Exponential Growth, Juniors, & an Ode to Indoor Pickleball

I was pondering how to begin this piece, and decided that this quote best describes my thoughts on my experiences this past week.

You are probably wondering, “Anna… this is a pickleball newsletter?”. And it is. We’ve all seen the growth charts of pickleball, the adoption rates, the surge of courts and facilities popping up left and right. Everyone knows it’s exponential. We’ve seen all of the data, but it’s something so difficult to truly conceptualize, internalize, and understand. This week was a reminder that I too struggle to understand exponential growth.

I’ve gone to the JOOLA Celebration for four years now. When I tell you that this year’s event was SO much bigger and better than last year’s in every way, I mean it. At the exhibition, I honestly felt like I was back in Vietnam to an extent. The excitement was palpable- kids begging for paddles, people pushing against barriers, my hand aching from signing things as my signature quality degraded. It was electric.

After the JOOLA Celebration, I flew off the Littleton, Colorado for The Picklr’s 50th (‼️‼️‼️) grand opening. My feelings at the JOOLA celebration were no different in Colorado. There was a line out the door when we arrived and people stuck around all day long after we left. It’s crazy to see how much this sport is growing, while participation is soaring, interest in the pro game is increasing too. I’m starting to actually feel like someone sometimes. It’s still strange. I have no idea what everything will look like in even a year’s time, but if Bartlett is right, I’m sure whatever I am thinking is a gross underestimate.

I hope you read that in a Paul Revere-type voice!!! I have long been a fan of the PPA Juniors and kids in general, but it’s really crazy just how good these kids are. I might have to stop playing with them (jokes!).

It is always easier to learn something when you’re a kid, and naturally, pickleball is no different. In Orlando I saw a lot of the JOOLA juniors who are all ⭐️s in their own right. These kids are homeschooled and travel around the country for this sport, and I’m very excited for all of their futures. I’m sure that in no time I will be playing them.

At The Picklr grand opening though, I interacted and met so many younger players newer to the game and it brought so much joy to my heart. Most of the kids I meet at tournaments are already super bought into pickleball. Meeting kids who are just starting, who are so young you’re astounded they can even hold a paddle, much less rally with one, and who know your name despite having never gone to a PPA was a very different experience in such a rewarding and heart-warming way. Hayden even got nasty nelson’d, which may have been the highlight of my day. The lowlight was probably hitting this kid, Logan in the face as you can see towards the end of this video. He did beg me to go 100% and said thank you profusely after for actually going hard on him (what a champ😂😂). If you or your parents see this, I’m sorry again Logan!!!

The whole experience was a reminder of how special our sport is. Kids younger than 3 can rally, siblings can play together, cooties are even less prevalent because of our sport’s emphasis on mixed doubles. Pickleball has literally mitigated cooties! Who would have thought that was possible?! Jorge and the entire Picklr team are creating something special in their clubs nationwide- a place where kids can play pickleball and be introduced to racket sports in a safe, controlled, and fun environment. The future of our sport is bright.

Being at The Picklr’s 50th grand opening was an honor, and I’m sure I will be at the 100th in not long at all. Clubs are opening up left, right, and center, and if there is one in your area and you’re interested in joining, they are currently offering a 30-day trial for $30.

I will write more in Cincinnati in my Thursday edition as I am not expecting anything too interesting to happen before then. Well, make sure you don’t miss the marquee first round matchup of Ben Johns vs 57 seed Chris Haworth tomorrow! Sheesh, what an awful draw for both of them. Welcome to the PPA Chris!

AL and I are excited for a chance to get back on top of the podium in a stacked women’s field, and I’m very excited to play with King Andrei! This venue is actually where I won my first PPA Title with Jessie Irvine in 2022 back when I was just a pickleball baby. We didn’t get to play here last year due to some renovations, so I can’t wait to see what the new and improved venue will look like. See everyone on Thursday!