Pickleball is now a varsity sport at all 25 county high schools. Tuesday marked the official start of the season with seven matches. MCPS is believed to be the first school district in the U.S. to offer pickleball as a varsity sport.
“The beauty of pickleball is just how inclusive it is — pick up a paddle, get out there and play,” said Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Systemwide Athletics Director Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan.
The sport is offered through the corollary sports program, which includes students with and without disabilities.
“It’s giving them confidence,” said Patricia Wayerski, Richard Montgomery High School varsity pickleball coach. “It’s just a great game, it’s really accessible to many people. So it’s just going to be a really great season I think.”
“What’s wonderful about pickleball, a lot of it is cross generational,” said Robert Campbell, head varsity coach at Sherwood High School. “When I started playing pickleball a couple of years ago, the average starting age was about 60, so it’s nice to actually see a younger demographic within pickleball.”
Pickleball now a varsity sport at all @MCPS high schools. Games start today – Richard Montgomery vs Sherwood here @mymcmedia @MCPSAthletics @mcpsAD pic.twitter.com/7oPOU4u0uo
— Maryam Shahzad (@maryam_mcm) September 17, 2024
