Hey everyone, I’m Saadia Khan, a producer of Sportly. Since pickleball is about to take over parks everywhere, we’re bringing back one of our favorite episodes of the Sportly. Whether you’re already hooked or just wondering what all the hype is about, this one’s worth another listen. And don’t worry—Sportly will return with a brand-new episode next week. See you then!

What do you get when two friends, a wiffle ball, and a summer day collide? The answer is pickleball—a sport born from a moment of boredom in 1965 that’s now taking the world by storm. In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives into the quirky origins of pickleball, exploring how this simple backyard game invented by Joel Pritchard has become America’s fastest-growing sport. From its humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island to celebrity-filled tournaments and public park controversies, Kavitha uncovers the story behind the paddle and how a game meant to pass the time is now passing records. Whether you're a seasoned pickler or just pickle-curious, this episode will undoubtedly offer some fascinating insights. Get ready to volley with history!

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Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound

Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production

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