High school pickleball in Utah is booming thanks to the creation of the Utah High School Pickleball Association (UHSPA). 

UHSPA was founded less than a year ago by pro coach and former pro player, Jason Peery, who envisioned a framework to promote the sport of pickleball in Utah high schools. This vision includes helping schools create clubs overseen by faculty and students where teams will train and compete with their peers, and then participate in a competitive pickleball season, culminating in year-end state team and state individual championships.

Jason, his wife, Lisa, and UHSPA Director, Helen Monson, comprise the board of UHSPA, which was set up as a non-profit to promote the love of pickleball to youth throughout the state.

“Our goal is that with the UHSPA framework in place, school teams will have a legitimate place in high school sports, and that pickleball will become a sanctioned sport in Utah,” said Peery.

Utah currently has over 30 high school pickleball clubs, making them the No. 1 state according to DUPR. Twenty-four of these schools participated in UHSPA’s inaugural season, which included six weeks of meets, team championships, and individual championships for gender doubles, mixed doubles, and singles. More than 300 students from beginning to advanced levels competed this season, with schools driving as long as three hours to participate. 

Monson said that this is just the beginning for high school pickleball in Utah.

“We are so excited to see Jason’s initiative grow. Kids, parents, and coaches are all excited to participate and are so positive and kind to each other on the court,” she explained. “We have been supported by so many indoor facilities and sponsors, and it’s just a joy to watch how enthusiastic everyone is.”

Several pros supported the youth throughout the season, including Tyler Loong and Etta Tuinetoa, who presented checks to the winning schools with funds to help them develop their school pickleball club.

UHSPA plans to expand next season by forming a region in Southern Utah who will compete in St. George and Cedar City. They are also sponsoring interested individuals to become certified referees so that the initiative will be properly supported. 

Visit www.uhspa.org to learn more about UHSPA, and follow them on Instagram @UtahPB.