The Niles West Pickleball Trial Club, which began late last school year, is back and ready for more this year. Sponsored by science teacher Chris Barnett and led by seniors Vince Pappas, Katarina Pljevaljcic and Max Spector, the Pickleball Club is open to all students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, and holds its meetings during the nighttime.

Barnett shared some insight into why he chose to be a part of this endeavor.

“I played for about 3 years and my students last year heard me talking about it and so they asked if we could start a club. We’re still a trial club and are hoping to achieve full status this year,” Barnett said.

Pappas, one of the three co-presidents of the club, spoke about the impact of the club on the larger student body, as well as some of the hopes for the future of the club.

“I love how we have a ton of dedicated members and it’s been fun playing a key role in something that looks like it’s gonna be a big part of Niles West. We have a lot of cool things planned like a teachers and students tournament. What I’m most excited about is building a team and playing against other schools, especially Niles North, which will most likely be coming up around winter break, hopefully. We also have a t-shirt design contest that is going on right now that anyone is allowed to enter,” Pappas said.

In regard to the potential outreach of the club, Barnett spoke a little bit about his hopes for a future competition between the Niles West Pickleball Club and other schools.

“Myself and the sponsors from Stevenson, Warren and Palatine and possibly Niles North are all just starting. So the whole thing is just kind of in its infancy, it’s just being formed and totally unofficial,” Barnett said.

Spector, another co-president, shared his excitement and passion for the sport, along with his hopes for the future of the club.

“I am very excited to be a co-president of the Niles West Pickleball Club. It is great to see a sport that I, along with many others, have grown to love. I feel that it is fun for people at any level because it is so easy to play, and nowadays, it is more accessible than ever. I hope that the club continues to grow, and well after I graduate, I hope it turns into a Varsity/Junior Varsity sport recognized by the state, like tennis. I hope Niles West will make real courts in the future as well,” Spector said.

Niles West is excited to have yet another club for students to partake in and meet new people who have similar interests!