More than Just a Game
Wheeler Community Center Pickleball by Morgan Blaettler
If you’ re in a pickle about where to spend your free time, Wheeler Community Center is the place to be! Every Monday and Wednesday from 10 a. m. to 12 p. m., players of all ages gather for exciting pickleball matches. The sport continues to gain popularity for its inclusive nature, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into a fast-paced yet approachable game. Whether you ' re a first-timer or an experienced player, you ' ll find a welcoming environment to enjoy the sport. Wheeler provides three indoor courts that accommodate all levels of play – from beginner to advanced.
At Wheeler, there is a strong focus on building community and having fun while staying active. Athena Flores, who recently graduated from San Jose State and competed in Beast Games on Amazon Prime, got into pickleball because of her mom at the beginning of last year.
“ I was drawn to pickleball because I’ ve been playing sports all my life,” Athena said.“ I’ m a very competitive person, so it was a great way to be in a friendly, competitive environment while also staying active.” She found that the most essential skill she carried from pickleball to Beast Games was the ability to socialize with others because performance on the show heavily relied on making connections. Athena described the Wheeler pickleball community as full of great and interesting personalities.“ Some people are very competitive and others are more casual players, but I think there’ s something for everyone!”
Wheeler provides a welcoming environment, lively social interaction, physical activity, and skill development for all ages. Among the Wheeler regulars is 88-year-old Joe Becker, who has been playing pickleball for over 10 years. Joe fell in love with the game after his friend introduced him to the sport by setting up a match in a churchyard.
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