What do comedian Will Ferrell, Olympic athlete Michael Phelps, and actress Emma Watson all have in common? It’s not just that they’re famous. They all love playing pickleball! 

Those of you who aren’t pickleball enthusiasts might be wondering what it is exactly. A hybrid of other, more familiar games, pickleball is a fast-paced sport that combines aspects of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It has a court that is smaller than the average tennis court and requires paddles and a plastic ball with holes that closely resembles a wiffle ball. Players can play in either singles or doubles. The rules are very simple to learn, making it manageable for people of all skill levels and contributing to its status as the fastest-growing sport in America. 

Pickleball has captured the attention of casual and more serious athletes of all ages. K-12 schools are now offering it through physical education classes and after-school activities, and although it is not officially an NCAA sport, universities are starting to bring pickleball to campuses, making it an intramural activity. Those who aren’t students can seek out opportunities to play with friends at local parks or country clubs since they have recently constructed pickleball courts or made plans to do so to keep up with public interest. 

At Rocky Mount Academy, pickleball has reached both students and faculty. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of the game early on, thanks to PE classes in both the Lower and Middle Schools led by physical education instructor Austin Luper. Under his guidance, students build skills such as hand-eye coordination, learn the rules, and have fun with their friends, all while staying active. This enthusiasm goes beyond PE classes, though. Spanish teacher Ms. Vicky Bolivar is also an avid pickleball player. She was first introduced to the game while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Instantly becoming hooked on the sport, she could not resist letting her classes know all about it. She calls pickleball “a great way to exercise, especially for the whole body,” and often challenges her students to matches. “Get off the couch and play me,” she laughs, urging her students to get up and get active.

It’s not just the players who have embraced this sport: businesses have started capitalizing on pickleball’s popularity, creating an industry predicted to be worth $7.9 billion by 2033. Communities with residents who play pickleball have seen increased sales in sporting goods stores, and large companies such as Selkirk and PaddleTek have formed to sell nothing but pickleball gear and customized equipment. The demand for pickleball facilities has also led to the building and maintenance of courts, providing jobs in construction. Even industries you wouldn’t associate with sports have been positively impacted by the enthusiasm for pickleball: clothing and party supplies are being manufactured with a pickleball theme.

If you haven’t gotten caught up in the craze yet, there are many opportunities for you to play and get more involved right now. For instance, Katherine Bryant, the school’s athletic director, is part of a group that comes together to play at Sunset Park four days a week. The group is for all ages and is very welcoming to new players. There are also community-organized leagues like the one sponsored by the City of Rocky Mount that starts this month (hint, hint). 

The verdict is clear: Everybody loves pickleball, so get out on the court!