Pickleball a sport for all ages

GRAND ISLAND, Neb — Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the USA and when it comes to who’s playing you might be surprised.

“it’s a small court its reasonable racquets are minimal fees to starting out and its something you can start to play immediately,” said retired physician Pat Chudomelka.

The Grand Island pickleball club has over 200 members and organized a coaching clinic put on by the No.3 ranked pickleball player in the world, Jay Devilliers.

“Pickleball is a very easy game to pick up, but very hard to master,” said Devilliers.

Sheree Giesenhagen of Grand Island was a big reason Devilliers was able to put on the coaching clinic and says pickleball is an inclusive sport that thrives among all ages.

“I played a lot of sports when I was younger and so I thought to keep myself active as I aged that this looked like a fun thing. I played it once and that was all it took,” said Giesenhagen

“In tournaments I see people as young as five years old on the amateur side and as old as 90-years-old. You can play with your grandparents your kids, so I feel like that easy aspect is fun for everyone,” said Devilliers.