Blake Picks Up Pickleball!

Last year Blake was one of 11 schools that piloted pickleball as a varsity corollary sport. Corollary sports give opportunities for all students to participate. More specifically, allowing participants with and without disabilities to collaborate on a team. This year, pickleball will expand to all 25 high schools through a partnership with the D.C. Pickleball Team and JOOLA, the world’s largest pickleball equipment company, headquartered in Rockville.

Pickleball is a racket sport, not to be confused with tennis; pickleball is played on a smaller court, and the paddle or racket is smooth-faced. Players hit a hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch net until the other side commits a rule infraction or cannot return the ball over the net.

Coach Andrew Bader will return to the sport this year after being head coach last year. Under his leadership last season, the team went 2-0-1, a solid record. The pickleball team practices from 2:45 to 4:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, allowing student-athletes to ride the activity bus if they need to. When asked if the Pickleball team is looking for skilled players, Coach Bader says they want to grow the sport and reach as many kids as possible, meaning they are looking for students of all abilities. He mentioned that pickleball is a great opportunity for those who might not be able to earn a varsity letter in another sport. The sport is making “headlines and gaining momentum and popularity,” nationwide, Coach Bader stated. “It’s always good to try something new […] and you never know, you just might find a niche and fall in love with it!” 

Pickleball lost their first match, but Coach Bader believes “the future is bright!” He is excited to see the growth of the sport in high schools, mentioning that MCPS is the first school district in the country to offer pickleball as a varsity sport. 

Special thanks to Coach Bader for taking the time to talk about Blake’s Pickleball team!