In late 2020 as our local rec center was opening back up from COVID, they had moved the classroom where my husband and I took spin class into a room where we would have to walk by the gym to access our spin class. As we passed the gym, we would hear lots of laughter and the distinctive sound of pickleballs bouncing and being hit. I told my husband that those people playing pickleball seemed to be having a lot more fun than we were having in our spin class. I then declared we needed pickleball paddles and lessons for Christmas.
For those unfamiliar, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a smaller court with a lower net, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Intrigued by the game’s growing popularity, we decided to give it a try.
Fast forward a few months, and we were headed to our first beginners’ pickleball clinic. As we were driving to class, we thought to take the cellophane wrap off of our new paddles so no one would be wiser to the fact we had ordered them off Amazon and hadn’t yet used them. We arrived at the beginner’s clinic on time and immediately scoped out who else was there. There was a couple that appeared close to our age, and we introduced ourselves. Come to find out, they were like us and were new empty nesters who found themselves with a newfound abundance of free time and were eager to explore new hobbies and opportunities for connection. We hit it off, and after the clinic, the four of us went to lunch.
Little did we know that one simple game would lead us down a path of vibrant community-building and meaningful connections.
What started as a casual interest quickly evolved into something much more significant. Not only did we enjoy the game, but we were meeting so many new people, and for the first time since our children had left home, we were meeting new adults who were not connected to our kids. We had a large backyard and had our own, “Field of Dreams” moment—we decided to build our own court. If you build it, they will come!
One of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of our pickleball journey has been the opportunity to connect with our neighbors and build a sense of community right in our own backyard. Pickleball has become an activity our kids love to do when they come home. We have met players from all walks of life and have fostered new friendships that transcend age, background, and occupation.
One particularly inspiring aspect of our pickleball experience has been my husband’s initiative to create a men’s pickleball group at our church. Recognizing the potential for fellowship and camaraderie, he rallied a group of like-minded individuals to come together and share their love for the game. What started as a small gathering has since grown into a thriving community of players who gather regularly to enjoy friendly competition and meaningful conversation.
But our pickleball journey doesn’t stop there. We’ve also had the privilege of hosting residents from a local nonprofit organization called Mercy Multiplied. This incredible organization provides hope and healing to young women facing life-controlling issues such as addiction, abuse, and eating disorders. As part of its holistic approach to recovery, Mercy Multiplied incorporates recreational activities like pickleball into its program.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the joy and empowerment that pickleball brings to these young women. Not only does it provide a fun and engaging form of exercise, but it also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
In addition to our involvement with Mercy Multiplied, pickleball has also opened the door to countless other connections and friendships. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with fellow players at the courts or inviting neighbors over for a friendly game in our backyard, pickleball has provided countless opportunities for us to meet new people and forge meaningful connections.
What we’ve discovered through our pickleball journey is that community can be found in the most unexpected of places. Whether it’s on the courts, at church gatherings, or in the company of those undergoing their own journey of healing, pickleball has brought us together in ways we never could have imagined.
As empty nesters, it’s easy to feel adrift in a sea of quietude and solitude. But pickleball has reminded us that life is full of opportunities for connection and growth, no matter what stage of life we find ourselves in. It’s a game that transcends boundaries and brings people together in pursuit of a common goal: to have fun, stay active, and build community.
Let’s keep playing, connecting, and building community—one game of pickleball at a time.
ABOUT RACHEL BEDENBAUGH
Rachel Bedenbaugh is a highly accomplished nonprofit professional with over 30 years of experience in development and engagement strategy. Currently serving at Mercy Multiplied, she coordinates and implements strategies to develop donors and contributions, ensuring sustainable support for the organization’s mission. Rachel is passionate about aligning her values to help empower others. She has a successful track record, having served in key leadership roles at various organizations, including the YWCA of Nashville and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. Through her commitment to empowering communities, Rachel continues to make a profound impact on lives and promote positive change. She serves on the Mission Increase of Middle Tennessee Board of Directors. She and her husband, Robert, have two adult children and enjoy pickleball, exploring national parks, and spending time with their first grandchild. She and her husband are active members of ClearView Baptist Church and reside in Franklin, Tennessee.
