Pickleball may have started as a backyard game, but somewhere along the way, it became a downright phenomenon. Born in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, the game was created by three dads looking for something fun to do with their families. They improvised with ping-pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a badminton court—and somehow, that simple idea stuck.

Fast-forward to today, and pickleball courts are popping up everywhere. What started as a family pastime has grown into one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, bringing together people of all ages and abilities. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. It’s easy to pick up, ridiculously fun to play, and there’s something about that satisfying pop of the paddle hitting the ball that keeps people coming back for “just one more game.” Pickleball isn’t slowing down anytime soon—and here at the Y, we think that’s a pretty great thing.

But the best part of pickleball isn’t always the score, the competition, or even the winning shot. It’s the people you meet along the way. So, every now and then, we’re going to share a Pickleball Story—a little glimpse into the people, laughs, friendships, and unexpected moments that happen on and off the court.

Because around here, pickleball is about a whole lot more than the game. It’s about having a good time, finding your people, and maybe discovering that you’re a pickleball player when you never even knew you wanted to be one!

And perhaps the best thing about pickleball is that you don’t have to be 20, 30, or even 50 to discover something new. Pickleball has a way of meeting you right where you are—and sometimes, it can open the door to an entirely new chapter of life, as seen in our first “Pickleball Story” by avid player and Ashland YMCA Member, Rick Vann:

 

PICKLEBALL AT THE Y… A GAME CHANGER IN MY LIFE!

True Confession… I am the consummate “Gym Rat”, and in a normal week I swipe my YMCA card every day at the counter.  I know, a day or two away from the workouts every week would be better, but the staff and the machines at the Y have always been my second family!

I lost my wife, Suzy, to a tough battle with cancer in early 2025. She loved the Y as well and made frequent visits, rolled up mat in hand, to the Pilates and Yoga courses.

Pickleball took on a new dimension to me after my loss, beyond the great cardio and coordination elements. At 71, touch football and racquetball were memories, but pickleball was real and something I could enjoy and even be competitive at!  

The social side of the sport was icing on the cake!  I made countless new friends and connections to fill the empty moments in my new life as a solo guy, and between my friendships at the Y and the warmth and humor on the Pickleball courts, life took on a healthy new trajectory!

I would encourage anyone to experience what I did! So pick up a paddle and Pickle Away!  Easy to learn and a game (or life) changer!  You’ll never look back..

~ Rick Vann

Rick Vann

“At 71, touch football and racquetball were memories, but pickleball was real and something I could enjoy and even be competitive at!”

~ Rick Vann 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pickleball players at the Ashland Family YMCA having some FUN!

 

For the Pickleball Schedule, visit our website at https://ashlandymca.org/sports-rec/.