According to the Sport and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States over the last three years. With that momentum and support from several faculty members and parents, PCS recently formed a pickleball club for students in grades 4-12. PCS parent and pickleball player Eric Bailey generously donated the nets, tape, and other necessary equipment for the sport. “I’m grateful for the administration and their efforts to help get Pickleball off the ground at PCS,” he said. “Hearing the students’ reactions to the courts and watching them enjoy the sport on campus has been great.”

Administration expected 30-50 students to sign up but was blown away when 125 showed up for the first practice. PCS currently has three courts on the elementary campus. The club is currenly led by PCS College Counselor Dallas Smith and PCS parent Racquel Ross, who anticipate future growth for the program.

Pickleball brings joy and exercise to my family, and I’m excited to share that experience with our students,” Ross said. “The game’s unique rules create an inclusive environment where players of all athletic abilities can compete and improve. We anticipate forming a competitive league with other schools locally and statewide.”

Students have also had the opportunity to learn from Juan Pinilla of Acepoint Pickleball, a Hattiesburg-based competitive league. If your child is interested in joining the pickleball club, please contact Brandon Richardson at brichardson@pcsk12.org.