According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with participation increasing 158.6 percent over the last three years. To align with this significant growth, a pickleball team should be created for students to enjoy. Pickleball has many mental and physical health benefits while being a low-impact sport that’s easy to learn.
Including lots of movement in a fast-paced game, pickleball has many benefits for students’ physical health. According to US News, “Pickleball players who played at least three days per week […] can expect to see improvements in fitness and heart health.” These benefits are vital because they improve agility and can help students stay in shape.
To add, pickleball causes the body to release endorphins or “feel-good” neurotransmitters that get rid of stress and anxiety. People with higher endorphins are generally happier because endorphins release dopamine, another neurotransmitter associated with happiness. According to an Apple Heart and Movement study, pickleball players were 60 percent less likely to have depressive symptoms, proving how much endorphins can help improve students’ mental health by reducing depression.
Pickleball also helps cognitive function by activating students’ quick thinking skills and memory recall because its fast pace requires split-second decisions. These skills, which can be acquired through pickleball, can help students inside the classroom.
Neighboring schools in the Bay Area have already implemented pickleball teams and taken advantage of these clear benefits. For example, Branson started the first-ever Norcal High School pickleball championship in May 2024. In the championship, there were 34 participants from an array of schools, including Branson, Marin Catholic, St. Vincent’s Palo Alto High and many others. The students competed in doubles games throughout the day. The growth of pickleball in Marin could allow Redwood to create a team that can compete in these tournaments.
Branson pickleball coach Chrissie Costamagna has been training her team for two years and attended these tournaments.
“Any school in the Bay Area, [that will] decide to invest [in creating a pickleball team]. We would welcome in [the tournament for doubles] matches.” Costamagna said.
Pickleball would be a great addition to the community because it’s a sport for all ages. At Marin Catholic High School, the pickleball club plays after school on Fridays with senior citizens. Our team could do something similar; it would be a fun way for students to connect with the community.
Bringing pickleball to Redwood would be a great opportunity for students to connect by allowing them to learn the game and play against other schools in fun but competitive matches.
“The nice thing about [pickleball] is that it’s competitive, but it’s also very social, so it’s an opportunity to meet new kids on campus,” Costamagna said.
Although some may be concerned that there is not enough interest in a pickleball team, according to data from a March Bark survey, one in four students reported that they would be interested.
Pickleball is a great game that will benefit many students because of its mental and physical benefits. Having our own team could help students stay active while socializing with the community and supporting the growth of pickleball around the nation.
