By Stu Upson
USA PICKLEBALL CEO
Pickleball continued to skyrocket in 2021 , and the popularity of the sport was reflected in the USA Pickleball membership count , which reached 53,110 as of Dec . 31 , a significant increase from 37,000 members the previous year . Our team was very busy throughout the year launching a new membership program , testing and certifying a record number of paddles and balls , implementing a new process for member input on proposed rule changes , and expanding our recreational pickleball efforts . And what a pleasure it was to see pickleball tournaments return and thrive after the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown .
In addition to the reemergence of tournament play across the country , 2021 included the successful introduction of the USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships in Hoover , Alabama , and the launch of the USA Pickleball National Championships Series leading up to our National Championships in Indian Wells . The National Championships Series and Nationals were streamed live on ESPN + and For The Fans , and a two-hour tape delay show of the Nationals Men ’ s and Women ’ s Doubles Finals matches was aired on ESPNU .
However , the COVID-19 pandemic still created some challenges for USA Pickleball , particularly regarding our National Championships , which included a date change from November to December and the implementation of a new COVID-19 vaccination policy at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden . Some players chose not to participate , but we still had an outstanding tournament and a full field of over 2,300 players .
In 2022 , we will be expanding the National Championships Series to six tournaments and creating the Diamond Amateur Championship , which will be the qualifying tournaments for the Nationals , and we will be putting additional resources behind the important initiatives of growing our recreational pickleball offerings , upgrading our ratings system and supporting the development of pickleball facilities around the country . One of the biggest needs ( and opportunities ) in our game is for more courts to meet the demand of people looking for places to play , as we expect the number of players in the United States to exceed 5 million .
I have greatly enjoyed my first year at USA Pickleball and am truly looking forward to 2022 , which promises to be another year of growth and opportunity for the sport . •
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 | MAGAZINE 11