Within the new 2024-2025 school year at Walpole High School, new clubs are being founded by students who have new ideas, passions and hobbies they want to share with the school. After a recent rise in popularity over the summer, pickleball has become a sport that is widely played. Three students at WHS decided to bring pickleball to the high school, allowing students to engage in the fun. The founders of the pickleball club are Alexa Dayaa, Abby Tyzka and Alanna D’avignon. Alexa came up with the idea for this club after playing pickleball for a long time.
“I’ve seen a growth in the popularity of pickleball and thought that Walpole needed a club so the school can all participate in the fun activity.” Dayaa said.
Many students are interested in participating in the pickleball club, with a large attendance at the first meeting. Snacks were provided, and club leaders talked about what the club will entail. The staff supervisor of this club is one of the WHS gym teachers, Ms. Ruggiero. Ms. Ruggiero has had a huge contribution and impact on creating the club.
“Ms. Ruggiero has been a big help in getting the pickleball club up and running, ” Dayaa said.
Students from the High School are excited to join a sports activity with no extreme commitment. Unlike many other sports, the pickleball club plans to practice every other Thursday, for about an hour per meeting. No experience is required, just interest in pickleball. With all three of the club student leaders leaving WHS next year, they are needing to find a new club president for next year.
“We will pass [the club] down based on who deems a good fit for the future of the club,” Dayaa said.
Within the pickleball club, the new leaders are hoping many students will have fun through friendly competition. The pickleball club will allow students of all grades to collaborate and play pickleball all together.
“I’m looking forward to bringing Walpole high students together to have fun and compete with each other in an uplifting environment,” Dayaa said.
Students from WHS are excited to have access to this new activity as it is a great opportunity to meet new people while playing a widely beloved sport.
