The Washington Tennis and Education Foundation in Southeast D.C. buzzed with excitement as the world's elite pickleball players gathered for the Major League Pickleball tournament. Among the spectators, Northern Virginia resident Maria Copley expressed her amazement at the high level of skill on display. "It’s amazing. It’s amazing to see it close up. It’s the first time that I’ve come to see pros playing," Copley remarked.
The enthusiasm for pickleball, a sport rapidly gaining popularity across the nation and particularly in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, was palpable. Adam Behnke, COO of the D.C. Pickleball Team, highlighted the sport’s explosive growth. "It is more than I even expected, and it just keeps growing," Behnke said.
Rachel Rohrabacher, a player on the D.C. Pickleball Team, shared her astonishment at the sport's rapid rise. “It’s just incredible. I couldn’t have even imagined it would have gotten here from when I just put a paddle in my hand,” Rohrabacher reflected.
Despite the intense heat of a Friday afternoon, the turnout was impressive. "We’ve seen an amazing turnout already, and it’s only Friday at 2 o’clock in the afternoon or something," Behnke noted.
The tournament featured top-tier talent, including fan favorite and world #1 player Ben Johns. Behnke encouraged locals to witness the prowess of these athletes firsthand. "Literally the best in the world are right here in Washington D.C. Please come see us. Check it out. You really won’t believe it until you see it, how good they really are at the sport,” he urged.
The crowd, filled with avid players like Copley, underscored the sport's addictive appeal. "I'm addicted to pickleball," she confessed.
Pickleball’s surging popularity isn't merely about competition; it's driven by the sport's inherent social nature and fun. The community spirit and enjoyment it fosters have been key to its rapid ascent, making it a staple pastime for many across the region. (Source: ABC News 7 Washington DC)
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