In Northern Michigan, people don’t need much of a reason to get outside, but now thanks to one local hotspot, they can keep moving year-round. Pickle U in Williamsburg isn’t just about pickleball. It’s about bringing people together from kids to grandparents all sharing the court and making memories.
9&10’s Megan Huiskens hit the court to see what all the racket is about and why so many locals are falling in love with pickleball.
“I’m PCI certified, which is, pickleball coaching institute. And then we have two certified instructors. We have another PCI certified instructor on the way. We’re giving lessons clinics. We want to teach, muscle memory.”
Pickle U opened up a year and a half ago. David Sexton CEO said there was a void for an indoor pickle ball facility in Grand Traverse County.
“Pickleball is not a fad that’s going to go away because it’s all social,” said Sexton. “It’s all intergenerational. It’s got so much strategy, and there’s a lot, a lot of fun and fast activity as you move up from one level to the next.”
Pickle U hosts open play and clinics for people of all skill levels.
“It’s just a fun game to play. But as you become more dedicated to the game, there’s a lot of strategy involved,” said Sexton. “And we I’m able to play with my sons and play competitively as long as we play doubles. Yeah. But you see a lot of youth coming into this. This is only going to grow.”