PICKLEBALL IS THE FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN THE US. IT’S KNOWN TO REDUCE STRESS AND ENHANCE ONE’S WELL-BEING—AND PICKLEBALL AT DSN IS SEEING HUGE SUCCESS. AS SOON AS DSN OFFERED A PICKLEBALL CLINIC IN ITS GYMNASIUM, WORD QUICKLY SPREAD ABOUT THE HOTTEST SPORT COMING INTO THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY.
The four-week clinic was held from February 8 until March 1, on Tuesday mornings for 90 minutes. All spots were quickly filled! Pickleball, which looks like a small version of tennis, has an easy learning curve.
As is typical of DSN’s aim for perfection, Sharon Carlstrom, the fitness director, hired one of the best to teach the women—USA Pickleball Ambassador and Pro, Kim Smith. Kim’s six years of coaching experience includes certification from the International Pickleball Teachers Professional Association. She explained, “I’m enjoying working with all the ladies at DSN. They are improving so much. I’m happy to be part of bringing pickleball to DSN.” Rachel Franco, a pickleball participant, stated, “There’s no one better to have taught us pickleball, than Kim.”
Paulette Azar traveled from New York just to play pickleball. “I loved every minute of it,” she exclaimed. Nadine Hanan was just as thrilled. “I had a great time learning the rules and strategies with all the girls. Plus, I was able to meet people of all ages. I am so happy I had an opportunity to learn the game, especially with Kim and at DSN!”
The clinic was for all levels to help women learn and prepare them for eventual league play. What is making the game so popular is that it can be played by all ages, the physical court space needed is small and it is a social sport. The opportunity to meet other women with a similar interest is priceless. Alyza Einav, another player, explained “It’s a lot of fun and a great way to do something active. I’m a tennis player, so it was fun to do something different.”
Due to popular demand, DSN will be offering an upcoming 4 week league and then another league outdoors, as the weather continues to get nicer.
Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director, summarized. “Our community expects the best from us, including bringing the hottest trends into our building. This new pickleball clinic and league is a testament to the passion of our very own Sharon Carlstrom who organized the entire program. I can’t say it enough—we are blessed with the most passionate and professional staff.”
