Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country. Courts are springing up in recreational parks, private clubs, and people’s driveways. Tennis legends are playing (for million-dollar prize money) in the second annual Pickle Slam.
Locally, the Rye YMCA has been a big driver of the sport.
Tatum Nussbaum and Melissa Lewis, Rye Y Director of Sports & Recreation and Rye Y Senior Program Director, respectively, started the pickleball program three years ago. At first, they had two classes of eight. Now, they fill nine classes of twelve, and there are wait lists for all.
The classes, which range from novice to advanced, are offered year-round. The three courts are created by rolling a portable net onto the basketball area at Rye Rec. In the winter, the courts are moved to the Y gym.
Along with pickleball classes, Nussbaum started a travel team three years ago. The team now has a roster of 38 players and competes in the Westchester-Fairfield Pickleball League; the Y team is the only one of the 50 teams not sponsored by a country club. The League is run by Juan Arraya, Director of Racquet Sports at Greenwich Country Club.
The teams are divided by ability into two divisions, with eight teams in each. Practices (round-robins) are held Tuesday evenings and matches are played on Saturdays. When the season ended in mid-July, the Y team finished third in both divisions. Coach Nussbaum was thrilled. “When we started out, we did not place at all. This is great!”
Why has pickleball caught on so quickly? Because it is easy to learn, fun for all ages and skill levels, and a great way to socialize, says everyone who plays.
David Olarsch, a holistic doctor, started playing when he moved from New Hampshire to Rye last year. “It is something to look forward to — good for spirit, mind, and body.” He added, “By joining the Y and starting pickleball, I had an instant family. Coach Tatum’s enthusiasm is contagious! She and Melissa make a dynamic teaching team.”
P. K. and Sarah Paran moved to Rye last Labor Day and discovered pickleball at the Y a few weeks ago. “Tatum taught us both to play and we love it. It was so easy to pick up and super-accessible. We love how social it is, and the diversity of the players.”
Lori Sellinger had never played pickleball before, but last fall, when she was working in her garden, she saw the classes at Rye Rec and decided to walk over and watch. “I’m now hooked! Tatum and the players welcomed me immediately and I’m having the time of my life!”
The consensus among Y pickleball enthusiasts is that Tatum Nussbaum and Melissa Lewis are phenomenal coaches and instructors. Nussbaum, a college all-American Soccer player and all-around athlete, has been playing pickleball for six years. “I wish I could accommodate everyone who wants to learn to play or improve their skills. I love giving one-on-one instruction to players of every ability. It’s great when Melissa helps teach the classes because that means more attention for each player.”
The Rye Y Pickleball program offers classes for every level and age, from 8 on up. Registration for fall classes starts August 9 and programs begin September 9. For more information, visit www.ryeymca.org.
