Editor’s note: The following story is from Volume 58 — Issue 2, October 2024, “Alice’s Evidence” and has been uploaded with fixed errors. For the original version with full design, check the issue uploaded onto the website.
Clutching the paddle in his hand, president and founder of the intramural Pickleball Team, Isaac Sommerfeld ’25 lunges forward, slicing his paddle through the air to hit the ball. I. Sommerfeld launches the ball straight over the net with a resounding crack, scoring a crucial point during the Illinois High School State Pickleball Championship.
Since I. Sommerfeld’s proposal for the pickleball club was accepted last year, the club has attracted over 130 students, conducted weekly meetings, and frequent competitions. The team’s large growth has allowed I. Sommerfeld opportunities such as attending state tournaments and placing second alongside his brother, noting the experience has helped further the sport’s reach at a youth level.
“There were over 12 schools that participated in the state pickleball tournament and that was really cool to see,” I. Sommerfeld said. “Eli and I were able to place second at state, but our ultimate goal is to grow the sport amongst our generation, and make it more popular every single year.”
With the success of the competitive aspect of the team and the large amounts of student interest, the IM Pickleball Team this year has two different formats: competitive teams and non-competitive practices. I. Sommerfeld’s brother and executive board member Eli Sommerfeld ’27 explains how the teams are structured differently to accommodate advanced and new members alike.
“We have a competitive aspect to our club, where we have a varsity and JV team that competes in league matches against other schools,” E. Sommerfeld said. “We also have our normal club where it’s open play and welcome to all skill levels. To foster an environment of inclusivity, we don’t turn anyone down.”
For coach and English Teacher Jay Mehta, pickleball is a personal hobby. Mehta works with fellow Communication Arts teacher Erin Perkins to help coach the large team, and notes that his passion for pickleball, like many, started during the pandemic.
“I was looking for a way to get involved in being physical during COVID-19, and pickleball was one thing that I could do outside or inside, and it was something that you could do while keeping yourself safe,” Mehta said. “I have started playing more and more, and now I play it with my wife and two of our friends every Friday morning before work at 5 am.”
Similar to how Mehta’s interest grew from a recreational activity to a constant part of his life, I. Sommerfeld’s interest in starting the club started after having the opportunity to engage with the sport recreationally. His positive experience inspired him to seek personal growth within the sport in his local community.
“We started playing in Naples, Florida, considered the Pickleball capital of the world, which really sparked our interest in the sport,” I. Sommerfeld said. “And after founding the pickleball club at Stevenson, we started seeing more young players playing at courts in the area, which makes us proud.”
The pickleball team has also had success in raising funds through school-wide events, such as National Honor Society’s Give-A-Thon, which has allowed the team to come together and raise money while participating in their sport. Both coaches also work closely with Ken Latka, Assistant Director of Student Activities and Community Programs, to help organize the team’s events, practice spaces, and competitions. Mehta explains how the pickleball team was available to use their high participation to fundraise for Give-A-Thon.
“During the Give-A-Thon tournament, we wanted to raise money for Give-A-Thon because it’s really big here at Stevenson, and we thought it would be a cool way to get teachers involved too,” Mehta said. “So we did a student and teacher tournament where we had a total of 20 teams. We ended up raising a little over $300 from the tournament.”
The tournament allowed the pickleball team to contribute more than $300 to Give-A-Thon’s cause. The pickleball team has also secured a sponsorship with Helios Pickleball, a company that produces specialized Pickleball paddles, helping the team get started and develop throughout the season.
“As a club, we acquired sponsorship from Helios Pickleball,” I. Sommerfeld said. “They have helped with getting customized apparel, equipment, and sport internship opportunities for our members.”
When looking ahead, the Sommerfeld brothers hope that the size of the team will continue to grow. They hope that the sport as a whole will gain even more recognition amongst high schoolers and younger generations moving forward.
“I think someday, pickleball is going to be just as big as tennis,” E. Sommerfeld said. “Right now we’re working to make it an IHSA sport, and once that happens, we hope to create an even greater pickleball community across the state. We’re grateful to be pioneers of the sport at the high school level, and looking forward to positively impacting future generations.”
