New pickleball league hits the courts

WEYAUWEGA – A new pickleball league is bringing life to the city’s courts, inviting players of all ages and skill levels to join in every Thursday evening.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is considered one of the fastest growing sports in America.

Martine Purdy, who is in her 60s, co-founded the league after noticing Weyauwega’s pickleball courts were sitting unused. The pickleball courts were added to Maasch Community Park in 2024.

Though Purdy had never played the sport before, she said she wanted a fun way to get some exercise so she turned to Facebook to find local playing partners.

Trisha Miller, a local teacher with prior pickleball experience, answered Purdy’s post. Together, the two met with the city to secure permission and confirm liability insurance coverage before officially launching the league.

The group meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays at the Weyauwega pickleball courts, located across the street from Citgo. Participation has grown steadily, with attendance increasing from four players during the inaugural week to eight players in the second week.

“The good thing about pickleball is it’s all levels,” Purdy said. “You may have never played before, which I’ve never played before, or you could be a higher level ... it’s just a fun game to play.”

The league is inclusive, drawing participants ranging in age from their 40s to their 70s. It has attracted players from neighboring Waupaca, as well as New London, which does not currently have dedicated pickleball courts.

Purdy said participants don’t need to be highly athletic to enjoy the sport, adding that experienced players have been welcoming and eager to teach newcomers the rules.

Joining the league is free, and a weekly commitment is not required, which she said makes it easy for residents to participate around summer vacations and busy schedules.

Players need to bring their own paddle, while the league provides balls. Those interested are also welcome to show up and watch from the sidelines to see if they want to join, Purdy said.

If the league grows large enough, organizers hope to eventually hold tournaments and internal playoffs. The group is coordinating matches and sending out reminders through Facebook and the online platform Pickleheads.
Those interested in connecting with the group, receiving updates, or joining the Weyauwega league can visit their official page at pickleheads.com/groups/pickleball-palooza-3.