Ohio is one of those places that crop up regularly in our features. Last weekend, Kids America hosted the first Clover Classic Team Tournament in Coshocton County, further evidence of pickleball’s popularity across the state.
An Estimated 144 Players
The tournament drew 32 teams, with an estimated 144 players participating. Selkirk Sport, one of the largest pickleball equipment companies in the United States, acted as the event sponsor.
Co-tournament director Rachael McCreery told The Daily Jeff, “We are thrilled with the turnout today for our first annual team tournament.” We have local teams here from Coshocton, Muskingum, and Guernsey counties. We also have participants from across the state, including Pennsylvania and West Virginia, which is great. All the tournament proceeds will go to help grow pickleball here in Coshocton County.”
McCreery explained that Saturday’s event featured competitions across various skill levels and culminated in medal presentations for the victors. The gathering also featured several vendors, complemented by a concession stand overseen by Kids America. Additionally, the Coshocton Pickleball Club set up a welcoming station for tournament participants, offering cookies, snacks, and refreshments.
“I Really Enjoy The Exercise”
Tracy Young from Bakersville in Coshocton County shared his enthusiastic take on pickleball: “I really enjoy the exercise and competition I get from pickleball. I have also met a ton of new friends playing, so it’s a very social activity as well,” Young said. “I just found out about it by accident. Someone said you should come down and try it. Actually, it was here in Coshocton down at Hall Park.
“Now I’m hooked. I play pickleball four or five times a week now,” Young continued. “It’s a quick and fast game. What I tell people is that it’s like ping pong, but you’re on the table. That’s the way I explain it to people, but it’s a game everybody can play at any age.”
He took part in the tournament alongside teammates Doc Bradley, Khrysti Taylor, and Lori Phillips on the Dream Team.
Hilltop Indoor Pickleball Facility
Pickleball’s popularity has also extended to Cambridge, where the recent inauguration of the Cambridge Salvation Army’s Hilltop indoor pickleball facility has added to the city’s appeal as a pickleball-friendly community.
The four-court Hilltop Pickleball Facility does not charge a fee, but users are welcome to make a donation.
Spearheading this initiative is Program Director Jackie Bradshaw, who recently secured a professional contract in the sport. Bradshaw oversaw the Salvation Army’s programs and was thrilled about her journey into pro pickleball.
“I oversee all the Salvation Army programs, which includes our new Hilltop pickleball facility,” Bradshaw said. “It is amazing to be able to add pickleball into my job. I actually play pickleball professionally and play all over.
“We had a great turnout for our opening at the Hilltop, and we already have over 130 people registered in our system,” she added. “It is more than we expected, so we are getting a great response. I’m hoping to have some leagues and events starting soon, and maybe a few small tournaments and go from there.”
“You Make So Many New Friends”
Bradshaw also participated in Saturday’s tournament with her Surround Sound team, which included Aaron Lacey, Jason Lacey, and Ben Lilly.
“The biggest thing for me with pickleball since I started playing is the community of it,” she added. “I can come up here and talk with just about anybody here. When I travel to these bigger tournaments, like last week, I was in Minnesota for the indoor nationals, and I was lucky enough to win that event.
“I can go to big events like that myself and not be afraid to do so,” Bradshaw continued. “The people are so nice, and you make so many new friends. It happens so quickly, so naturally, because it’s a competitive game at that level. But pickleball is such a socially friendly sport that anyone can play. I’ve met so many wonderful people, and it’s all because of pickleball.”
Read more about pickleball in Coshocton here.
