‘Pickleball For All’: MCPS is First in U.S. to Adopt Growing Game as Varsity Sport [Video]

This fall, pickleball will be a varsity sport at all 25 Montgomery County Public (MCPS) high schools. It is the first school system in the United States to do so.

During the previous year, the sport was offered at 11 high schools. It is being expanded thanks to a partnership with the D.C. Pickleball Team and JOOLA, the largest pickleball equipment company in the world.

“Pickleball for all” is the goal, explained MCPS Director of Athletics Dr. Jeff Sullivan. The district is adding pickleball to bocce and allied softball as team sports with an emphasis on inclusion for students with disabilities.

JOOLA, which is headquartered in Rockville, is donating the nets, paddles, balls and uniforms. Racquet Pro is offering coaching tips to the high school coaches.

To cover expenses, MCPS no longer will offer handball. Participation in that sport had dwindled down to only two high schools, according to Sullivan.

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