In 2022, pickleball was officially designated as the Washington State sport. This sport has been taking the country by storm as more people discover the fun, excitement, and skill offered through pickleball. Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club (STAC) boasts four indoor tennis courts, two of which have permanent pickleball lines to provide an indoor space for pickleball players to play and connect. As of 2023, STAC expanded its open pickleball play times to include two new evening slots, creating even more opportunity for local players to get in on the pickleball action. Pickleball is offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., as well as Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests are welcome to join for just $10 per day, so newcomers can easily join the fun!
A Community for Pickleball in Thurston County
It’s no secret that sports are more challenging to maintain year-round in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Rather than chancing the weather or getting caught in the rain, pickleball players can escape the elements and play indoor at STAC. Originally constructed as a tennis club, STAC has been a premier spot for tennis players to hone their skills and stay connected. In recent years, STAC recognized the growing demand for indoor pickleball and answered by drawing permanent pickleball court lines on 2 of their tennis courts. Over the years, STAC has provided 3 consistent morning play times for locals to hit the courts and enjoy pickleball throughout the week. As the sport has continued to grow, the STAC team stayed open to expanding their hours to better support the needs of their pickleball community.
“We want to cater to both groups,” says Owner Drake Nicholson. “Pickleball is a family-friendly sport and a quick game. I have played tennis all my life and see how pickleball can give people the same joy and connection.” Drake and his team are committed to creating a welcoming space for everyone to recreate and stay active, which has prompted the pickleball expansion. Pickleball mornings have continued to be popular, but unfortunately are challenging for working folks and parents to attend due to life’s demands. After reviewing their scheduling, STAC announced 2 brand-new play times now being offered in the evenings to help promote greater accessibility to pickleball. Now the club has Sunday and Monday night pickleball guaranteed every week. Open to guests and members, everyone is invited to jump in and enjoy this fast-paced sport.
Stay Active and Connected with STAC Pickleball
During the pandemic, many hobbies and social circles were lost as people remained quarantined. Now that we are coming out of it, people are eager to get back to their normal lives and find new activities and connections. Pickleball invites people of all ages, levels, and backgrounds, making it a perfect way to stay in shape and form new friendships along the way. The STAC pickleball players have truly found a home away from home on the courts, and are thrilled to see pickleball finding its place within the club and the local community.
STAC player Terri Gushee has been happy to find a new way to get moving and meet people. After many months of tennis, she recently joined the pickleball players during a Christmas promotion called Advent Pickleball, where the evening pickleball play time was first introduced. “I started playing after reading the STAC newsletter about the promotion,” she recalls. “The day and time fit into my schedule and allowing non-members to drop in was a bonus. I sent it to a group of friends as an alternative to our normal after work activities of going home and watching TV.” As a newcomer to the sport, Terri has been amazed at how quickly you can learn the game and get started. The club has always been a source of recreation, but now with the expanded pickleball hours, it has become an even better social outlet as she develops new relationships and strengthens old friendships.
Photo credit: Natasha Ferrera
STAC player June Nourse has had a similar experience within the STAC pickleball community. She started playing pickleball in 2017 when her 55+ community offered free lessons with their very own instructor, who himself was 80 years old. After joining the club in 2021, June quickly discovered a whole new community to tap into for comradery and friendship. “The best parts about playing pickleball are the social aspects,” she shares. “It encompasses all ages from the young to the old so everyone can play together. It fosters great friendships and social connections, as well as provides excellent exercise and a workout for all abilities.” From the staff to the members, the STAC community provides a helpful and friendly place for pickleball players across Thurston County to stay active and social throughout the week.
Drop Into Pickleball at STAC
With expanded pickleball times, STAC provides every opportunity for experienced and new players alike to get involved. No advanced registration is necessary, so members and guests can drop in when it is convenient for them. Stop by the club during their open playtimes and experience the fun and community of pickleball for yourself!
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