At the Country Club of the Carolinas, pickleball has quietly grown into one of the club’s most engaging and social activities. What began more than a decade ago as a casual introduction by a few enthusiastic members has evolved into a thriving, multigenerational community centered around fun, fitness and friendship.
The sport first took hold when members were introduced to pickleball offsite and brought their excitement back to the club. Early ambassadors Dick and Desire Osman helped spark interest with informal demonstrations, and it didn’t take long for others to catch on. “Players were hooked,” shares tennis professional Joe Dunphy, reflecting on those early days.
For many longtime players, the game’s biggest appeal goes beyond competition. “It’s very social,” says member Mickey Olsen. “No one argues scores or line calls. The people we play with are super nice, and it’s good exercise.”
Today, the program includes approximately 25 to 30 active players, ranging in age from 12 to 80. That wide span is part of what makes pickleball so special. It’s not unusual to see grandparents playing alongside teenagers, or families rotating partners between games. With quick matches and an easy learning curve, the game naturally encourages mixing, mingling and plenty of laughter along the way. “Pickleball is the ultimate social game,” says Dunphy. “Most people can pick it up quickly and have a great time.”
That welcoming spirit is a hallmark of the club’s culture. Longtime players have made it a priority to bring newcomers into the fold, offering encouragement and guidance from the very first game. Beginner clinics, held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m., provide an easy entry point for those curious to learn the sport or build confidence.
Olsen agrees that the sport is especially approachable for beginners. “Everybody has played their first game, so get over it,” he says with a laugh. “Jump in and play. Everyone is so understanding.”
Beyond instruction, the club offers a full slate of open play opportunities throughout the week, giving members flexibility to jump in when it fits their schedule. Mornings, evenings and weekends all feature organized times, ensuring there’s always a game to join and someone to play with.
The social side of pickleball truly shines through the club’s events calendar. From themed gatherings like the popular “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” ladies’ event to friendly competitions such as Battle of the Sexes and the festive Firecracker tournament around the Fourth of July, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved. The annual club championship adds a competitive edge, while a dedicated pickleball committee keeps the energy high with fresh ideas and well-planned events.
For many members, though, it’s not just about the game, it’s about the connections formed along the way. “I’ve been fortunate to meet players from all different backgrounds and have made some great new friends,” Dunphy says.
Olsen, who previously played tennis for years, says pickleball has become a fun and active way to stay engaged. “We’ve played tennis our whole lives,” he says. “Pickleball is obviously not the same degree of exercise, but it beats watching TV. It’s just fun.”
For Julie Hornberger, pickleball is fast-paced, social and always fun. Most games last about 15 minutes, making it easy to switch partners, meet new people and keep the energy moving. She first picked up the sport during Covid after ordering paddles online and learning the basics through YouTube videos. Today, she says the pickleball community is incredibly welcoming because “we all were beginners at one point.” What keeps her coming back is simple: playing, laughing, socializing and always having something new to learn.
Blending elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball offers a unique combination of strategy, quick reflexes and teamwork. But at Country Club of the Carolinas, its greatest strength may be something less tangible: its ability to bring people together.
To recommend a family, please email Delia at ballantyne@strollmag.com.