Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Those who followed the Olympics this August might have heard that break dancing made its official Olympic debut. However, pickleball — America’s fastest-growing sport — wasn’t represented at the Summer Games.

The game is on its way to being well-represented in the Archdiocese of Louisville, though. And it’s bringing Catholics into fellowship.

In this paddle sport, players hit a hollow, hole-punched ball across a net. It can be played as singles or doubles, and the sport can be held indoors or outdoors.

This spring, Iroquois Park opened four new pickleball courts. In recent years, several indoor pickleball facilities have opened within the city of Louisville, following a national trend.

Catholics have taken to the courts in several parishes, including Holy Family Church, St. Bartholomew Church and St. Francis Xavier Church in Mount Washington, Ky. Each has groups that offer free or donation-based open-play pickleball each week.

Most groups begin their gatherings by providing brief instructions on the game to newcomers, followed by co-ed pickup games in which individuals of various skills are welcome.

Gina Priddy, a parishioner of St. Bartholomew, has facilitated her parish’s group with her husband since December 2021. After being invited to play the game by a colleague, she developed a liking for the sport.

For Priddy, the group initially grew as she texted her friends and old classmates. Surprisingly, she said in a recent interview, someone in her group learned about it by overhearing someone discuss it in a grocery store line.

At St. Francis Xavier Church and Holy Family Church, the parishes have been influential in starting the games.

Jennifer Sweeney, business manager at St. Francis Xavier, explained that when the Xavier Center —the church’s multipurpose building— was nearing its completion, the stewardship committee surveyed parishioners asking how they wanted the building used. Pickleball was a frequent request, she said.

Similarly, Holy Family Church’s social club started the pickleball group by purchasing nets necessary for the game.

Each parish group said most of their players are middle-aged or retired; however, young people are also being attracted to the sport.

Catholic young adults from various parishes in Louisville have created an unaffiliated pickleball group. Their meetings fluctuate depending on participants' availability; they use a group messaging app to share details about meeting times and locations.

In August 2024 there were approximately 70 young adults in this group with 15-20 participating in weekly pickup games.

From youngest to oldest players most said they’re fairly new to the game.

Bob Easton an active parishioner of St. Francis Xavier has been playing pickleball at Xavier Center since it began in 2021. “I had never played pickleball before,” said Easton an 81-year-old during a recent interview.

But he decided to give it a try adding it to his other activities of golfing and walking saying he found that pickleball is “good clean exercise.”

Donna Menzenski also uses pickleball to stay active.

Priddy noted she was initially attracted because “It’s a good workout without being too intense.”

Describing herself as “not overly athletic” Priddy said it was an easy sport for her to pick up adding “You can play with multiple levels of skill and it still functions.”

But physical activity isn’t the only benefit players have found; social relationships have developed as well.

Menzenski remarked during an interview often “You go to church and you don’t get a chance to get to know someone.” Pickleball helps relationships form naturally.

Leeney Kaufman lifelong parishioner of Holy Family Church stated during an interview that Holy Family’s group brings together parishioners those who attended Holy Family School and non-parishioners.

“It’s all about fun,” Kaufman said adding “We’re very welcoming.”

Priddy noted camaraderie developed over time even though “people did not know each other” initially.

“Everyone is friendly,” Easton observed often introducing himself first noting he enjoys seeing new faces explaining basics of game.

“I totally enjoy it,” Easton concluded humorously remarking when asked if he was good player “Good? No.” but added “But we love to play.”