The holidays and pickleballs are in the air in the territory! Over 100 players hit the court Nov. 17 to 18 for the first St. Thomas Yacht Club Pickleball Open. The tournament included players from every island in the USVI, Puerto Rico, and the continental U.S.
“It’s been an amazing amount of fun. We’ve had people all over the country from Alaska all the way to Puerto Rico, from Texas to New York. From Wisconsin down to Florida. It’s been an amazing turnout. We’re super excited for everyone to be down for the very first time for the inaugural St. Thomas Yacht Club Pickleball Open,” said Michael Donohue, the tournament director for the St. Thomas Yacht Club Pickleball Open.
Donohue says this inaugural pickleball tournament also had referees fly in for the event. Not only did they referee dozens of matches, but they also provided a two-day free referee training to local pickleball players. More referees can help grow pickleball in the territory.
“Because it’s a sanctioned tournament we had USA pickleBall referees fly in from everywhere to come to this particular tournament. These are the top referees in the world, not even just in the United States,” said Donohue.
The tournament was held at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, where its tennis courts were adapted into pickleball courts. Pickleball matches use less court space, so each tennis court could host two pickleball matches at a time. Competition and exciting action were everywhere during the two-day tournament.
“We had people from 13 years old all the way to 77 years old. Anybody can play. This is for any age bracket. This is an amazing sport for people to be a part of,” said Donohue.
Pickleball, which can be described as a combination of badminton, tennis, and ping pong, is a growing global sport, according to reports. The 2023 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report says pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport this year and for the third year in a row. Donohue says he’s seen pickleball grow in the U.S. Virgin Islands over the last six to seven years. He expects the St. Thomas Yacht Club Pickleball Open to also grow and help promote the territory.
“This could be an amazing thing for sports tourism and recreation. This is just a scratch on the surface. I feel we can double this or triple this in the future. I think the vendors, promoters, and the sponsors are gonna get a lot more out of it in the next coming years. I think it’s gonna keep growing,” said Donohue.
