Pickleball has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most welcoming sports around, and in Aiken, it’s doing far more than filling courts. It’s bringing people together across generations, skill levels and life stages, proving that competition and connection can go hand in hand. For couples, families and friends, pickleball has become a shared language built on laughter, movement and a little friendly rivalry.
For Paco and Cindy Bogue, pickleball entered their lives long after their story together began. The two first met several years ago while working at the Augusta Chronicle and playing on a co-ed softball team. Sports had always been part of their dynamic, but about three and a half years ago, Paco found himself intrigued by something new. While working out at the YMCA, he noticed a group playing pickleball. Curious, he stopped to watch, and before long, the players invited him to jump in and try it.
It took about a year for Paco to convince Cindy to give pickleball a shot, but once she did, there was no turning back. Both were instantly hooked. What stood out most was how approachable the sport felt. Pickleball welcomed players of all ages and athletic abilities, making it easy to learn without pressure. Cindy especially appreciates the new player clinics offered in Aiken, which help beginners feel confident stepping onto the court.
Together, Cindy and Paco love that pickleball provides a great workout while allowing each of them to learn and improve at their own pace. It has also opened the door to an unexpected bonus: community. Through pickleball, they’ve built a close-knit friend group. They play together regularly and spend time together off the court, turning matches into meaningful friendships. Whether they’re playing as partners or competing against each other, the game taps into their fun, competitive nature. Cindy jokes that she’s at her most competitive when she and Paco face off against another couple.
That same sense of connection is what drew Rebekah and Elijah Slater to the game. The mother-and-son duo first tried pickleball two summers ago, simply to see what it was all about. Rebekah’s father had played for years and encouraged them to give it a try. By July of 2024, they dove in fully and began playing regularly.
Living close to O’Dell Weeks made it easy for them to get involved, and pickleball quickly became a favorite way to spend time together. Rebekah loves that it keeps them active while still being genuinely fun. Elijah enjoys the competitive side and the opportunity to spend quality time with his mom. He’s also proud of how much his skills have improved and jokes that he’s the most competitive of the two and wins more often.
Together, they’ve played in about four tournaments, creating memories while meeting players from all walks of life. Both sets of players agree that pickleball is more than a sport. It’s an invitation. They encourage anyone curious to try it out, sign up for a new player clinic and experience firsthand how a simple paddle and ball can spark joy, friendships and a love for the game. On every court the message is clear: show up, try once and you might just find your people there smiling beside you.