From exhilarating hits and competitive spirits, to budding friendships and increased accessibility, pickleball has become a rising sport in the country. People from all walks of life have found joy and comfort in the game, all for different reasons—whether for leisure or its competitive nature.
In a nation dominated by a diverse set of sports, pickleball has made its mark in the local athletic scene, bringing people together regardless of their background. It is slowly becoming a household name within communities, giving players fond experiences along the way. As it continues to grow in visibility, pickleball has slowly cemented its place in the nation for years to come.
Emerging Growth
For many, their pickleball journey began after being introduced to the sport by a close friend or relative. Such people include DLSU students Kaia Louise Sta Cruz (IV, AB-OCM) and Christianna Cahola (IV, AB-OCM), with Sta Cruz pointing out that she liked it due to its similarities with other racket sports, particularly tennis. “I knew about pickleball because of family members who have started playing because of tennis.” This was echoed by Cahola who also loved it for its similarities to tennis and accessibility.
Sta Cruz emphasizes that the pickleball craze is a result of people spreading it through word-of-mouth. As the sport extends its reach through the players, it ultimately led to more people to try it themselves and telling others to follow suit. “I think the foundations of pickleball really started when you hear of it from other people who are [invested in the sport]. So you’re interested in trying, and then you realize you have fun doing it,” Sta Cruz elaborated.
The warm and welcoming community also contributes to accessibility, further encouraging more individuals to play. Cachola adds that it started when more people tried it late last year, and will only continue to grow, “The community of pickleball [is] a nice community to be in [due to its accessibility]. You can get paddles for cheap and join [an] open place with rates ranging between P100 to P300 or P500 at max.”
Growing popularity demands for more opportunities to play the sport. In DLSU, students grew fond of pickleball through the GESPORT offering, “I feel like a lot of Lasallians join leagues outside of school. But ever since they introduced pickleball to GESPORT, there have been a lot of people who post [pickleball session invites] on our freedom wall.”
Looking upon the horizon of the sport in the nation, pickleball players may find people to play with, courts to hit on, but they lack the competitive edge, as a lack in tournaments and leagues leaves the development of the sport in shallow water, even as many people still call upon it. “[While] it’s not as developed compared to the other sports, I think there should be one governing body when it comes to tournaments. When that happens,it will be possible for pickleball [to have credible leagues as well],” she reflects.
Looking ahead
While pickleball’s rise is a result of its accessibility, its influence runs deeper. For Sta Cruz, the sport became a family tradition, bringing together loved ones in ways no other activity had. What only began as a pastime now became a central part of her most valuable relationships, proving that pickleball is as much about connection as it is about competition.
Beyond family ties, Sta Cruz shared how tournaments like quad and dual meets also allow clubs to bond, travel, and celebrate the sport without pressure hindering them. These events underscore pickleball’s role both as a recreational outlet and platform for encouraging pride within communities.
On the other hand, Cachola sees another crucial step in the sport’s development—breaking free from misconceptions. She highlighted that many still dismiss pickleball as a “knockoff of tennis,” stressing that it is a faster-paced, technically distinct sport that stands on its own. For her, overcoming this stigma is key for the growth and recognition of pickleball in the country.
Carving its place
Pickleball’s growth in the country reflects more than just the rise of another game. From its grassroots spread through friends and schools to its role in uniting families, clubs, and communities, the sport has become a space where people find both joy and belonging. While accessibility pushed its steady surge, its true impact lies in the connections and memorable experiences it creates on and off the court.
Further marking its progress, Team Philippines-Pickleball recently held its inaugural contract signing at The Pickle Yard PH in Parañaque, highlighting the nation’s top pickleball athletes and the sport’s growing ambition.
As more players continue to embrace pickleball, the challenge now is to push for recognition and carve out its own distinct identity, free from the shadows of other racket sports. With its own pace, accessibility, and increasing network of players, pickleball is expected to make waves not only as a leisure sport, but as a lasting pillar in the country’s competitive sporting landscape.
