USA Pickleball JUNIOR SPOTLIGHT
PAYTON & BRITTON
PEMBERTON
By Bob Nibarger
USA PICKLEBALL
Payton and Britton Pemberton from Mooresville , N . C ., have been making a name for themselves on the Junior Pickleball scene in the south . Team Selkirk Junior ’ s Payton , age 17 , and Team HEAD ’ s Britton , age 13 , were introduced to pickleball during a vacation in Hilton Head , S . C ., in July 2018 . They caught the “ pickleball bug ” right away , but it took time , hard work and dedication to get where they are today . The sisters hope their continued commitment will not only propel them to greater pickleball success , but also encourage other junior players along the way .
“ We didn ’ t know where to go to play that first year ,” explains mom Andrea Pemberton . “ There weren ’ t any local venues that would accommodate junior players .”
Linville Land Harbor , in the high-country mountains of North Carolina , was the first community of players to embrace the new young athletes . The family would drive two hours each way to play at the six dedicated courts . Not only did the girls receive the typical beginner instruction from more veteran players , but also encouragement that was pivotal in their love and commitment to the game .
A year later , the Pembertons played in the Linville Land Harbor tournament , where three other juniors ( Gage Earwood ( NC ), Tanner Corbitt ( FL ) and Bladen Williams ( VA )) had traveled to compete . The magical experience of playing with other kids turned into a “ Pickleball Fest ” for the juniors , playing 12 hours that day and only leaving because they had run out of food and water . The addiction had begun .
“ It was the first time we were able to play on a court with just junior players ,” explains Payton . “ And the fact they all had traveled to play in
the tournament opened my eyes to the bigger picture of competitive pickleball .”
The sisters ’ love for the sport has motivated them to volunteer weekly with a special needs pickleball program . Britton has refereed and Payton is interested in becoming certified to coach beginners with a special interest in introducing children to pickleball .
Payton has increased a full skill level in recent months and is scheduled to play her first 5.0 tournament at the Red Rock Open in March . Off the court , Payton is a straight-A student , taking all of the toughest classes available . She has been captain of several sports teams , receiving accolades for academics , athletics and character . Currently a high school junior , Payton is now looking at elite colleges with a strong pickleball community nearby . She also writes a column for Mooresville Lakeside Living Magazine and helps manage social media for the North Carolina Pickleball Juniors . Payton tries to encourage younger players , as she recognizes what a difference it made for her : “ I always try to say hi to kids who are out playing and invite them to be part of our North Carolina Juniors program .”
Younger sister Britton , an eighth grader , is a feisty little player . “ Britton ’ s defense is unrivaled !” is a statement made by one of Charlotte ’ s elite players . Her grit was key in her most memorable match , where she won gold at Linville Land Harbor with a partner she ’ d just met ,
Monica Pedano .
Britton plays solidly at the 4.0 skill level and has medaled in open divisions , including bronze in the 2020 N . C . State Games . She is hoping to jump to compete consistently in the 4.5 level in 2021 . •