The Detroit-Windsor Drive is set to challenge the perception that pickleball is merely a recreational activity for older adults. This weekend, the team will bring professional pickleball to Windsor as they host a Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) event at the Pickleplex.
Professional Pickleball Arrives in Windsor
The Drive, part of the eight-team CNPL, will host the Western Split on Saturday and Sunday, featuring top-tier competition. Tecumseh's Evan Hollinsky, who plays for the Drive, emphasized the high level of play on display. 'This is the highest level of play there's been in the Windsor area,' Hollinsky said. 'Spectators are going to see the level of play and see this isn't an old person's sport. It's going to be big. It's going to be fun.'
The Pickleplex: A Hub for Growth
The six-court Pickleplex has been open for just over a year, but president and co-owner Sandi Spencer noted growing interest in the sport. 'Pickleball is starting to become a younger sport,' Spencer said. 'Five or 10 years ago, it was considered a retirement sport. Right now, it's a booming sport. I want the sport to grow.' Securing a pro team in the CNPL was a natural step to build momentum. 'I thought it would be great press and it's really good for the sport to support,' Spencer added. 'It puts it out there where people can come watch professionals.'
Competition and Players
The Vancouver Owls, Northern Lights from Newmarket, and Grand River Rapids from Cambridge will join the Drive for the two-day event. Each day features five matches, including men's, women's, and mixed competition, starting at 10 a.m. 'We'll have four of the best teams in Canada and best players competing,' Hollinsky said.
Hollinsky, 22, discovered pickleball three years ago after a chance visit to a club. 'I went for the Clip 'n Climb, but it was full, so me and my buddies played pickleball and we were obsessed from there,' he recalled. He compares the game to chess, requiring strategic thinking. 'When people start, they want to hit hard, but that doesn't win points. It's about thinking two steps ahead.'
Alexis Debol, a former defenceman for the University of Windsor Lancers women's hockey team, found a new competitive outlet in pickleball. After earning her degree in Human Kinetics, she now plays for the Drive, showcasing the sport's athletic demands.
