedly added to the growing popularity at MAC, as many give pickleball a try after watching the laughing, chatting players on the courts. Additionally, during COVID, the outdoor pickleball court attracted members, including many racquet sport players who had not previously tried pickleball.

The Board of Trustees’ February decision to grant pickleball committee status went into effect on April 1. Committee status is important because it will enable the sport to offer more options to more members, from beginners clinics to intramural leagues and tournaments. It will also allow for inter-club exchanges and developmental funds will provide support to competitive MAC players traveling to tournaments. Additionally, the prospect of having a pickleball pro on staff in the future is appealing to many MAC players who are largely self-taught. (Thank you, YouTube.)

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country right now. Why? It’s easy for almost anyone to pick up, it can be a great workout, and, above all, it’s fun. As Board President (and pickleball player) Rob Torch explains, “At MAC, we’re always trying to balance existing programs with new options that appeal to the broadest possible range of members. Pickleball is attractive to older people as well as young families, and there are options for competitive athletes as well.”

Mark Jansa, the committee’s first chair and a 25-year veteran of the sport, is thrilled to navigate pickleball’s initial road as a MAC committee. He wants to reach new player groups, including kids via classes, and increase pickleball offerings outside of the regular weekday work day. Scheduling will, of course, be done in conjunction with the other sports that use the Main Gym.

“Pickleball is relatively easy to learn, but it is difficult to master,” adds Jansa. “There is always room to improve.” Accordingly, the committee will work on developing a rating system so experienced players can compete against equally matched opponents and help continue to develop the competitive aspect of the sport at MAC.

One of the Pickleball Committee’s goal is to get more kids like Brooklyn Sharpe out on the court.