When Ben Lacy established the Southern Pickleball Academy in Aiken, South Carolina, as a public charity in late 2022, he couldn’t have foreseen the profound impact it would have on the community in just over a year.
Introducing Over 200 Children To The Sport
The academy has been instrumental in introducing over 200 children to the sport of pickleball. Collaborating with the New Ellenton City Council and Mayor Kim Williams, they successfully implemented a pickleball program and also initiated a series of popular First Friday Pickleball and Pizza pen play gatherings at the Virginia Acres courts.
Read more about pickleball at Virginia Acres courts here.
However, the academy’s most significant contribution has been its efforts to engage youth in the sport. Recognizing the sport’s potential to influence young people positively, the Southern Pickleball Academy launched a campaign to steer them away from screens and towards paddles.
At the start of the school year, the academy organized a professional development seminar for physical education teachers in the Aiken County Public School District. This seminar, facilitated by volunteers, aimed to equip teachers with effective methods for teaching pickleball.
Generosity Of Donors And Sponsors
Thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors, the academy has provided free pickleball equipment to 12 Aiken County middle and high schools, including 356 paddles, 328 balls, and 50 nets. Their support for pickleball in these schools remains ongoing.
Reflecting on his involvement, volunteer John Poore told The Aiken Standard about his gratitude for the opportunity to give back: “Folks helped me learn the game, so I’m glad to be able to do my part to help others get started in pickleball.”
The academy has also established and continues to mentor four public school pickleball clubs in Aiken County. At Midland Valley High School, students were so enthusiastic about pickleball that they arranged for club meetings twice a week with the support of a dedicated teacher sponsor, Garrett Maroney.
A Sport That Appeals To Everyone
Maroney views pickleball as an inclusive sport that appeals to everyone, citing the excitement and enjoyment it brings to students. Their enthusiasm even extends to Friday afternoons, demonstrating their commitment to the game.
Eager to compete, students are already planning inter-club competitions scheduled for late May. Meanwhile, the Southern Pickleball Academy is gearing up for the Southern Spring Classic pickleball tournament on April 27. The proceeds will sustain pickleball programs in schools and establish a post-secondary pickleball scholarship.
You can read all about the event on the Southern Pickleball Academy website.
Looking ahead, Lacy envisions creating a model program that can be replicated in chapters across the Southeast and continue the academy’s mission of building community engagement through pickleball.
“Two years ago, I would never have claimed that I would be in the middle of a great grassroots movement,” Lacy said. “Helping hundreds of students, having the honor of working with some of the most energetic and focused people, and truly making a difference in our community.”
Read more of our coverage on South Carolina pickleball here.
