From public parks and community centers to church gymnasiums and country clubs, pickleball courts are popping up across Texas like bluebonnets in Spring. True to its origin story, most are makeshift, bring your own net and tape new lines on existing basketball or tennis court type of affairs. However, with an estimated 4.2 million people playing it last year, municipalities and clubs are betting the growth is far from over.
Lone Star Pickleball collaborated with The Grand in Spring to become the first facility to offer 12 permanent dedicated courts available seven days a week, night or day in the Houston area. Its co-owner, Hank Van Joslin, says this enables them to organize more open, ladder, and league play, along with a Juniors Academy.
Created by three dads with a leftover badminton net, ping pong paddles, a whiffle ball, and bored kids, pickleball originated as a backyard sport designed to entertain and bring together all ages. Since that summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington, the game has matured into the fastest growing sport in the US. Between 2019 and 2020, its participation grew by more than 21 percent.
Its laid back nature is part of the appeal. It doesn't take God-given athleticism, years of lessons, or prime physicality to become proficient. "It's a lot easier to learn than other racket sports out there," says Lori Van Joslin, an avid tennis player whose USTA Ladies +55 team finished fourth at Nationals this year. Laughing, she adds, "The hardest thing is learning how to keep score."
Though young and old can pick it up equally quickly, like with all things worth pursuing, those so inclined can go on to compete at increasingly advanced levels. Even people like Van Joslin's partner, world-class racket sportsman Guillermo Ordorica, enjoy it. And this is a guy who competed at the Paddle World Championships on Mexico's National Team four times. He likes pickleball because it is hard for people to overpower their partners. "People of different ages and levels can play competitively together."
Lori Van Joslin agrees, saying it is a great activity for couples. Those who aren't well matched to play tennis or golf together can successfully share a pickleball court. Plus, it's very active. The surface is about a third of the size of a tennis court, so she says you hit the ball a lot more often.
Beyond that, the Van Joslins like its sense of community. "What motivated us to get into this business was, obviously, there's a need for it, but it's our love for the sport. It's just a really friendly sport where people like to hang out," says Hank Van Joslin. "Come on by and try it. You'll love it!"