From a simple idea to a thriving community
It all started with an idea. Brent Deuel had coached his games and was looking for something else to become passionate about. What better sport than pickleball? He did some research and found out that there were no pickleball courts in the Rockford area … the light went off and Rockford Pickleball Club came to life.
Watching the Detroit Lions lose another game, Mr Deuel thought it was time to begin the dream of Rockford Pickleball. He sat down and started to create the first post and introduce Rockford and West Michigan to Rockford Pickleball. He had no idea that this little idea would grow so fast.
After putting out a post for volunteers and contacting them, the first meeting was scheduled. We talked about a vision for the club and what we all wanted. The main goal was to promote the game, increase healthy lifestyles, and build courts in the Rockford area.
Board of Directors:
With no money but wanting an identity, Rockford Pickleball struggled on what to do. Then a wonderful person, Linda Jirous, stepped up to the plate and gave us a contact and said she would pay for the logo. After many mock-ups, changes and talks the logo was created. A huge thank you goes out to Linda for the logo and all the behind the scene talks that she was so gracious to have with us.
The first two fundraisers took place to kick-off 2022. We did an indoor ladder league that was played at the high school. Community Education was helpful with this and it was a huge success.
The Facebook page reached 500 followers on January 5th of 2022. We were starting to spread the word about pickleball in the Rockford area and what the mission of the club is.
The first beginner classes for pickleball are offered by The Club. Kevin, Brent, and Deb hosted sessions at North Rockford Middle School. The excitement for pickleball in the area was evident with the great response we got for the classes. This would later be expanded into some intermediate classes.
At the annual luncheon for WMSC, the Winning Streak Campaign was announced. This was the official start to the fundraising for the 11+ million dollar expansion at the Meijer Complex. Tom Izzo was the keynote speaker for the event which featured a video with Lance Parish, Ambassador of Baseball, talking about the importance of the Meijer complex and what it has done for the West Michigan Community.
After many meetings, site visits, searching, and discussions, Rockford Pickleball entered into an agreement with WMSC to build pickleball courts at the Meijer Complex on 10 Mile Road. This decision secured the future of Rockford Pickleball and with the support of WMSC made this a viable goal. Mike Guswiler, President of WMSC, was a huge supporter of Rockford Pickleball and advocate for this being added to the Meijer Complex.
The inaugural Harvest Smash pickleball tournament, organized by the New Growth Project and Rockford Pickleball Club, took place at Grand Rapids Racquet and Fitness on a Sunday. With a robust participation of 183 players across Men's, Women's, and Mixed doubles categories, the event showcased the growing enthusiasm for pickleball. The proceeds generated were directed towards fostering job opportunities at New Growth Project and the construction of pickleball courts at Meijer Sports Complex.
Founded by dedicated community volunteers in September 2021, the Rockford Pickleball Club stands as a testament to the power of passion and community spirit. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the club is on a mission to foster an active and healthy community for individuals of all ages, including kids, adults, and seniors, through the engaging sport of pickleball.