A brand new club, Pickleball Club, was introduced in September. Jessica Mildfelt, a Spanish teacher, sponsored this club.

“I wanted to provide students an opportunity to meet up and play pickleball with other students,” Mildfelt said.

The club meets every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Johnson courts.

“We play pickleball and teach those who want to learn how to play,” Mildfelt said. “We play games against each other and against local community members who are there as well.”

According to Mildfelt, she sees potential in the participants.

“We hope to get some kids involved in local tournaments and possibly even host a tournament,” Mildfelt said.

Zahid Lira, a junior, is one of the original members of Pickleball Club.

“I joined Pickleball Club because I love the sport and all my friends play,” Lira said.

Not every student at PHS has the resources to play pickleball on their own time, so this club provides that oppotunity.

“With our club, students just need to show up and we will find someone for them to play against,” Mildfelt said. “We also provide extra equipment for those who don’t have any.”

Students participating in the club have the opportunity to play with other community members and improve their skills. 

“My favorite part of Pickleball Club is how everyone gathers up and we all play and just enjoy the times together,” Lira said.

As of right now, there are currently over 100 students involved in Pickleball Club. 

“This club provides a safe space for our youth to play with others, meet new people, and get some physical activity outside of school sports,” Mildfelt said.

Pickleball is not currently a KHSAA regulated sport, however, according to Lira, there are high hopes to change this.