Pickleball Gains Varsity Status in Montgomery County Public Schools

Starting this fall semester, all 25 high schools in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) system will offer pickleball as a varsity sport, according to an announcement made by the school system on Monday. This initiative expands on last year's groundbreaking move when Montgomery County became the first in the nation to introduce varsity pickleball, initially launching teams at 11 schools. The inclusion of pickleball is part of the county’s corollary sports program, which aims to enhance interscholastic athletic opportunities for all students, particularly those with disabilities.

The county is partnering with D.C. Pickleball Team, Washington’s Major League Pickleball team, and Rockville-based pickleball supply company JOOLA to facilitate the program's expansion to additional high schools. This collaboration is set to ensure a smooth rollout and provide necessary resources for the schools to adopt the sport effectively. The rapid growth in pickleball's popularity can be attributed to its accessibility, with players ranging from senior citizens to young adults engaging in the sport.

Jeff Sullivan, MCPS’s athletic director, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “Interest in pickleball continues to explode at all age levels across the world. This initiative is directly aligned with our R.A.I.S.E. core values of equity, access, and spirited competition, and will provide a foundation of success for pickleball across our county.” MCPS’s other varsity corollary sports include bocce, handball, and allied softball, demonstrating the school system's commitment to inclusive athletic programs.