News and Events - Patrick Henry College

The addition of a pickleball court at PHC

Written by Patrick Henry College | 9/30/24 6:46 PM

They say that pickleballers don’t get older, they just get better at paddling through life.

Students asked. The administration listened!

Pickleball is a "fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong," according to sportsimport.com. Pickleball fever spread very quickly.  Why?

The sport is highly contagious because pickleball is for nearly anyone at any skill level. It is a fun way to stay active.  It's easy to learn. It's also a great social activity as the small court size means that players are always close enough to hold conversations while playing.

The Sport and Fitness Industry Association announced that pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in America, having grown 51.8% from 2022 to 2023, and an incredible 223.5% in four years since 2020.

*Infographics available at https://www.pickleheads.com/blog/pickleball-statistics

In response to the sport's explosion in popularity, dedicated pickleball courts began to spring up across the nation. 

PHC students had begun holding tournaments on the campus tennis courts. That would be a temporary home. They needed a home of their own. 

That's when the lights came on! What if we converted the existing basketball court next to Oak Hill Dorm into a dual-purpose basketball/pickleball court? With the addition of lines on the existing court, the result was glorious!

Coach Patrick gives his thoughts on our NEW pickleball courts!

"We are very excited about the work put in over the summer in finishing 3 brand new pickleball courts! With a growing excitement around that game of pickleball, we wanted to give our students a place that will meet their needs and maybe even allow for some fun intramural competitions/tournaments."

 View the image slideshow below.

 

 Patrick Henry College exists to glorify God by challenging the status quo in higher education, lifting high both faith and reason within a rigorous academic environment; thereby preserving for posterity the ideals behind the "noble experiment in ordered liberty" that is the foundation of America.