Wow ! Payson High Pickleball club impresses at state tourney
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Alison Nordquist received an email inquiring if any teacher in the Payson Unified School District was interested in coaching a new high school pickleball club. Without hesitation, Nordquist, a dual enrollment teacher at Eastern Arizona College’s Payson Campus, expressed her enthusiasm to take on the role.
Aside from her teaching duties, Nordquist saw pickleball as an opportunity to connect with students beyond the classroom. The club commenced its practices in November, leading up to its first competition at the state tournament held at Legacy Park in Mesa, equipped with an impressive 41 pickleball courts.
Entering the tournament as underdogs, the Payson Longhorns demonstrated considerable potential, holding their ground against programs with significantly more training time. Tournament director Kenny Cail was surprised by their performance and noted the valuable lessons the players gained about themselves—confidence in their abilities, respect for opponents, and the unique camaraderie among pickleball enthusiasts.
The inaugural state title was claimed by Blue Ridge with 159 points, followed by Gilbert Highland and Anthem Boulder Creek. Payson secured a respectable position, earning 64 points and standing out in the 3A East division.
The tournament featured three divisions—Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced. While advanced players from other schools dominated the center court arena, Payson accumulated points in the beginner and intermediate levels, earning respect from 5A and 6A programs.
Reflecting on the event, Nordquist expressed satisfaction with the students' comfort, interaction, and exemplary sportsmanship. Looking ahead, she aims to organize friendly matches with Blue Ridge and potentially Show Low in the upcoming spring.
Kenny Cail advocates for the inclusion of pickleball as a high school sport, emphasizing its inclusivity and potential to engage students who might otherwise be deterred by traditional sports. He hopes the Arizona Interscholastic Association will recognize and support pickleball in schools.
The Payson pickleball club, currently comprising 22 student athletes, practices on the six courts at Rumsey Park. Nordquist envisions the club's continued growth and eventual recognition as an official sport by the AIA.
Pickleball's popularity is on the rise nationwide, evident in the increasing number of courts, including those at Rumsey Park and B. Diane McDaniel Community Park. In the state tournament, each player has the opportunity to earn points, fostering an inclusive environment that values participation and sportsmanship over individual skill.
While the success of the Payson club is evident, Cail stresses the importance of ongoing community support, including volunteer coaches, on-campus courts, and designated practice times. Nordquist encourages new players to join, emphasizing the sport's accessibility and the team's commitment to inclusivity—welcoming players of all skill levels.
For those interested in joining the Payson club, contact Alison Nordquist at alison.nordquist@pusd10.org or find her on the PHS campus during the first two hours of each school day. Nordquist sums up the team's ethos, stating, "Our goal as a team is to allow anybody to play with us, and you only play against others at your same skill level. We don’t want to say you're not good enough; we want to include everybody."
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